The Emperor is a great deal better, and he has
been able to drive once at least through the boulevards of Paris ; but it is pretty certain, from the Lancet's report on the malady from which he has been suffering, that it is hardly of a kind to admit of his ever recovering full health and strength again. Consequently, there have been rumours that he is contemplating abdication, and that next May, when the Prince Imperial completes his 14th year, it will be proposed to the Legislature to declare him of full age, when his father may abdicate in his favour. The plan might be a good one for giving a genuine constitutional monarchy as fair a chance as so illogical an institution could ever have in France ; for, of course, little jealousy would be felt of a boy ; and an able Prime Minister would have time to establish a good precedent for parliamentary rule before the young monarch could well become a successful politician, so that any interference of his could be made a danger and a bugbear. Still, it seems to us a very improbable event. A successful gamester rarely leaves off play while he can hold the cards. Men who have built up their own fortunes are still more tenacious of them than those who have inherited their possessions. And even hereditary rulers have seldom indulged spontaneously in the virtue of abdication.
