M. Casimir P4rier, the new French Secretary of the Interior,
is a Free-trader, but on most other questions a decided Conservative, with a leaning towards very " strong " government. He has demanded from the President a carte- blanche, and in a circular to the Prefects states that the " exist- ing form of government in France requires more than any other respect for the law," that the repression of all attacks .directed against the State must be vigorous ; that Prefects must maintain frank and cordial relations with all classes of men ; must be lenient in the administration of the law and indifferent to parties, but inflexible towards abuses of power committed by their subordinates. It is a well-meant circular, but its central thought is still government by the prefects, kindly and just government, but still government. The notion of leaving the people alone never enters a French statesman's head.
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