France, according to the correspondents, is in the throes of
a "crisis." M. Ricard, Minister of Justice, finding that the examining Magistrate, M. Rempler, who was intrusted with the examination of the bribe-giving alleged against the Southern Railways, was not zealous enough, superseded him by another lawyer. The Senate, which dislikes the investi- gation, censured this "interference with justice," and by 2onstitutional precedent M. Bourgeois was bound to resign. He preferred to ask a vote of confidence from the Chamber, and on Thursday week obtained one by a majority of 93. .Great "agitation" thereupon arose, and on Thursday, February 20th, the subject was brought up again. M. Bourgeois again obtained his vote, but by a majority reduced to 45, and on Friday night the Senate was to decide upon its further course. If obstinate, it would refuse to recognise M. Bourgeois as Minister, and then a collision between the Cabinet and the Senate would be certain, and would lead probably to a demand for the Senate's consent to a Dissolution. We are unable to report the Senate's decision,
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though it will have been given before our issue appears; but we have ventured elsewhere to state reasons for believing that the Senators will not push matters to extremity. They Ire as a body too old and too rich.
