23 DECEMBER 1871, Page 1

The Committee of Initiative of the French Assembly has re-

jected the proposal for the election of the Assembly at the rate of one-third a year by a majority of one. It has, on the other hand, accepted the proposal that the Government return to Paris by a majority of six. As none but " urgent" bills can bo submitted to the Chamber till accepted by the Committee of Initiative, the former vote is final, and the proposal is at an end for the Session. An affirmative vote, however, only refers the Bill to the Chamber, and the return to Paris must therefore be regularly debated. It is believed that a majority of 70 still refuses to quit Versailles, and M. Tillers has announced that should this be their final decision, he himself also will not return to Paris.