24 JANUARY 1891, Page 2

The superior classes of workmen in France are obviously very

doubtful whether an Eight-Hours Bill would be favour- able to their interests. A Commission, presided over by the Minister of Commerce, has recently asked 22,000 workmen to record their opinion, and the largest section of the replies are in favour of nine hours. No less than 10,817 correspondents fixed on that as the legal term, and only 5,738 on eight hours ; while 5,115 are opposed to any regulation whatever. It must not be forgotten that France is a country of peasants, and that,. as they would not submit to a time-law for themselves, they may altogether object to pass one for the artisans. A peasant forbidden to overwork himself would think himself violently. robbed.