The Paris correspondent of the Times calls attention to a
remarkable consequence of the war in the Far East. The horrors and sufferings attendant on that war have struck the imagination of the French, and deepened the growing. unpopularity of war in society of all grades, which is already matter of serious concern to the military chiefs. The people abhor the idea of being dragged into a campaign,—a feeling which, if it continues, will affect all the politics of the world. France, in fact, will cease to be the State suspected by statesmen of an intention to disturb order. Many circum- stances tend to confirm this judgment, but we have still to discover whether the change is permanent or is only a passing mood. It is a little difficult to believe that the vivid history of France has ended ; but it is certain that the great and growing Socialist party cares little about the Fleet, and wishes to convert the Army into a purely defensive force, organised on the Swiss plan. Only, will not the rise of a great leader, the appearance of some object of ambition, or the reception of some insult instantly remove all that appre- ciation of peace ?
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