25 JUNE 1904, Page 17

The question whether the Carthusian monks were or were not

blackmailed in the interest of the Government, or of M. Combos, the Premier, or of M. Edgar Combos, his son and secretary, is the question of the hour in France. The attack on M. Combos himself is not serious, as nobody believes hum guilty ; but it is becoming evident that the Committee of Inquiry think there may be a -case against his son, and are probing in every direction in the hope of finding evidence. At present they have none except the assertions of more or less obscure individuals, who M. Edgar Combos declares are "liars," and who certainly give incredible accounts of interviews in the presence of the Premier, which he declares never occurred. The rulers of the Carthusians could clear up the matter at once ; but having no docunientary proof, they refuse to give evidence.

They would, of course, much like to see M. Combes destroyed as a politician ; but as yet there is no clear proof that they offered anybody any money.