All movement in France is now governed by fear of
the elections. It is understood that the peasantry dread war with China, and consequently it is not declared ; while foolish little credits of £400,000 are demanded for Tonquin to avoid the large vote, probably of £5,000,000, which must speedily be sanctioned. M. Ferry, indeed, has admitted to the Budget Committee that he knows further taxation is required, but avoids it until the new Chamber has assembled. It is sup- posed he will restore the repealed sugar duties ; and meanwhile the Government, which is becoming seriously embarrassed by the increase of the Floating Debt—now 248,000,000 sterling— is willing to consent to a 5-franc duty on corn. The peasants are anxious for this, alleging that corn from abroad now reduces the price of their own below the cost of production. Of course, such an impost will be bitterly felt in cities like Lyons, where a cessation of manufacture, principally due to protec- tive duties on raw material, has created grave distress, amounting in some divisions of the city to want of food. Under such circumstances, the Government can only reinforce its Asiatic armaments with driblets of men without despatching regiments or divisions whose departure would draw attention.
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