On Thursday the tug-of-war in the French Senate over the
question of the nationalisation of State railways, raised by the proposal to buy the Western Railway, took place. M. Clemenceau made the acceptance or rejection of his Bill a matter of confidence. The effect of his vigorous speech was very great, but when the division was taken it was found that the Government had only a majority of 3 4128-125). The escape was a narrow one, and it is even said that at the next voting two of the majority may change their minds. That, of course, would put the Government in a minority of 1. For ourselves, we cannot but regret M. Clemenceau's deter- mination to enter upon the dangerous path of nationalisa- tion. No doubt the nationalisation of railways in France would not have quite such bad results as in England. At the same time, the vast increase of Government employees must prove a very serious matter. Many Frenchmen of weight and influence are asking : "Does the Government management of the dockyards and other public works justify the belief that they will successfully handle the vast workshops required for the railways of France, even if they can manage the ordinary railway service P"
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