2 DECEMBER 1871, Page 2

The accounts from Paris of M. Thiers 1 programme are directly

contradictory, but we imagine the following to be nearly correct ; M. Thiers approves of the proposals to make the Republic defi- nitive, to elect himself for life, to renew the Assembly by one- third every year, and to return to Paris, but he will not bring forward these proposals himself. They will be placed in the hands of independent and moderate members, and then supported by the whole influence of the Government. The President will thus be enabled to avoid the danger of a direct collision with the Chamber, which would compel a resignation or a coup d'etat. The Assembly, it should be remembered, is still in theory sovereign, and beyond appeal.