The French Premier, M. Combes, delivered last Sunday an important
speech at Carcassonne. It was a defence of the Republic as administered by M. Loubet and his advisers: After observing that the struggle with the Vatican might favour a settlement of the relations between Church and State according to the wishes of Republicans—a weighty menace because it is so calm—he mentioned that the Republic had restored the fiscal equilibrium, and proceeded to discuss foreign policy. France, he said, had never been more highly considered, though she did not dream of war or of colonial conquests. Her counsels, always penetrated with the desire for peace, were heard with the greatest deference. The causes of conflict with Great Britain have been eliminated ; the President, who is held up by reactionaries as an enemy of their national unity, was received in Italy with acclamations ; and even Russia applauds the efforts of the Republic to draw closer to other Powers. " In spite of the sounds of war which resound from the distance, peace remains our first need, and it is our firm resolution to maintain it." It would seem from all that occurs that these words express the general sentiment in France.
Previous page
