The French Correctional Tribunal has passed a severe sentence upon
M. Wilson. The Judge found him guilty of obtaining money under false pretences, and therefore condemned him to two years' imprisonment, a fine of £120, and deprivation of civil rights for five years,—the latter part of the sentence dis- qualifying him for office, for the Chamber, and for any position of trust. Considering what M. Wilson recently was, the sentence, which involves social infamy, is a severe one ; but his offence was equally great. He practically sold his influence over the President for money, and that in the basest of all con- ceivable ways, employing all manner of dirty hangers-on to tont for customers. M. Wilson has still an appeal to the Court of Cassation, and his father-in-law, one of the most competent of lawyers, is said to maintain that the conviction is wholly illegal. That will depend upon French practice; but to English eyes, it looks as if the law had been a little strained. M. Wilson was condemned for obtaining money under false pretences ; but if he procured the decorations, where was the false pretence ? He only took a dishonourable com- mission. It is said, however, that there is a precedent for the conviction, and that the Court of Cassation will only reduce the term of imprisonment to the eight months given by the Judge to the inferior rogues.
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