4 JULY 1868, Page 2

M. Haussmann has sustained a somewhat severe defeat. The Corps

Legislatif is fairly frightened by the debt which he is imposing upon Paris, and which threatens to make her present heavy taxation a permanent burden on the citizens. The members have, therefore, insisted on a Bill which provides that whenever the Prefect of the Seine spends more than 1,200/. on any under- taking he shall obtain the previous authorization of the Legislature. This law will tie M. Haussmaun's hands ; and it is time. He is beginning to make work for work's sake, as in knocking down the best part of the Rue de la Paix. What Paris now wants, first of all, is a high service of water.