5 AUGUST 1871, Page 3

Every threat of resignation increases the difficulty between M. Thiers

and the Chamber, and it is proposed, therefore, to relieve the situation by declaring M. Thiers President for three years. He would be invested with all his present powers, would have the right of veto, the right of dissolution, and the right of appointing a Vice-President to represent him in the Chamber, who could be sacrificed if the Chamber were hostile. This is elective monarchy in all but name, and would make M. Thiers nearly absolute, and it is said the plan will be supported by M. Gambetta. To make it really Republican, however, the Assembly should be absolute about money votes, otherwise the President will, so long as he pro- poses no new taxes and wishes for no new laws, be as absolute as any monarch in the world.