The flight has been followed by a storm of insult,
General Boulanger being accused of cowardice, desertion of his friends, and fear of pecuniary bankruptcy. M. Thiebaud, an early disciple and infirm to counsellor, repudiates him as a leader; and M. Michelin, Deputy for the Seine, writes that a leader "ought to let himself be imprisoned like Barbes, or shot like Deles- cluze." Both resign their places on the National Republican Committee, and it is believed many Royalist adherents will follow their example. On the other hand, the regular Boulangist leaders, Senator Naquet, M. Laguerre, and Count Dillon, aver that the General has acted rightly, and in strict consonance with their advice, they believing that his freedom is necessary to the success of the movement. M. Rochefort, mouthpiece of the Extremists, adheres to the General ; but most of the Republican papers attack him violently, and adjure the Government to have him sentenced in conturaaciam. There is, however, a tone of uneasiness visible in their remarks, as if they were not sure that the General, in quitting Paris, had not put himself beyond their power. The fact that he is not present, and that no coup d'etat can therefore be struck on his behalf, may once more relax the bonds which bind together the Republican Party. Even on Tuesday the Chamber rejected a Bill sent down by the Senate, making newspaper libel on officials punishable without the intervention of a jury. The measure was warmly supported by the Government, but was thrown out by 306 votes to 236.
