6 JULY 1889, Page 10

Another official scandal is reported from Paris. One M. Sourbe

invented a spirit-test of value to the Excise, which infringed his patent. He demanded compensation or a royalty, and received a letter from M. Cadiot promising the support. of M. Rouvier, the Minister of Finance, in consideration of a heavy commission. As M. Cadiot is M. Rouvier's brother-in- law, and as M. Rouvier is very poor, it was imagined that the offer was made with his consent. A secret Committee of the Chamber inquired into the affair, and exonerated M. Rouvier, who entirely repudiates his relative ; but the " reporter " of the Committee, either moved by party feeling, or honestly- suspecting that his colleagues were shielding the Minister, prematurely revealed the report. A furious scene accordingly arose in the Chamber on Wednesday, the Right accusing the Finance Minister of plunder, and the Minister of Justice of partiality. M. Thevenet was at last obliged to promise a prosecution of M. Cadiot, and then, but not till then, the Chamber declared itself content. It is unjust to form an opinion on this affair without evidence on oath ; but it looks primci facie as if M. Rouvier had rejected the bribe, but wan endeavouring to screen M. Cadiot.