6 OCTOBER 1894, Page 2

M. Dupny, we are glad to see, stands firm in

his policy of putting down bull-fights in France. The people of Nimes, who have been accustomed to kill bulls in the beautiful and almost perfect arena which they have inherited from the Romans, are furious, and their indignation is shared by the neighbouring population. It is said, indeed, that all the Senators, Deputies, and representative bodies of the Depart- ment of the Gard have threatened to resign if "the G-rammont law "—that against cruelty to animals—is enforced. It is not,. however, likely that this proof of "the insolence of elected persons" will have much effect. M. Dupny was once a school. master and does not withdraw, and, even at the risk of riot, the bulls will be saved from the torture. The incident is, however, an extraordinary proof of how ungovernable is the passion for the excitement of the circus when once aroused.. One begins to understand how in Rome supplying the arena was only second in importance to supplying bread. The cry for " panem et circenses " was not an epigram, but a demand. for the necessaries of life.