There is much talk in Paris of a Radical revival.
On Saturday last, Mons. E. Roche asked the Minister of Justice to release M. Lafargue, who is candidate for Lille, but is under sentence of twelve months' imprisonment for rioting. M. Fallieres refused, whereupon M. Clemencean insisted on a division, declaring that a secret agreement to release all rioters not being dynamitards had been broken, and that the Ultras were free to vote against the De Freycinet Government. The division was taken, and the Government had a majority of 80 ; but the Reactionaries did not vote, and it is argued, therefore, that as the Government lies at their mercy, it is weak. That seems true ; but, on the other hand, it is doubt- ful if the Ultras dare overthrow the Government, because,. if they did, M. de Freycinet would obtain a dissolu- tion from the Senate, and tell the electors that the Russian alliance depended on the defeat of the Extremists. M. Clemenceau, who derides the Russian alliance, is pre- pared for that risk, but his followers are not ; and if the Cabinet will push forward a " social reform " or two, and snub some Bishops, they will, it is believed, sink back into torpor again. As this situation cannot last, it is indirectly and slightly unfavourable to peace.
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