7 OCTOBER 1871, Page 2

It is stated, but not as yet on authority, that

the French Government have decided to give us notice next February to ter- minate the Commercial Treaty with France in the February fol- lowing. If M. Thiers has really determined on this step, as seems probable enough, he will at least lay the axe to the root of the French physical prosperity. Whether that will tend to restore her moral prosperity may be doubted.