After the "Ministerial crisis" in France there is a calm
; and although M. Thiers is reported to talk very big about the certainty of turning out the Cabinet—and possibly with some reason—there is no present appearance of a change. The more violent of the Opposition are understood to have disgusted their allies the de- serters from the Ministerial side ; and M. Billault having made a sweeping attack on that party, Count Mole is reported to have avowed that after such a declaration of war against the Conserva- tives there could be no further alliance between himself and their assailant. According to the tale, M. Billault attempted to excuse himself by pleading that " exaggerations " are as allowable in the Chamber as at the bar : but it would not do ; the decorums have been outraged, and the restless Conservatives are frightened home. Further, Count De Salvandy, one of the restless, has not only taken a leading part in remustering the Ministerial forces, but has actually accepted office as Minister of Public Instruction. The Cabinet seem to have gained confidence ; and one of their first acts in the calm is to dismiss two official persons, the Count De St. Priest and M. Drouyn De Lhuys, who had voted against them in the Chambers. Ministers feel that the danger of the present attack is over, and they execute a couple of mutineers— an example apiece for Peers and Deputies. The outcry- of the Opposition press should show that the shot has not only told "be- tween windi and water," but has struck flesh and blood. The talk of forcing the Government to resign, therefore, is over ; and people now look with diminished, but still with much interest, to the vote on the Secret-service-money Bill.
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