Nevertheless, we hope. The Liberals have two days for con-
ference, during which they may shake the Legitimists, who do not like the work they are doing ; or regain the doubtful portion of the Left Centre, or even carry away some part of the Right Centre. M. Thiers must have an opportunity for one speech, and we believe the Opposition can, if they like, demand voting by roll-call, so that every man who votes for the Dictatorship may be known to his constituents. We confess, however, our hope of the defeat of the Marshal rests mainly on a kind of faith
that a great country like France cannot, even with an Assembly like the present, be bound hand and foot by a knot of men who represent nothing, and are intent only on flogging her for rejecting their King. Of the ultimate result there is, of course, no doubt. Dictatorships are not founded on such majorities, but the whole world must wish that France may not have to resort to open resistance, and that the certainty of Revolution may yet appal the ignorant fanatics who are pushing affairs towards a civil war.
