10 DECEMBER 1870, Page 3

Note a rumour, mentioned by the Berlin correspondent of the

Echo, that Count Bismarck favours the election of a French Assembly by the Councils-General of the Departments. An elec- tion by the old Councillors-General would mean a Napoleonic restoration, but it is probable that Bismarck's idea is to allow them. to be elected, and then elect the Assembly, which is very nearly the Prussian system. We have little doubt that any future Government of France, if not Napoleonic, will endeavour to modify the effect of universal suffrage in this way. It diminishes the in- fluence both of peasants and increases that of the rich and of the great towns. The actual election, except in the great towns which choose mere delegates, is sure under that system to fall to the middle-class.