M. Waldeck-Rousseau, it is announced, does not intend to resign
at present, and it is obvious that he sees in the elec- tions signs that the Radical section of his supporters has become stronger. He has accordingly issued a strong Circular to the Prefects warning them that the Government has received proof of much priestly interference in the elections, and that such interference constitutes, "not the individual exercise of a right belonging to all citizens, but a flagrant abuse of ecclesiastical functions, and of the moral authority they confer. Such abuses cannot be tolerated," either on the part of priests or monks, and the Prefects are ordered to report, "in order that I may take such measures as may be fitting." That Circular, which is not secret, will be regarded as a public menace to the whole Church, and shows that M. Waldeck-Rousseau believes that he can rely upon the anti- Clerical feeling of the new Chamber. Whether he will resign at all is, in our judgment, doubtful, but it is another indication of the expected tone of the new House that M. Bourgeois is named as his certain successor. M. Bourgeois is a thorough- going, though sane, Radical, who would produce a policy of social reform, and insist upon an Income-tax.
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