If the Times' correspondent in Paris is right, the Government
of M. Jules Ferry has proposed a law on seditious displays- which can only be described as savage. To take part in an "outdoor demonstration" is made punishable with six months' imprisonment ; while the sale, exhibition, or wearing of seditious. emblems, the singing of seditious songs, or the utterance of seditious cries will bring upon the offender from a fortnight's. to two years' imprisonment. The offenders are, it is true, to be- tried by a jury ; but that is not much security in France. It is,. we suppose, necessary to prohibit mass "demonstrations," as, owing to the traditions of Paris, they are apt to end in a rush upon. the Legislature or the Municipality, but songs, cries, and emblems- might surely be let alone, or punished with fines only.
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