M. C. Potier, barrister, of Paris, has published a pamphlet
analyzing the result of French elections. In 1866 there were in the 89 departments of France 9,975,615 registered electors, of whom 5,354,779, or a clear majority of all Frenchmen, had voted for the Government candidates, only 1,859,513 voted for Opposi- tion candidates, 2,692,781 stayed away, and 68,542 deposited blank ballots—tickets without a name. These latter doubtless were employe.'s who were compelled to present themselves, but who saved their consciences by not helping the return of the official candidate. The Opposition hope in November to bring the absentees up to the poll, but we suspect they underrate the dread of annoying authority which weighs upon all French peasants. They will not vote for the man they dislike, but they will get sore throat on the day of the election.
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