The French Chamber has been greatly exercising itself over the
Electoral Reform Bill and all kinds of obstructive tactics have been used, but the Bill was passed on Tues- day. The Government has shown its preference for the scrutin d' arrondissement or single-member constituencies, beloved of the Radicals and anathema to the Conservatives, over the scrutin de liste, in which the Conservatives believe. France has tried both methods, and should be able to make up her mind upon their merits, but many odd considerations of deputies' particular seats enter into the politics of this sphere. The serious point has been the development of embittering cross-currents within the body of the Government's supporters. Now that the Radicals have won a point which they were bent on securing, their loyalty to M. Poincare and his Government will be further tested. Will they give more disinterested support ? And will the Conservatives for- give M. Poincare for passing the Bill of which he is said to approve no more than they ? On Monday the Army Bill reducing the period of military service from eighteen months to one year was passed by the Senate and became law. • * .5 *
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