The French Government is evidently thinking anxiously of the elections.
It has given the cue to its supporters that nothing which can be avoided shall be discussed, and will with- draw every unpopular proposal, the Income-tax in particular. It has, moreover, found a day for M. Basly, the Socialist Deputy, in order that there may be a debate upon the condition of miners and other workmen, and is about to bring in a Bill authorising a Lottery Loan to keep the works of the Panama Canal going until an official report can be made upon their condition. If that is favourable, it is intimated, a great Lottery Loan will be authorised, with which the Canal may be completed. This concession will, it is believed, conciliate four hundred thousand shareholders. The prosecution of General Boulanger does not, however, advance, the Committee of the Senate being unable to discover legal evidence of treason. The nearest approach to it seems to be that a supporter of the General suggestedlthat if after the elections the Government struck a coup d'gtat at the Boulangists, the General might strike a coup craat at them, and that the General, who was present, remained. silent. Silence gives consent, according to the proverb ; but a proverb is not necessarily a legal axiom. The investigation is, however, secret, and no decision to prosecute or abstain has as yet been taken.
