NEWS OF THE WEEK.
IN spite of the war, the most serious event of the week is the dis- missal of the Jules Simon Ministry in France. On Wednesday the Marshal sent for M. Simon, and reproaching him for not re- sisting a proposed repeal of the Press Law of 1875, and neglecting opposition to a new Municipal law, said to him, "I, Sir, am of the Right." M. Simon retorted, "And I of the Left," to which the Marshal rejoined, "You have made me perceive that too clearly." Immediately after, a letter was sent to the Premier, in which the President, after repeating his charges, questioned whether he retained sufficient influence with the Chamber, and demanded explanations, adding, "for if I am not responsible, like you, to Parliament, I have a responsibilityto France." M. Jules Simon replied in a quiet letter, explaining that as regarded the Municipal Bill he was absent from illness, and as regarded the Press Bill, he approved it, but of course handed in his resignation. The Marshal explained in a personal interview that this was what he wished, and M. Jules Simon immediately quitted his official apart- ments. The entire Ministry, as usual, resigned with their chief, but the resignation of General Berthaut, Minister for War, was merely formal ; and the Due Decazes, Minister for Foreign Affairs, will, it is known, be persuaded to remain.
