The French Senate has elected M. Challemel-Lacour to its presidency
by a majority, at the third ballot, of 100, to 65 given to M. Constans, kis only serious competitor. M. Chal- lemel-Lacour's address consisted mainly of a eulogium on Jules Ferry, whom he somewhat resembles in the harsh asperity of his character and his tongue. He was originally a Jacobin, and once during the German war gave an impulsive order for the military execution of some priests who opposed his action, which, however, was not carried out. Time has how- ever, it is said, taught him wisdom, and though still a deter- mined Republican, full of Gambetta's idea that the Senate should be the ultimate depositary of the Republican tradition, he professes the strictest constitutionalism It is believed that the heavy vote for M. Constans will greatly facilitate his return to power ; and that now that M. Ribot has fallen, he may be appointed Premier with the Ministry of the Interior as his portfolio. He is trusted to conduct the General Elec-
tion, all the more because the Panama scandal has not pro- duced a Royalist reaction. The Comte de Paris seems, from an unwise manifesto published on Monday, to have expected one; but in two recent by-elections Republicans have been returned, one in place of a decided Royalist.
