20 NOVEMBER 1880, Page 2

The French Government just escaped a defeat in the Senate

on the question of the dissolution of the Monastic Orders, by a bare majority of six votes (143 to 137). The interest of the dis- cussion centred chiefly in M. de Freycinet's speech. He declared that he had entered into negotiations with the Vatican with the full consent of all his colleagues ; that had he remained in office, those negotiations would have led to a result satisfactory to France, as regards the loyalty of the Monastic Orders ; and that it was his belief that an understanding with Rome was essential for the peace of France. The impatience of his col- leagues had rendered his retirement necessary. M. de Freycinet also gave it to be understood that his aversion to a policy of " bluster " had something to do with his fall.