There have been endless rumours in Paris this week of
some Bonapartist movement, but they appear to be based on nothing more solid than a letter -from M. .Rouher, stating that he sup- ports the Septennat provisionally, but will accept no Govern- ment as permanent which does not result from a free plebiscite. It is always most difficult to ascertain the depth of a feeling based on a tradition, but there is no evidence whatever that Bonapartism is increasing in the Army, er among the peasantry, or among the higher officers. As the great cities will none of it, as the Assembly is, by fourteen to one, against it, and as Marshal MacMahon, whatever he is, is not an Imperialist, it follows that M. Rouher is only posing very cleverly. The tradi- tion will revive, no doubt, but till the soldiers who were in the Army when France fell have passed out of the Reserves, force cannot be employed, and for attraction the heir is many years too young. Nothing but anarchy, of which there is no prospect, could give him an early chance.
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