The Emperor of the French has taken another step which
brings him favour from the British people, and from his own subjects—he has abolished passports between England and France. As we understand it, after the 1st of January, a British subject may enter into and travel over and quit France without a passport ; a French subject may quit France for Eng- land without a passport. This was a needful supplement to the Commercial Treaty. But unless Frenchmen have liberty to "circulate" in their own country, they will not reap all the benefits they might from the stimulus given to commerce and trade. The compliment paid to England by the abolition of passports in her favour is obvious ; but it will be difficult to exclude the subjects of other nations, and it has long been de- clared that the Emperor has no wish. to exclude them. Indeed, we may regard the present measure as the thin end of the wedge destined to break up that great " passport interest," which has so long prevailed against the Government.
M. de Persigny goes on his way, winning golden opinions from all sides by reversing the acts of his predecessor and re- forming his own office.
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