There is no evidence this week of any progress in
the Fashoda affair. The British Government still insists that its -rights are too clear to be discussed, and the French Govern- ment still insists upon discussion. The latter seems disposed to await the meeting of the Chambers, and is, we imagine, strongly pressed from St. Petersburg not to stultify the Czar's manifesto by "a quarrel upon a point of form." Many grave Frenchmen, morever, are urging a retreat upon the ground that the subject of dispute is not worth a war. The visible symptoms, however, it must be acknow- ledged, are not pacific. Orders have been given to Use French Fleet which would be given if war were at hand, and have then been permitted to leak out. A Yellow-book is to be published. IL Brisson, worn out with anxiety, threatens to resign ; and It is by no means certain that M. Faure, who is all on the soldiers' aide, will not appoint a more or less military Cabinet. It is difficult to believe that France will commence a maritime war th defend an unreal claim, but France does strange things sometimes, and her riders do not forget that war with England is "war with limited liability." We shall not besiege Paris or take away Departments, and though we may crush French commerce, it will not be without great losses to our own. Our case, however, is clear, and there is con-
sequently nothing to be done except wait, keep the ships fit, and see what events are in store. Meanwhile, we grieve for Major Marchand, who has done a great feat only to land in a ridiculous position. He is being fed on English rations.
