23 JANUARY 1886, Page 3

We have discussed M. de Freycinet's programme elsewhere. It is,

briefly, a Radical one, to dismiss functionaries who do not support the Government ; to threaten the Church with "a brusque rupture "—that is, a stoppage of pay—if she does not keep quiet; to give up further Colonial expeditions ; to consider Anam and Madagascar Protectorates, and govern them cheaply through natives ; to enforce economies in the Departments ; and by-and-by to readjust or amend taxation in a " democratic " way. The Address, which is long, -is intended to secure the Radical vote, and while pervaded by a tone of disquiet about the finances, contains no sketch of any decisive financial remedy. It is rumoured that this will be sought through a monopoly of the spirit trade.