Both these acts of deference have been well received by
the Assembly, which has no wish for another war, but both un- doubtedly help to make the nation submit to any sacrifices, if only it may rearm itself. The momentary effect is probably to strengthen the Present GoVernment, which has carried its Mayors' Bill by a majority of 40 ; but the ultimate effect must he to weaken the attachment of the Clericals and increase-the power of the Left, who on ecclesiastical matters alone agree with the German. It is stated that Prince Bismarck still demands the punishment of the Bishop of Nismes for ill-advised words about the Emperor, and that other demands are coming forward, but there is as yet little foundation for this statement. The French Government has scarcely any power over French Bishops, and a prosecution for libel would only result in an acquittal. There is *something unintelligibly mean in all this German'sensitiveness to mere abuse, but it may be • only an instrument for inflicting humiliation upon France.
