The Boulangists must keep themselves in view, lest they should
be forgotten, and they are, therefore, adopting a policy of obstruction. They think, with some reason, that the Chamber acted oppressively in seating General Boulanger's opponent, M. Joffrin, who, they say, never received the propor- tion of votes—one-half, plus one, of all who voted—necessary to validate his election. When, therefore, he rose to speak on Monday, they declared that he should not be heard, and stopped the debate by a concerted uproar. It was necessary for the Sergeant-at-Arms, as we should call him, to compel the departure of three Deputies in succession ; and as, on their return, they again disturbed the Chamber, they were suspended for a fortnight. This punishment was deemed insufficient, and it is believed that the Chamber will accept a proposal of M. Joseph Reinach, to suspend future offenders for the Session, stop half their salaries, and take away the free passes on all railways which Deputies enjoy. Total expulsion and disfranchisement, which is the proper penalty, would, it seems, be considered, hostile to the "sovereignty of universal suffrage ;" and we alla11 be curious to see the remedy ulti-
mately adopted. The French will not endure obstruction ; they have not the patience for it ; but they will have nearly as much difficulty as ourselves in suppressing it by Standing Orders.
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