The great hope of the Clericals and Conservatives in France—
a split between M. Gambetta and the Extreme Left—appears to be again postponed. The Deputies of that section have met the Liberal leader, and agreed not to form a separate group, M. Gam- betta warning them that if they did so, the old Conservatives and
Left-Centre men would unite, and perhaps have a majority. He objected to any separation between the Republicans and Radicals. His remarks won general assent, and the sections will act to- gether, but it is clear that the two Houses will be unexpectedly moderate. The Senate is almost Conservative, Life Members soon losing the edge of their Radicalism, and in the Chamber, M. Gambetta will need tact in maintaining his ascendancy against the party which is rapidly forming itself in support of the Whig Government. That Government put out a supplementary pro- gramme through the Times of Saturday, which we have analysed elsewhere. It is very moderate and sensible, but a little too wanting in the dramatic element for ordinary French taste.
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