The Opposition in France, which includes the Monarchists, the Clericals,
and all who are jealous of the party in power, are greatly delighted by a split which they think is approaching among the Socialists. The fanatics of that party, as we have explained elsewhere at greater length, are disgusted by what they think the opportunism of M. Jaures, and on Friday week, in the Socialist Congress held at Amster- dam, they proposed to reaffirm what is called the " Dresden resolution," banning all who concede any rights to capitalists, or accept office, even in a Republic if the Republic is bourgeois. Thanks mainly to a furious speech from Herr Bebel, and to his influence with the German and Austrian delegates, the resolution was carried by 25 to 5, twelve delegates abstaining. This is considered a great blow to the Republican Bloc which supports M. Combes, and includes the Socialists in the Chambers ; but it is doubtful if it will prove one. French- men are liable to be carried away, but they are substantially sensible, and they see no wisdom in rejecting clear advantages in order to push a theory which never works. It is a Socialist principle, for example, that there should be no Army; but Frenchmen, even when they accept that dogma, do not dis- dain, as Herr Bebel would, to shorten the period of life in barracks. The Bloc will endure some time yet.
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