The semi-official German Press, once fairly assured that the views
of the President and Prime Minister of the French 'Republic are peaceful, has,—whether wisely or foolishly, we -cannot say, without knowing what its ultimate object may be,—begun attacking M. Gambetta, and intimating that the 'Cherbourg speech indefinitely defers his prospect of succeeding to the place cif M. Gr6vy. This is wise, if the semi-official Press wishes to irritate France into a hostile attitude, and to add to M. Gambetta's power; very foolish indeed, if the intention be to weaken his hold on the French people. France is at pre- sent, no doubt, extremely pacific. If France were let alone, it is -quite possible that M. Gambetta's stimulating speech,—if under- stood as warlike by the peasantry,—would really diminish his influence. But if the Germans are to attack him for that attitude, they may easily succeed in making his popularity greater than it has ever been, as a consequence of their attacks.
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