29 SEPTEMBER 1894, Page 2

The Times' correspondent in Paris, a very shrewd observer for

all hie conceit, seems to be thunderstruck with the result of the election at Nogent-sur-Seine. This district has been represented by M. Casimir - Perier, that is, by a Republican of the most Conservative type, for eighteen years. On M. Casimir-P6rier's election to the Presidency, M. Bachimont, the Mayor, a strong Radical with Socialist proclivities, resolved to contest the seat, and on Sunday he carried it by a vote of 4,986 to 4,687, the poll being the heaviest ever known. The Socialists are in ecstasies, and M. de Blowitz angrily predicts that they will in the end carry the Chambers, and that the bourgeoisie will then cry aloud for some strong Dictator. That view is in accordance with French history, but seems a little.pessimistie. We wish M. de Blowitz would give evidence of any drift of the peasantry towards Socialism. Until they are either converted or squared, Socialism cannot by constitutional means master Prance ; and if they were squared, they would revolt in a year in fear for their own properties.