The French Government is resolute in its adhesion to its
demands upon the "unauthorised" schools, and the resistance shows signs of breaking down. Some further collisions have occurred in Paris between the Clericals and the police, and a number of ladies have threatened to die in the streets rather than permit the expulsion of the unauthorised nuns ; but the Vatican does not move, being afraid of a breach with France; and two or three leading Churchmen counsel that all resist- ance shall be legal and constitutional. Those who resist the orders are, moreover, we fancy, rather worried by finding that the Socialists regard their descents into the street as challenges, and are descending there too, thus making the riots unex- pectedly rough and serious. It is certain, however, that there is keen feeling, especially in the South, that M. Combes is blamed by almost all moderate men, and that when the Chambers meet in October he will find his majority seriously threatened. He will not be overthrown on the decree itself, the Chambers being strongly anti-Clerical, but he has many proposals to make in which a reputation for moderation and impartiality is essential to success, and that has been seriously impaired. It is confidence in his judgment which has been shaken.
