The miners of Carmaux have gone back to work on
the advice of M. Clemenceau ; and M. Loubet, as per agreement, has consequently pardoned the rioters, most of whom have also been reinstated by the Company. Opinion is greatly divided in France as to the merits of the compromise; the old parties, whose opinion prevails with the correspondent of the Times, maintaining that a great blow has been given to Capital, and the partisans of Labour that the Government have rather turned their flank. Neither side allow enough for the accidental connection between the strike and the idea of civil equality, or for the loss sustained by the men, which is equivalent to a fine of £20,000. There can be little doubt, however, that the school of Frenchmen which holds that the State should keep all mines in its hands, has gained an important advantage, which may not, however, turn out to be beneficial to democracy. The moment the mines are State property, and unprofitable, the idea, so often suggested, of working them by convict labour will begin to be popular. The French have not our lenity for criminals, or the " galleys " could not continue to exist.
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