7 APRIL 1888, Page 2

The precise relation of General Boulanger to the Ministry is

not known, but the idea appears to be that if elected on the 15th inst. by the Nord, the Cabinet will repeal his sentence by Bill, and offer him the Ministry of War. M. Floquet, M. Goblet, and M. Lockroy are friendly to him, and M. de Frey- duet is not opposed. General Boulanger himself, however, makes no sign, but refuses to visit the Nord, or to answer questions from constituents. The Radicals either believe, or affect to believe, that he has secured the priests ; but they are evidently reluctant to break finally with him. They regard him as a reserve force on their side, for no reason that out- siders can perceive, the General only demanding that the Senate shall be abolished, and the President be elected directly by universal suffrage. It is stated that the Senate is entirely opposed to its own abolition, or to its own election by direct universal suffrage, which latter compromise will, it is said, be adopted by M. Floquet.