The Times on Boulanger.

Gisborne Standard and Cook County Gazette, Volume I, Issue 27, 13 August 1887, Page 3

The Times on Boulanger.

The Paris correspondent of the Times gives the following opinion of General Boulanger 1 may repeat what 1 said some months ago, when he seemed destined, at the pinnacle of power, to perpetuate his glory—“ He makes a great stir, but it is a stir which Will die out the day after his fall, and he will leave nothing behind him like Napoleon, Thiers, or Gambetta.” This is a prediction which is about to be realised, and the truth of which will become clearer every day. He has thought it right—an act without precedent —to address a farewell order of the day to the troops—which closes with this unfortunate phrase :—1 shall be the first to set you the example of that twofold discipline, at once military and Republican.” He thus indicates that he was suspected of some illegal design. The good genius of France has hitherto spared her from pronunciamento Generals. General Boulanger has not been wise in defending himself against a suspicion which, if ever it is realized by a French General, would be a public calamity. But be has had the good sense, the patriotic wisdom not to fling himself into a rebellious cause on falling from power. I am convinced that, enjoying life

with the ardotir of a yotlng and lively imagination, he has been the tool rather than the source of the ambitious schemes connected with his name, and that henceforth he will reserve himself for France, as a brilliant soldier on whom she can rely. He has just announced that he will not go to the military fete at the Opera to-night. Should a disturbance occur to-night in front of the Elysde, and cries of " Vive Boulanger I” and “ A has Gr6vy I" be raised, the mob will be dispersed without there being cause to regret that the epaulettes of a brave French General have made their appearance in the revolutionary tumult. France almost unconsciously escapes from the threat of a dictatorship; Europe ceases to have a pretext for war ; and ho who has evoked so much admiration abandons the situation with the dignity of a soldier and the modesty of a citizen.