Our Paris Letter.

Manawatu Herald, 19 December 1893, Page 2

Our Paris Letter.

• (VKOM OVa OWN CORRESPONDENT ) . Paris, 31st October, 1898. ~ The Chamber of Deputies will meet on the 14th pros , for the despatch of business. This will give about six weeks' time for the validation of members and the election of office-bearers. There will be an animated contest for the post of President of the Chamber, and it may be taken for granted that Radicals and Socialists will set r up an opposition candidate to M. Casimir Perier, who occupied the post of President in the late Chamber, and is now a candidate for the same office in the new one. This business disposed of the Prime Minister, M. Dupuy, will submit to the Chamber of Deputies a Ministerial programme, on which a vote will be taken, that will be equivalent to a vote of confidence. — The more than enthusiastic reception which the Russian sailors have lately met with in France, especially in Paris, affords food for reflection, and it is not surprising therefore, that the question should now be asked : What does it all mean ? The French people, to their great honor, have obeyed the word of command with an unanimity, which, however much a matter of course in despotically-ruled countries, is not usual in ft Democracy, Although the reception of the ' rr* presentatives ot the Russian Government and nation have met in France with a most upparalelled welcome, nothing has been said or done that could give the slightest cause of offence to other nations, with whom France is at peace, This wonderful self control has, a meaning, and the obvious 004 is, that France, while rejoicing at the Franco-Russian understanding, desires peace with the countries forming the Triple Alliance. It has been suggested, that the influence of the Franco Russian fetes will be felt not only in French foreign policy, but iu French .home policy as well ; that the French Republic will gradually

become a Government like other European Governments ; and that Ultra Radical potions on the subject will he thrown into the background. Just as President Carnot was about to step into the train to return from Toulon to f Paris, a telegram was handed him frbra the Czar. It was to the following effect r-~'' To the Excellency M. Le President of the French Deputies, Paris— At the Moment when the Russian Squadron is quitting France, 1 must express to you how deeply 1 am touched by atid grateful for the hearty and splendid welcome which our sailors have found on French soil. These fresh evidences of sympathy will create a new tie to join the two countries and will contribute I hope to confirm that general peace which is the object of their constant efforts and wishes." President Carnot showed this telegram to Baron Mohrenheim, who had accompanied him to the station. $he Russian squadron left for HyeTesj but its ultimate destination unknown, some, asserting that it will proceed to some Italian ports, possibly Genoa and Tarento ; arid; others being equally conAdenfc that Admiral Avellan will, for the present at least, avoid all Italian and English ports ; whilst others state that the squadron will divide, part of it going to Corfu, and part to Oandia. It is most probable that the squadron will remain off Hyeres for some days until instructions have been received, and the crews will spend the time in clearing away the decorations and getting the ships Into sea trim.