WINE ADULTERATION IN FRANCE.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XLII, Issue XLII, 11 June 1907, Page 4

WINE ADULTERATION IN FRANCE.

THE PEASANTS PROTEST.

?A]ftlS> Mbflday. the peasant population of 2,500,000 in South France is solid in its support of the agitation for legislation against the adulteration of wine, and 500,000 flocked to Mont Pellitc, where a monster peaceful demonstration was held yesterday. Hundreds of special trains brought people from beyond a radius of 24 miles. The orßamsers stipulated that those within that distance should walk or ride in carts. The Bishop placed the Cathedral and churches at the organisers 'disposal to accommodate the women and. children who were unable to find lodgings. Marcelin Albert, the leader of the movement, himself a peasant, enjoined the strictest sobriety on his followers, lest the cause might be injured, and emphasised his advice protesting at the needless presence of 10.000 troops. No intoxicants were sold. Pendants carried miniature coffins and guiiotines with black flaps, and a banner bearing the inscription, "Soldiers, do not fire on your brothers who are famishing." and marched in procession through the streets of Moilt Pellier. At a meeting they resolved that unless the Government yielded to their demands to-day the payment of taxes would be refused. The mayor and members of municipalities in. the districts affected would resign, while those refusing to do so would be coerced.