THE FRENCH ELECTIONS.

Otago Witness, Issue 1975, 26 September 1889, Page 15

THE FRENCH ELECTIONS.

(Peb Pbess Association.)

Paeis, September 18. In the course of a speech to-day, M. Andreux, member for the department of the Rhone, accused the Government of spending 20,000,000f in bribing the press and candidates for the Chamber. He stated that the money was obtained by blackmailing the Credit Foncier and the Panama Canal Company,

The total number of candidates nominated for seats at the general election of members of the Chamber of Deputies is 1929.

The jurors have awarded Australian wine importers five silver medals for exhibits at the exhibition.

September 21. Tory candidates have been nominated for every seat at the general election. There is every prospect of that party having a large majority. It is generally considered that the Boulangist candidates are weak.

It is almost impossible to give a forecast of the elections. The revision of the constitution is the sole issue binding all opponents, including M. Clemanceau, against the Government. The clergy are actively opposing the Government. It is estimated that 70 strong supporters of General Boulanger will be returned.

It is probable that all votes given in favour of General Boulanger will be ignored. September 23. A Government victory at the elections is regarded as certain.

The latest returns of elections held jesterday give 192 Republicans, 36 Boulangists, and 17 Tories.

There will be numerous second ballots, including those of MM. Floquet, Rochefort, Naquet, and Boulanger himself. The latter's final election is regarded as doubtful.

There was great excitement over the elections, but no disorder has yet been reported. MM. Rouvier, Meline, and Thevenet (Minissters) have been elected, also M. Laguerre, a prominent Boulangist. M. Goblet was defeated.

Boulanger has been elected for Montmartre by a majority of 380, but a second ballot will be necessary as 2500 voting papers were spoiled, it is alleged, unfairly. Five Boulangists, including Laguerre, and one Republican have been elected outright for Paris. In the remaining instances, including M. Rochefort's, second ballots will be required.

M. Berger, Secretary of the Exhibition, was defeated.

The polling has been heavy. It is probable there will have to be 200 second ballots, and they will be taken on October 6. It is expected those in favour of a revision of the Constitution will defeat the Government by a slight majority.

London, September 23.

So far the elections have resulted in the return of 21 7 Republican candidates, while the supporters of other parties have secured 168 seats. There will be 120 second ballots, and of these it is expected that 98 will be favourable to the Republicans.

MM. Ferriere, Leon, Toy, Deroulede, Dillon, Fallieres, Spuller, and Cassagnac have been elected. M. Feroy was defeated. In the case of MM. Clemenceau, Constans, Guyot, and Lockroy. there will have to be a second ballot.

The latest returns show that 167 Moderate Republicans, 57 Radicals, 86 Royalists, 51 Bouapartists, and 22 Boulangists have been elected. In 177 other cases a second ballot will be necessary and it is expected that 135 of these will be favourable to the Government.

It is believed the Chamber will eventually consist of 369 Republicans and 201 Opposition offvarious shades. September 24.

The Paris correspondent of The Times anticipates that the Eepublicans will have a majority over all other parties combined of from 92 to 120.

Boulanger asserts that he had an absolute majority in his election, and no second ballot was necessary, but that the officials tampered with and burned tbe voting papers to frustrate a scrutiny. He professes to be satisfied with the outlook.