FRANCE.

Colonist, Volume XLIX, Issue 11958, 11 June 1907, Page 3

FRANCE.

ft §e* ived June 10, 9.48 p.m. * Paris, June 10. c The Peasant population of 2^ millions in South France is solid-in its support o" the agitation for legislation against the adulteration of wine, and half a million flocked to Mont Pellier, whc'p a monster peaceful demonsdr.tiri. was held yesterday. Hundreds of special trains brought people m.m beyond a radius of 24 miles: The organisers stipulated that thoso within that distance should walk or ride in carts. The Bishop placed the Cathedral and cbutcbes 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 their cause might be injured, and emphasised his advice protesting at the needless presence of ten thousand troops. No intoxicants were sold.^ _^ Received Juno 10j 11.53 p.m. Peasants carried miniature coffics and guilotines with black flags, and a banner bearing tbe inscription "Soldiers, do not fire on your brothers who are famishing," and marched in procession through the streets of Mont Peiiiers. At a meeting they resolved that unless the Government yielded to their demands to-day the payment of taxes would be refused. The mayors and members of municipalities in the districts affected would resign, while those refusing to do so would be coerced.