UNREST IN FRANCE.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume LVII, Issue 8780, 11 June 1907, Page 5

UNREST IN FRANCE.

peasant? . Wrongs

Great Demonstration

(Received Last Night. aiOAS p.m.) PARIS, Yesterday. Two and a-lnilf million peasants iv the South of France solidly support agitation for legislation against the adulteration of wine. Half a million flocked to Montpollier, where a monster but peaceful demonstration took place yesterday. Hundreds of special trains brought people from beyond a radius of twentyfour miles. The organisers stipulated that in order not to crowd the trains from a distance, pergous liyjng the twenty-four mile radius should walk or ride iv carts. The Bishop of Montpollier placed the Cathedral and churches at the disposal of the orgaufcers to accommodate women and children unable to find lodging. Marcellin Albert, the leader of the movement—himself a peasant —enjoined the strictest sobriety on his followers, lest their cause should be injured. He emphasised this advice, protesting against the needless presence of ten thousand troops. No intoxicating beverages were sold. The peasants carried miniature coffins, guillotines, black flags, and banners bearing the inscriptions, "Soldiers do not fire on your brothers, who are famishing." . They marched in procession through the streets of Montpellier. At a great meting it was resolved that, unless the Government yields to their demands to-day, the payment ot taxes will be refused, Mayors and members of municipalities iv the districts affected would resign, while those refusing to do so would be coerced iuto compliance.