THE CRISIS IN FRANCE

New Zealand Tablet, Volume V, Issue 246, 18 January 1878, Page 3

THE CRISIS IN FRANCE

The difficulty between Marshal MacMahon and the French Assembly continues. The Associated Press despatches assert, as positive, that MacMahon has accepted the resignation of theDescazes Ministry, and proposes naming, as a new Ministry, men of no political character or influence, but, rather a class of subordinate officials, in hopes these may. as colourless, be found inoffensive to the Radicals. This is a policy that must fail in any country : and, especially, in a country so positive, and alert, as ' France. Majorities never govern, anywhere. Minorities alone can govern ; but the condition of their governing is that they have positive convictions : a tixed programme ; and go to work determined to win the position ! In the late elections, in which the Radicals succeeded in keeping possession of the French Assembly, though by a reduced majority, MacMahon's administration of government failed, in several instances, from his having followed Dcscazes" advice, and — for policy — named i blatant anti-Catholics as Candidates for the Assembly, in districts where the vote was close. It is not strange that Catholics refused to vote. How could they vote for Government nominees that, as repeatedly happened, declared that "the clericals arc the curse of France."' In France, the term " clerical." means neither less nor mora than faithful Catholic ! In circulars, many Catholic Bishops exhorted their -people to forego all party spirit, and to vote for the Government nominees. The Catholics, in the centre, and in the east, of France, particularly, did right, in disregarding these Episcopal exhortations. They were given under a mistake." They were given under the impression that Descasces, and BrogKo would not dare to put in nomination, as candidates approved by MacMahon, crazy enemies of the Catholic Church. But these "gentlemen "" — constrained by their " brother Freemasons," did impose, "in this way — let us hope, at least — on President MacMahon. "What part has Christ with Belial.'" France is Catholic, or Communist ! The shilly-shally of Marshal MncMnhon i.s altogether in the interests of the coming Communist--. Jle does not so mean it, but this is the way his political feebleness is working. J-lc could have been the Saviour of France, had ho known hi- opportunity. As it i«. he bids fair to vanish, in a Revolutionary Hurry, before liis -'What is it." Seven years of dictatorial power arc spent, lie has U»t much ground, and much influence— but, even yet, the brave, not bright, old soldier may defeat his enemies. We doubt of it ! He may defeat the enemies of France, by kicking overboard tho sham Assembly, that does not. in any vixy, represent France ! MacMahon, in 187 H. was put on guard to keep Frenchmen froni\ cutting each other's throatfji " lie holds tliafe^harter now. Ifas he' the intellect to understand his .PoaXoS-^^KsP'vw^aT?,, --, "* '"' ' >'