Parisian Notes.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XVI, Issue 14, 27 July 1888, Page 3

Parisian Notes.

BOTJLA.NGTBME is a profound mystery. Nnbody beli-vrs in the General ; everyone ridicules him— that is everyone of those who do not, for special interests, opp Fe him. He hag. inJeed, a motley following— Clericals, Radicals, Republicans, Loyalists, Bonapartists. There is no party, no shadow of a party, in Fiance which does not yield supporters to him, unless it be that by which the Republic as it exists at present ii upheld. But the Republic aa it at present exists prows weaker everj day. In tbi?, in hbort, the popularity of General Boulanger may consist that all those who are opposed to the existing Republic see in him a centre whenc • sjme movemenc favourable to their own particular cause miy proceed. It is not. therefore, that Boulangrr is particularly beloved, but that men are lunging f «r « change, each in his own particular interests. One thing, however, that is greatly in the General's favour is tbat the army thoroughly trusts him. He is the hero especially of the private soldier who looks upon him as bis champion and friend. But, under the circumstances, which seem unprecedented, it is impossible to predict as to what the probabilities or even the possibilities may be, and we must look for certainty to time alone.

A question that bids fair ere long to divide the interest of the day with Boulangisme is that of the Jews. There are indications shown that the popular mind in France is beginning to be touched by the feeling that has for some time prevailed towards this people in Russia and Germany. An outbreak against the Jews in France, were it successful would involve very important interests for, as matters now are, they control the fortunes of the country. But if it be true, as affirmed in some quaiters that they are largely accountable for the infidel disposition of the people, they might find their Nemesis in being subjected to the ill-tnatment of atheistic masses. They would learn h ay hard it was to incur the enmity of men completely freed from the control of Christianity. This, however, isnot to deny tbat Christian populations have treated them barbarously at times. But there is a difference between those who do ill again9t their principles, and those who have no principles to outrage.

The Senate haß made considerable modifications in tha Bill providing for the three years' military seivice of the Seminarists. It has passed an amendment to the effect that the term shall be limited to twelve months, and the service rendered in the hospitals only.

Although the English Government will not take p<u-t in the Exhibition to be held next year in celebraiion of the ceateDnial of the Involution, active preparations are being made on the part of English exhibitors. The Loid Mayor of London has himself paid a visit to Paris in connection w ith the matter. The refupal, meantime, of the English Government to take part in the celebration, seems rather inconsistent, considfring that cveiy revolutionary movement of the century, and originating in the event to be commemorated, has had at least its hearty sympathy.

Experiments aie now bciag trial with a new explosive called bellite. It is said to combine all the mo^t useful powers of dynamite with many others ot superior force, and to be tin- one thing needed to give France the victory in every war. The doubt has to""* bet her Germany, for example, m.iy no f ■ von row be trying experiments with something si ll siro:,ger. But lulht,. besides Us tremendous power, is said to be exoeptiorally s.tfe, as nothing can explode it— neither heat nor friction — except a fulminating cap.

A tragedy wntttn by Louise Michel is bemc: acted at one of the suburban theatres, it is cilled " U Cog Rougr" Tne fianguiniry fowl, the creet cf the proletaur, receives a glowing illustration during the course of the play . Blood and lire arc its chief characteristics, the production being in every senso worthy of itg authores? aud her gang.

From that terror of the dunghill, Ie roq rouge, to its milder occupant who yields not crimson but pink teat hers, should be an agreeable if not an easy transition. This marvel among poultry was duly celebrated the other night at the Polytcchniqvc bnll, where one of the chef belles of the evening wao dwfinguishe 1 by her plumes plucked from a rooster's tail, though whether the ond. while still in the flesh, was of the particular colour is known alone to those initiated into the mysteries of the toilette. The bill w;u a very brilliant affair, well sustaining the military reputation in tin; fashionable world.

A. consequence of the tariff difficulties, between franca and Italy has been the establishment of a system of smuggling oa the frontier. The service ie said to be very well organised, and it certainly provides an ample sphere of activity for the Customs guards.

_ The great, ungainly, hideous tower of Eiffel ia creating alarm. It is thoroughly unpopular amoDg the workingmen because of the frequent accidents that happen there, and of the giddiness and ill effects produced in those of their body employed in its erection. The foundations, besidep. arc sa d to be unsnfe, and two or three streets are endangered by it. Its fall would make havoc among their houses. A malevolent intention in connection with it was that it should dwarf the gieat buildings of Pans ,md make thr-in insignificant, especially the chnrchep. Rut- thru fine piopoitions and noble architecture are brought out moie pi omutcnt ly by'the contrast. The more of an ugly thing there is, the more objectionable does it become, and this tower is from everywhere an unavo'dable eye-sore.

Another association between the violet and the Bonaparte family has been revealed, It seems the Empress Josspfcuue was wont to

preserve and beautify her complexion by bathing her face daily in a basin of milk poured boiling on a quantity of violet blossoms. All the fine ladies of the fashionable world are said to be engaged in following the Empress's example, and this accounts for the scarcity in public places of those bouquets that used to be io persistently thrust in the face of every passenger. But as to whether the sarface of the female countenance divine shows, or need show a finer tint or texture mast be left to the judgment of th-j conco'.ssaar. The purchase of milk, meantime, becomes a suspicious matter.

The newest engineering scheme is one for constructing a bridge across the English channel. An iron or steel bridge so constructed and supported by piles is said to be quite within the range of possibilities. It is bHieve-1, beside?, that the fears of the English people who prevented the construction of the proposed tuanel would not extend to the present proposal. But it is not easy to see why it should b<: easier to invade the country through a tunnel than over a bridge. The ona could certainly be as readily flooded as the other could be cut down.

The Gil Bias is ridiculed for speaking of London as " Lapatrie dv schoking " because a certain married lady has eloped with a lover. It may have been simple of the Gil Bias to stigmatise the matter as shocking, but the ridicule incurred by it for doing co too plainly shows tbe state of society.

One of the dailies in giving to Parisians the current Joe-MMerism as to the Queen, Gladstone's head, and a Tory damsel, translate* the word " charger "by the words cheval de bataillc, a war horse. It would be patdonable in a French journalist of the period to misunderstand an archaic Engh'h ward, but it might be thought an acquaintance with the story of Herodias's daughter would hare saved him from tha exposure. We have a proof that ignorance of the Christiam traditions must affect every walk in life.