The Rutland daily globe. [volume] (Rutland, Vt.) 1873-1877, 1873-07-23
FRANCE.

The administration of General MacMa-
hon has been remarkably suocoooful in
gaining the confidence of the constituent
assembly of France, and it may be taken
as good or bad outlook for the future, as
the sympathy or feelings of individuals
may lean. In the midst of political con-
vulsion, attended with the most intense ex-
element, but fortunately not accompanied
by any violent outbreaks, the government
of Theirs was defeated on test question,
by majority of only fourteen. Theirs,
seeing, in this, the signal of approaching
danger, made haste to resign the presidency,
and MacMahon was elected, in his stead,
by about the same vote. Whatever we may
think of the policy of the new government,
it has, 30 far, certainly, been successful.
Peace and friendship has been maintained
with other nations, the German indemnity
debt paid off, the soil of France freed from
the tread of hostile soldiery, internal trade
and commerce fostered, and general quiet
secured throughout the country. That his
efforts are appreciated, and that the repub-
licans have no fears Of monarchy, as the
result of his administration, is evident
from the remarkable expression of con-
fidence on the part of the assembly, Mon
day. We are, as yet, uniformed as to the
particular question under consideration,
but brief telegram informs us that, after
a scene of great disorder, vote of con-
fidence in the government was adopted, by
majority of one hundred and thirty, the
vote being two hundred and seventy
against, and four hundred in favor of the
government, showing an accession of forty
delegates to MacMahons ranks since he as
sumed the reign of government.
There was another noticeable scene
among the closing hours of the session,
which will attract attention either as indi-
eating how little Jules Favre understands
the principles of free government and the
freedom of the press, or as an admirable
and brilliant stroke of sarcasm on his part
At the session of the assembly, Monday
afternoon, Favre attacked MacMahon's
home policy, and enquired why the govern
ment, which punished with SO much seve-
rity those who made charges against them
and the assembly, allowed the press to say
what it pleased in reference to Theirs. Now
MacMahon has been soldier all his life,
and has. probably, devoted most of his
studies and reading to military tactics and
science, but finding himself, rather unex.
pectedly, in civil office--and that the
President of REPUBLICANS commenced
to read up the history of free governments
Taking the United States, as model, he
has had about time to reach the times Of
John Adams, and the days of the "alier
and sedition laws" under which Haswel
and Lyon were imprisoned. If so, hi
would conceive it to be the duty of Presi
dent to severely punish all who held W
the assembly to ridicule, or presumed II
speak unexpectedly of the powers that be
leaving private citizens to take care o
themselves. Seriously, however, is it MOI
mark of progress to see French minis
try refrain from meddling with the press
upon all and every pretence9 Private citi
zens are able TO take care of themselves
without calling upon the government tt
put censorship over the press in their be
half. As stroke of sarcasm, Favrei
questions may be productive of good, bu
If he intends to hint to the government
that it is their duty to protect Theirs from