The star. (Cincinnati [Ohio]) 1874-1875, 1875-03-05

CAN.
1t now looks as if permanency were
assured to the French Republic. The
threatening attitude of the Bonapartists
forced the Conservatives and the Re-
publicans into a compromise on mod
crate Republican Constitution. Gam
BETA, one of the most radical of Repub-
icans, took a statesmanlike view of the
situation. He clearly saw what was
possible, and was wise enough to pa
tiently bide the time when the conserva-
tive system could be improved. French
Radicals have, for once, exhibited some
wisdom.
The new constitution is sufficient
amalgamation of republican and mo-
narchial principles to secure the CO.
operation of the moderate men in both
parties; and, providing as it does for
its own easy amendment, the radicals on
either side have no reason for rebellion.
Though not in the ordinary manner
submitted to ratification by the people,
the forms of government have been en-
acted in two laws-one in relation to the
Legislature and the other introducing in
to France the Senate, hitherto unknown
in that country, or among any of the
Latin nations as distinct branch of the
Legislature until Mexico very recently
instituted Senate. In old Rome the
legislative body was the Senate exclu-
siyely, though the tribunes of the people
possessed the veto power.
The Legislature of France is to consist
and the Senate. The Deputies are to be
elected by universal suffrage, and are to
hold their seats until dissolved by the
President on the advice of the Senate,
when a new election must take place
within three months. The number Of
Deputies will probably remain the same
as that of the National Assembly-about
III.
The Senate is to consist Of 800 men,
bers, Is of whom are to be chosen for life
by the present Assembly, and 225 to be
elected by the Electoral Colleges in the
departments. The College of depart
ment is to be composed of the Represent
ative Deputies of that department in the
present Assembly, the members of the
General Councils, members of the Arron-
basement Councils, and Delegates from
the Municipal Councils. The Senators
thus chosen are to hold their seats for
nine years, one-third going out every
three years. Vacancies are to be filled
by the Senate itself.
The Presidents to be elected for seven
years by the Senate and Chamber Of
Deputies in joint session. The Council
of Ministers is to exercise executive
powers during any vacancy of the Presi
dental chair.
AS the life Senators die off the Senate
will fill the vacant seats. There is 6
great conservate power in these seventy
i've life Senators. They will represen
the present compromise between tht
Conservatives and the Republicans, ant
will be able to bear down any majority
in either direction that is likely to occu
for some time. When the preponderanct
shall prevail over these life members
changes in the system may may be safel,
effected. The position Of the Republi
cans is weakened by the general preva
lance of Bonapartism among the generals
Of the army. The son of Napoleon Ill
expects to become Napoleon w, Elm
peror of France.
i. The French have learned that no sin
gleman is indispensable to national pros
} perity. The experience of the past foul
years has shown that a Republic can rul
with as much wisdom as an Empire, ant
the terrible experience of the Prussial
war did much to dispel the illusion OF
name. Perhaps Napoleon Ill rendere,
| his greatest service to France by writin
his work on Caesar. 1t shows how q sin
, gle man may become greater than Ma
tion and the liberties of the people b
sacrificed to his ambition. 1t impresse
the lesson that the Nation must continu
greater than any man in order to endure
1t is only through the Republic tha
France can defend herself against indi
vidual ambition. Napoleon taught tn
great lesson, without intending it, tina
the people must keep all political powe
within their own control.
The opening of the Suez Canal has le
IN hi