The Louisiana Democrat. [volume] (Alexandria, La.) 1845-1918, 1876-11-29
Most Wonderful Achievement.
WHAT FRANCE HAS ACCOMPLISHED
SINCE THE PRUSSIAN
WAR.

Science Congress in Liverpool on
the 18th ult., Mr.. Shaw Lefevre, M.
P, delivered an address, in the course
Of which he said: II cannot avoid
remarking on one Of the most extra
ordinary economic facts of modern
times, namely, the revival of France
from the misfortunes and losses en-
tailed upon her by her war with Ger
many. Never did country appear
to be more hopelessly crushed by the
weight of its losses and by the large
indemnity imposed upon it by the
victors. Yet she has borne her bur-
den with heroism, and has emerged
from her burdens with an elasticity
which has surprised Europe. The
contrast between France and Ger
many at this moment is most re-
markable. The defeated, Inundated
and plundered country is, apparently
richer than ever. The victorious
country, the Pays of Millards', the
recipients of the indemnity, appears
to be not only none the richer, but
absolutely poorer for the transaction.
The feverish excitement caused by
the influx of so much wealth has
now given place to reaction in
which all commercial transactions
are involved; general gloom and dis
tress pervades the country. In a re
cent comic paper, published at Ber-
lin, it was suggested as remedy for
the general distress in Germany, as
compared with France, that Germa-
ny should again declare war against
France, that it should again march
its armies to Paris, again defeat those
of France, but in making peace, in
lieu of imposing an indemnity of
100000 on France, it should
agree to pay that amount to the con-
quered. Cheers and laughter. By
that means alone, it was humorously
suggested, would Germany secure to
itself the prosperity which France
was enjoying. What, then, is the
economic explanation of this great
difference in the condition of the two
countries? Why is it that the loss Of
two milliards has not made the one
country poorer or the gain not made
the other country richer2 Is not the
explanation to be found in this, that
the true and only source of wealth is
production and saving? The French
people are the most industrious and
saving that the world contains. In
no other country is wealth so widely
distributed. In none are the habits
of industry, economy and thrift more
universally exercised. After the
war these people from the highest to
the lowest, met their losses by even
greater industry and greater econo-
mics than ever. Now, when they
have retrieved their losses and over
come their difficulties, this habit is
still continued. On the other hand
the influx of money to Germany led
to general expansion, not only of
trade, but of the habits of living
Luxury of all kinds increased. Fool
hardy speculation multiplied. I'm
productive employment was stimula-
ted. In the subsequent collapse the
people as whole have lost more
than they gained by the indemnity,
while it is no easy task to divert
so much unproductive labor into its
old channels of production. The
great recuperative power shown by
France has again turned the atten.
ton of economists TO her social con.
dition. What is it that constitutes
her strength What is it that ere.
ates this universal habit of thrift
and Industry 1t cannot, I think, be
doubted that the answer is to be
found in the wide distribution Of
property which is so Distinguishing
a feature of the French system. Up.
ward of seven millions of persons own
property in land or houses, and o.
these FIVE and a half millions are
owners of agricultural land. Up
ward of four millions of persons owr
between them the public debt o.
France. The passion for land has
not only created five millions Of pea
SAINT proprietors, the most industri
GUS and thrifty people in the world
but it has spread through the whole
population, from the highest to th'
lowest, the feeling ofindividual own
ership, the desire to become indie
pent, and the habit of thrift and sa
wing which enables them to becom
So"