Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1881-01-27


The recovery OF France from the disastrous
effects OF the Franco-Prussian war has been
most remarkable, and perhaps without prece-
dent In the history of nations, with the excep.
ton Of the United states and our recovery from
the effects of the rebellion and rapid extin.
guisbment OF our national debt. At the fall Of
the empire the annual interest on the public
debt OF France amounted to about $50. 900. 900,
which was increased to $3.50, 900 900 by the pay
mont OF the indemnity to Germany. The re-
public was established under a heavy load of
debt and surrounded by discourag1ng cIrcum-
stances The expenses OF government and In
terest on the debt had to be met from direct
and indirect taxes and some minor sources of
revenue. The republic not only met its liabll1-
lies but In short time began to exhibit signs
OF prosperity which were unknown to the
French people even In the best days of the
empire. The people have paid their taxes
promptly, and the revenue has increased stead
lily. The total expenditures of the government
last year amounted to $500, 900 900, and after
the payment OF all demands the report shows
that surplus Of nearly SIS, OOO, 900 remained
In the Treasury. This showing is In marked
contrast with the financial condition of Ger
many. the conquerer OF France In the war.
where financial embarrassment and business
depression exists. Not only did Germany re-
qu1re from France the enormous indemnity
fund, but took two of the latter's richest pro
v1nceIAlsace and Lorraine. Under repubI-
can government the depleted treasury OF France
has become full, while that of Germany has
been drained to support the empire with its ex-
tensive and expensive military system. In
France the lands are divided Into small hold
ings, owned generally by the people who till
them With simple form of government that.
compared with the empire, is inexpensive, these
people have prospered, and have cheerfully
paid the taxes assessed against them. With this
striking Illustration Of the difference between
a republic and monarchy staring the people OF
the European continent In the face the fear that
the nonarchtstS and aristoCrats expressed of
the influence that republican France might
exert over the masses Is likely to be realized.
The progress and prosperity OF France might
also teach the government and the people Of
Great Britain useful lesson, In regard to the
settlement OF the present land agitation. Moth
ing Is more natural than that the ownership of
property should increase the interest OF the
subject In the welfare of his government In
France, where the immense agricultural popu-
lstion own the little farms they work. they
came forward with their small savings and In
vested In popular loan, which assisted the
government at time of its greatest need The
thousands OF small farmers In France are thrifty
and economical and patriotic, because every
improvement that is made In the little holdings
and every step Of progress taken In national
affairs Will benefit them or their descendants.
The same happy result would undoubtedly fol-
low the possessorship OF the soil by the tlllers
of it In England and Ireland. The tenant In
Ireland Who is now uneasy, restless and dis
satisfied. because he sees no prospect OF better
ing the condition OF his children. would with
the chance OF becoming the owner of the farm
he lives on, placed before him. have the strong
est incentive to industry, and he would, tao,
become staunch supporter OF law and order.
because his own interests called for such a con-
dition OF affairs. II Is to be hoped that such a
result Will be reached In Great Britain. and
speedily. but without the bloodshed that
brought It about In France.