New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1907-01-01
FRANCES NEW YEAR
ANXIETY OYER OUTLOOK.
Government Campaign of Modified
Socialism-FOreign affairs.

Paris, Dec. g.. The writer's who review the
events Of the year and indulge in forecasts Of
the future unite in anticipating that in 1907
will witness the most important developments
IN the continuation of the struggle which the
French democracy IS waging against she old
system. The end Of clericalisn, with mo sspa-
ration OF Church and State, is no longer an
issue, although echoes of this conflict probably
will be heard for long time to come. and the
extreme Socialists anxious TO press the war
against capitalism. Led by NJ. Jaures the aim
Of the Socialists is distinctly the appropriation
OF property, but one imagines that there will
be a rule of pure socialism in France at least
before many years The Cabinet draws a sharp
line at what is attainable. Premier Clemenceau
has abandoned many of the ideas for the regen-
Grafton of the state a socalstic basis which
he formerly entertained and now stands firmly
for individualism. tempered by every measure
possible for the Improvement Of the condition
of the work;ngman.
The Cabinet to-day stands committed to sup
plement the Weekly Rest Day law and the En-
ployers' Liability act, passed in 1906, with an
eight-hour labor law. old age pensions. the
gradual purchase of railroads by the state. and
the transfer Of the heaviest burdens of taxation
10 the rich by the imposition of income and in
heritance taxes, and result even govern
ment bonds in which French savings are large
ly invested. are threatened
The proposal to shift taxation to the shoulders
of the wealthy classes, coupled with the great in
crease in taxation necessary to meet the cost OF
legislation in the interests Of the working
classeG. SUCH OLD age pensions, has created
much nervousness. and in spite of tha fact that
the French financial situation is exceptionally
strong, THAI the Bank of France is bursting
with gold. and that all industries are active,
rentes fell over three points in 1906 and there is
a steady migration of capital seeking foreign in
Vesiment There IL considerable money going
quietly into American and other foreign securi-
ties, and many French families are systemat!-
caiiy getting rid of their French realty holdings
and investing in income properties in Switzer
land and Belgium.
The abolition Of the death penalty, already an
accomplished fact IN practice, undoubtedly Will
be enacted into law d,"ins the coming year, and
the abolition Of courts martials, natural corol-
larry of the Dreyfus case, also is a part of the
government programme,
The foreign position of France is regarded as
having been greatly strengthened by the happen
ings of the last year Germany's vain efforts TO
shake the alliances Of the republic and the sat-
isfactory termination of the Algeciras Confer
ence leave the Russian alliance and the British
understanding the keystone of foreign policy
General Picquart's energetic methods have in
!ected new lie into the army. and the dominant
political elements consider that the period OF
peace which they believe necessary for the real
ization of social reform is assured
The only cloud the horizon is a possible
unfavorable development fin Morocco. which may
draw France into an extended campaign in
Africa.