Our Paris Letter.

Manawatu Herald, 4 January 1894, Page 3

Our Paris Letter.

(prom our own correspondent )

Pabis, 16th November, 1898.

The Russian elections which have just taken place, make no appreciable difference in the composition of the Prussian Land-tax. The majority is still strictly Conservative, but its Conservatism has undergone a change. Formerly the majority was Conservative and Ministerial, but now it is Conservative and nonMinisterial. It wants increased protection to agriculture, is inclined to dabble in Socialism, and condemns the German Chancellor's management of Foreign Affairs. Of course it goes without saying that the Socialism of the Conservative majority in the Land-tax is not of 'a kind to do it any harm. Nevertheless it is the lot of those, who take up Socialist ideas for ulterior objects, to be compelled to go much further than intended. Perhaps one of these days the Prussian Government will be in self-defence compelled to follow in the footsteps of Count Taafe, and change restricted franchise in universal suffrage.

The recent dynamite outrage in the Barcelona Opera house is a most diubolical ciime. It seems that three bombs were thrown into the orchestra stalls by Anarchists, of which fortunately only two exploded. Three anarchists have been arrested, but there . are doubtless many more at large. It behoves the Spanish Government to make a severe and instant example of such Anarchists as it has caught, and to use every (ehdeavou^to trace^out the concealed

perpetrators of thig dastardly outrage. If the Russian Government can crush out Nihilisni, it ought not to be impossible fof : the Spanish Government to root out Spanish Anarchism. No doubt a despotic Government is- better armed against dynamiters than Constitutional Government, but for all that, it would be a most disgraceful thing if a Constitutional Government could not destroy the miserable and atrocious gang that makes war on the inoffensive spectators at a theatre. A sound flogging, followed by a drum-head Court Martial, would soon get the better of dynamiters and Anarchists. The Skuptschina the day before yesterday proceeded to the election 'of its officers. M. Pachitch was elected President, a vote which is very much discussed.