Our Paris Letter.

Manawatu Herald, 2 June 1894, Page 3

Our Paris Letter.

» (from our own correspondent.) Paths, SOfch March, 1894. Parties in the Reichstag have got very much confused, owing to the Government triumph on the Bill for the ratification of the Russo-Gerraan Commercial Treaty, carried through ita third reading by a considerable majority. The Government victory was obtained by the support of the Liberal parties, in spile of the most virulent opposition of the habitual supporters of the Government—the Conservatives and their allies. For the moment, therefore, has been a complete change in the respective positions of parties— the Conservatives being the Opposition, and the Liberals the Government party. It ia not likely, however, that this situation will continue, as the Liberals are likely to demand a reward for good behaviour, which the Government may not be disposed to grant. In the meantime, the Conservative and Agrarian Press show no signs of laying down their arms, and insist that agriculture is ruined by the Russo -Genii an Treaty. The Crispi Ministry is decidedly popular in Italy, and if the dictatorial powers demanded could be submitted to a plebiscite, there would undoubtedly be a large majority in its favour. But Signor Crispi has to deal with a Chamber composed of minorities, of which the party sup* porting Signor Crispi is the strongest, but can only be converted into a majority by defections from the ranks of its opponents. He has just declared, that he stands by the financial reforms elaborated by tho Minister of Finance, Signor Sonnin3, and that thay must be carried. He will not permit any redustion in military and naval expenditure, and he adheres to the Triple Alliance. If tho Chamber Avill follow him on these conditions, well and good ; but if not, he will appeal to the country to return a better disposed and more tractable Chamber. In a word, the threat of dissolution is the lever which, Signor Crispi believes, will bend the dissentients of the Chamber to his will, as the present state of Italian public opinion makes the return of many of the actual Italian Deputies very doubtful. The new taxation proposed by Signor Sonnins is the stumbling block of offence, but Signor Crispi declares that the pill must be swallowed. The political situation in Peru threatens to become very complicated. The general elections are approaching, and the President, General Bermudey, is lying upon a sick bed. His condition is most critical, and, despite best medical attention procurable, he is reported to be sinking. Already the partisans of rival candidates are quietly looking to their organisation in the project of a contest.