The Daily News. FRIDAY, JANUARY 14, 1921. POLITICAL MODERATION.

Taranaki Daily News, 14 January 1921, Page 4

The Daily News. FRIDAY, JANUARY 14, 1921. POLITICAL MODERATION.

Commenting on the results of the elections to the French Senate, the Figaro says they show a tendency to political moderation, devoid of sectarianism. In these abnormal times, when political upheavals have become a pronounced feature, as if reflecting the general unrest which prevails throughout the world, it is satisfactory to find that in one country at least a stand is being made against Socialism and Communism, which form a serious menace to the work of reconstruction so essential to the progress of the nations. It might have been thought that France would be less likely than other countries to resist the forces of anarchy, but there are indications that the war has had a sobering effect on the French, who are realising that their safety depends on national sanity and bending to the task of rehabilitation after the war in order to regain strength and prosperity. This welcome sign of the recognition of the direction in which national safety lies may be regarded ups evidence that France has read aright the lessons inculcated by the war —unity and concentration of effort. At the same time it has to be remembered that the Senate is not directly elected by the people, 'but by delegates chosen by the Municipal Councils and the Senators, Deputies, Coun-cillors-General, and District Councillors of the Departments, onethird of the number of Senators (300) retiring every three years, with the exception of those who were elected for life by the two Chambers, who are gradually being replaced, as they die, by elected Senators. Of late years, prior to the war, sectarianism was siot without influence in the French elections, and its elimination in the recent selection of Senators is, therefore, a matter for congratulation. The main feature, however, is the complete check suffered by the Socialists, ■ and when the pernicious activities of these enemies to settled government throughout the world at, large are taken into account, the value of this check can be fairly estimated, more especially as the Communist vote was insignificant. France is faced with a task of the ,mh vital importance to h»r fu-

ture progress, and by strengthening the hands of the Ministry the elections have done good service. The sooner the country recovers from the strain and losses caused by the war. the lighter will be the load that Britain will have’ to carry, and the brighter the prospects for peace, for on France and Britain must fall the brunt of the work necessary to hold Germany in check and back up the mission of the League of Nations. It is quite evident that Bolshevik propaganda has failed to influence to any serious extent the minds of those' French people who are engaged in administrative work, and though Socialism and Communism may still be in evidence in France, there need be no anxiety as to ill effects resulting. Possibly the example set by the electors of French Senators may not affect electors in other countries, but it is an example that can cordially be welcomed. At no time in the .history of the world has there occurred such a pressing need as at present is the case for political moderation devoid of sectarianism. It is like a welcome cool breeze after a heat wave, and should revive the spirits of all who desire sane government and a check to the tendency towards chaos and anarchy.