THE FRENCH PRESS AND THE WAR.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXVIII, Issue 1, 4 January 1900, Page 4

THE FRENCH PRESS AND THE WAR.

Human nature would not be what it is (says the Paris correspondent of the Catholic Times) if France, by the mouthpiece of its Press, did not triumph over us in our present difficulties. Yet in the torrent of blame, if not of abuse, with which we are favoured, a just and a generous sentiment with regard to England appears here and there. The Cr-'ix, lately termed by a prominent anticlerical the smallest and at the same time the most largely circulated of French newspapers, was among the first to pay homage to the conduct of General White in taking upon himself the entire responsibility of a great disaster. The Figaro admires the reserve, dignity, and sang froid of the English people in presence of harrowing news constantly coming to them from the seat of war. Even Paul de Cassagnac, hating the English with an unrelenting hatred, as he admits he does, has lately in the columns of the Autoritc paid tribute to certain moral qualities of theirs. 'It must be admitted,' h ; says, • that the English bear with remarkable dignity the disasters which are now overwhelming them in such an unexpected manner. In France.' he continues. • the day following a first defeat the Ministry would have been overthrown, on a second defeat it would have been the turn of the Government to fall, and bo on until the country was in a state of revolution.' Apart from exaggerations of the Press and from sentiments the consequence of racial animosities, it is certain that by calm, clear minds hi France — and there are such who judge dispassionately and admire and esteem the Anglo-Saxon race — the present war is looked upon in the light of a national blunder and a national crime. A French priest, pre-eminent in mental gifts, whose intention every day while offering the Holy Sacrifice is the conversion of England, and who by tongue and pen t-trives for the priority of the Anglo-Saxon race because he believe? this to mean the advancement of religion and civilisation, eaid to me a few days ago on the subject of the present war: 'This is the first time my sympathies have not been with England. In this matter she has the conscience of Europe against her, and her prestige cannot but suffer.'