In France

When Henri Philippot was in service in Syria last year, his wife wrote to him from Paris and said that she had been unfaithful. He forgave her. Upon his return to France she refused to live with him and, since he was a good Catholic, divorce was denied him. Philippot then joined the detective service, was issued a revolver, killed his wife. At his trial he said: " She was my wife and it was my right." The jury agreed with him.

James Parker (25), born in Paris of English parents, kept a mistress in luxury and had a good time in Montmartre. Suddenly his employers, the American Express Co., discovered a deficit of 475,000 francs (about $25,000) in his accounts. Parker was arrested.

Last week the report of his trial stated that the prosecuting attorney demanded the maximum penalty. Maitre Hesse, defending Parker, described the American Express Co. as " an enormously rich concern which has made much money exploiting people on French soil--a concern which has made millions in exchange speculation at the expense of the franc, and does not sufficiently watch its employes." He ended by saying that the concern " has too much money anyhow."

After five minutes' deliberation the jury acquitted Parker and the Court told him to repay the money when able to do so.