Dans le Senat

The electoral bill, recently introduced into the Senate (TIME, Dec. 17, et seq.), was passed by 141 votes; the entire Left section of the Senators abstaining because it was certain that the next Government would alter the law. Premier Poincare, champion of the bill, who is himself a Senator, taunted the Left by saying that they ought to have the courage of their convictions and vote against the bill, even if its consequences were to turn the Government out of office.

The Senate then turned its attention to the fiscal measures which Premier Poincare piloted through the dangerous waters of the Chamber of Deputies (TiME, Feb. 18, et seq.). While the discussions were proceeding, the franc was dropping, as was Premier Poincare's political prestige. Every effort was being made to steer the bill through with as little delay as possible in order that the Government might stay the tumble of the franc.