No. 104.
Mr. Noyes
to Mr. Evarts.
Paris, November 16, 1877. (Received November 28.)
Sir: There is very little of interest which can be said with reference to the situation in France in addition to what has already been made public in the cable dispatches. The debate in the Chamber of Deputies upon the proposition to constitute a committee of thirty-three with fall power to investigate and report as to the conduct of the recent elections has been very exciting and bitter. So far it has consisted of charges and counter-charges—of denunciation upon both sides. The committee was voted yesterday and will be constituted to-day. While the investigation is going on, the cabinet will undoubtedly remain, but I am informed by two of the ministers that at no distant day an entire change will be made, if the President can find a satisfactory ministry willing to accept. But even then there will be many embarrassments, and no one can at this time predict the course of events. France is restless, anxious, and unhappy; torn by contending parties and solicitous for the future. Business is paralyzed and capitalists are hoarding their means to await the result of the present complications.
I have conversed recently with many persons, Republicans, government officials, and members of the diplomatic corps. All are in doubt, and no one seems to have a decided opinion as to what is likely to transpire in the near future.
I have, &c.,