No. 225.
Mr. Washburne to Mr. Fish.
Paris, July 28, 1875. (Received August 11.)
Sir: You will have seen that the National Assembly has voted to take a recess, to commence on the 4th of next month and to extend until the 4th of November. It is questionable, however, whether the necessary legislation can be got through by that time, and it is now believed that the recess will not commence till the 10th of the month. The question of this recess excited much interest, not only in the Assembly, but in the country. Upon the adoption of the constitution of February 25, it seemed to be the understanding of everybody that the laws to be made in pursuance thereof, and the other necessary legislation, would be passed by the assembly as soon as possible, with a view to a final dissolution of that body, the election of a new Assembly, and the choice of a senate this fail. This expectation is likely to be disappointed by reason of the long debates on many measures of local legislation, and the discussion of the constitutional laws which are necessary to be passed. It has become quite evident, therefore, that the Assembly cannot get through in season to hold elections this fall, though a very large minority [Page 472] of its members still insist upon it that it is not impossible to have a dissolution by the end of the year. But my idea is that the recess, running up to so late a period, precludes all idea of the Assembly accomplishing its business in season for such dissolution this year. The whole matter, therefore, will probably go over to 1876, and there is a belief among many well-informed people that the Assembly will not get through until next May—perhaps not even then, as there is evidently a very strong feeling among many members of the body against giving up their official life. Mr. Dufaure, the minister of justice, speaking for the government, has, however, declared that they are determined to get through as soon as practicable. But there is manifestly no hurry in official circles. The reason of this is, perhaps, that under the present state of things quiet prevails everywhere, and there is scarcely a trace of political agitation—none of that commotion which must accompany a dissolution and the elections which must follow such a notable event.
Independent of this alleged indifference on the part of influential members of the government for the completion of the constitutional laws, the great body of the monarchical members are absolutely opposed to a dissolution, on the ground that the longer the definitive laws are delayed the more chances they will have to break down the republic.
I have, &c.,