The flight of Boulanger, of which we heard the other day, is great and rather surprising news. I think it is a case. In the choice and expressive language of Te Whiti, I think we: may say ' the potato is cooked,' or, in other words, that Boulanger has effectively cooked his goose. I am rather glad of it, for the success of Boulanger would perhaps have been .a step towards monarchism in France, and I do not wish to see the fall of the French republic and the re-establishment of the French; monarchy. Probably we have now seen nearly the end of Boulangerism in France. Ifc is very doubtful whether Boulangpr can effectually work the oracle from afar. There is a good deal of significance in the French proverb f Les absents out tonjours tort' (fche absent are ever wronged). Probably Boulanger will have nothing like the same power as he had when he was on ! the scene of operations, and his flight is likely to considerably decrease his popularity in France. Ido not know that Boulanger can justly be accused of cowardliness. Life and liberty are dear to most men, and if Boulanger thought his life or liberty were placed in great jeopardy by his remaining in France his departure did not involve any breach of duty, though, being a military man, his reputation is more liable to be affected by any imputation of cowardliness than it would otherwise bo. He seems, however, to have had a choice of two 'alternatives — either to stay in France and risk his life and liberty, or relinquish his career. Ifc is probable he has by his flight relegated himself to much the same position as the French princes, and his power for good or evil in France will be much diminished.
