elections of the department of the Aube, has the floor.

_The Reporter_.--Gentlemen, the singular and regrettable situation
in which Monsieur de Sallenauve has placed himself has not
terminated in the manner that was hoped and expected last week.
The period of delay expired yesterday; Monsieur de Sallenauve
continues to absent himself from your sittings, and no letter has
reached M. le president asking for further leave of absence. This
indifference to the functions which Monsieur de Sallenauve
appeared to have solicited with so much eagerness [slight
agitation on the Left] would be, in any case, a grave mistake; but
when connected with an accusation that seriously compromises the
deputy elect, it must be regarded as altogether unfortunate for
his reputation. [Murmurs on the Left. Approbation from the
Centre.] Compelled to search for the solution of a difficulty
which may be said to be without precedent in parliamentary annals,
your committee, in the adoption of suitable measures, finds itself
divided into two very distinct opinions. The minority whom I
represent--the committee consisting of but three members--thinks
that it ought to submit to you a resolution which I shall call
radical, and which has for its object the cutting short of the
difficulty by returning the question to its natural judges. Annul
_hic et nunc_ the election of Monsieur de Sallenauve, and send him
back to the voters by whom he was elected and of whom he is so
unfaithful a representative. Such is one of the solutions I have
the honor to present to you. [Agitation on the Left.] The
majority, on the contrary, are of opinion that the will of the
electors cannot be too highly respected, and that the faults of a
man honored by their confidence ought not to be discussed until
the utmost limits of forbearance and indulgence have been passed.
Consequently your committee instruct me to suggest that you grant
to Monsieur de Sallenauve a further delay of fifteen days [murmurs
from the Centre; "Very good! very good!" from the Left]; being
satisfied that if after that delay Monsieur de Sallenauve does not
present himself or give any other sign of existence, it will be
sufficient proof that he has thrown up his election, and the
Chamber need not be dragged on his account into irritating and
useless debates. [Murmurs of various kinds.]

M. le Colonel Franchessini, who during the foreg