The speech on foreign relations delivered yesterday to the Chamber of Deputies by M. Laval is an excellent example of the fact that although French ministries may, and do, come and go, La Patrie apparently goes on forever. French policy never varies in its insistence on security and honor; only the instruments change.

The project of an Eastern Locarno was cherished by Louis Barthou at the time of his assassination. What could be more in harmony with the romantic ideal of poetic justice than that the unrest growing out of his death should be used to foster this scheme?

An appeal to the better instincts of the German people is, in French ideology, very like casting pearls before swine. The amenities of international relations demand the attempt, but the sons of Marianne place no faith in its success. Rhetoric may be useful, but only when supported by bayonets. Adroitly M. Laval mentioned Italy and, in the next paragraph, Austria. Then followed a few quiet words in reference to Russia, along with a declaration of the peace-loving, disinterested attitude of France. Very subtly, the foreign minister concluded: "All those who are interested in the Eastern pact have been or will be again called on to make it known whether they intend or not to subscribe to or avoid their European duty. There is one principle of which everyone must recognize the necessity: the maintenance of present frontiers. Whoever changes frontier posts troubles the peace of Europe." So, Deutscher Volk, do your duty. Keep the peace. Shout "Status quo" and "Vive la France!"