Many people believe that though this doctrine sounds very Christian-like, it would not work. The industrious would get no more for their labor than the idle. So the idle would become more idle, and the industrious would lose all incentive to do their best. At any rate, Socialism has made great progress in France, and it is greatly feared there by its enemies. Its friends, on the contrary, think that it is going to make the world very much better than it is at present. The friends of Socialism in the Chamber of Deputies became greatly excited by Premier Meline's censure of their papers. The excitement reached a climax when one member accused another of being a scoundrel and a coward, and several fights took place. Even the people in the galleries fought among themselves, and hurled abuse down at the members. The scene was not unlike one of those disgraceful scenes that took place in the Reichsrath of Austria a few weeks ago. The reporters were then asked to leave, and the rest of the session was conducted in secret. On entering the corridors the reporters found them crowded with soldiers who had been called out at the beginning of the trouble in case they should be needed. Fortunately, their interference was not required. Think of what the excitement is likely to be when Zola is brought to trial! * * * * * [Illustration: A VEILED EGYPTIAN BEAUTY.] There has been so much secrecy about the Egyptian troubles that it is not easy to explain England's present activity on the Nile. The last report says that Colonel Parsons, on his way to take Kassaba from the Italians, met King Menelik. The King was very angry because the town had been surrendered to the Egyptians. He claimed that Kassaba belonged to his territory, and he was then engaged in organizing an army to fight for what he considered his right. The situation in Egypt is further complicated by the report that General Kitchener's Soudanese troops, in whose fighting qualities he has had great confidence, have shown signs of dissatisfaction. If they were to rebel against England's authority at this time, the consequence might be very serious. * * * * * Just now England is under such terrible expense that it is thought that her present exchequer is in danger of exhaustion. She is sending forces to the Nile to settle the Egyptian troubles there, and she has the uprisings on the Indian frontier, which are likely to cause her considerable expense. Then, too, there is that vast loan which she has offered to China and which is creating a sensation among the European Powers. * * * * * England has taken a firm position with regard to the occupation of Kiao-Chou by Germany and the seizure of Port Arthur by the Russians. She has openly sent two war-ships to each of these ports.