Old Age Pensions In France.

France has in operation a system of oíd age pensions, and on Dec. 31, 1896, there were 203,206 persons in T-eceipt of annuities, the aggregate annual payments being nearly $6,500,000. The annuities are paid only to those who contribute to the fund established by the state. They become payable at any age from 50 to 65 years, according to j choice of the annuitant. The maximum annuity obtainable is about $232 a year, while the smallest contribution accepted is a franc (19 cents). The annuity may be drawn before the age of 50 by persons who have sustained a severe injury or become permanently infirm.