The King of Italy opened the new Parliament, in which
Signor Crispi has such an immense majority, on December 10th. His speech was altogether rose-coloured. He quoted the majority itself as proof that Italy, being united and faithful to her alliance, " all danger of international complica- tions has been dissipated." The Legislature could, therefore, betake itself to the task of ameliorating the lot of working men, " which will be the principal occupation of the Session," and to restoring, by economy and " a reorganisation of existing taxes, the equilibrium of the finances." This work will be simplified by the fact that the military preparations " within the limits of the national defences " are now completed, a clear promise that no extraordinary military budget will be demanded this year. Finally, the King declared that he respected liberty of conscience, and had guaranteed the religion of his ancestors ; but that " he would never suffer his sovereign authority to suffer derogation in the name of that religion." I "have promised to prove to Italians that institutions do not die." There is a certain bold frankness in the speech natural to the House of Savoy, and the elections prove that the Italian people is for the present heartily with the Throne. A majority of four-fifths in a constituency which includes every Italian who can write, is a good strong rock to build on.
