14 DECEMBER 1878, Page 2

The Cairoli Ministry in Italy has been defeated. A Deputy,

in the interest of the Government, moved last week a direct vote of confidence, which was accepted by the Premier. After eight days' debating, the resolution was rejected by the Deputies, by a vote of 263 to 189, a majority of 74 against the Government. The majority was made up of 106 votes given by the Right, who are displeased by Zanardelli's Suffrage Bill, which gives the vote to every man who can read and write, and 157 votes by the Centre and Left, who are irritated by the failure of the Government in foreign affairs ; but the dislike to the new franchise is extensive, even among its supporters. It is believed that it would greatly increase the influence of the Clericals, perhaps hand over power to them. The King at first thought of a new Ministry, with S. Cairoli at its head, but he has since sent for S. Depretis and S. Farini, and it may be impossible to go on without a dissolution which, in the face of the "Italia Irredenta " cry, the King is anxious to avoid.