The fall of Signor Crispi would appear to be complete.
Rumours were spread at the end of last week that the King wished to restore him to power; but if this were ever true, the negotiation failed. Signor Crispi has recommenced his old trade of advocate, and Marquis Rudini is Premier, with a programme of reductions in the expenditure to the amount of 4:1,600,000 a year. That will not be sufficient to balance the Budget, and will probably be absorbed by "extraordinary credits," which the Chamber must vote, or seethe new Ministry destroyed. The African expenditure could be stopped ; but it is the military expenditure generally which is embar.
rn Karr, tiie Treasury, and this oaumt be vrtously re-
duced until the European situation allows the King to believe that one army corps at least can be struck off the active establishment. An ominous note appears in the Italian journals that the paper currency will be increased,. and we suspect that the real course resolved on is of this kind. There will be no alteration in the military situa- tion, and no new taxes, and the deficit will be provided for by an increase in the Floating Debt, and an issue of more paper. It is dangerous policy, for the " European tension " may last another ten years.
Previous page
