14 JANUARY 1888, Page 2

French and Italian papers attach some importance to an affair

at Florence, apparently of but small moment. A Magis- trate there granted a warrant to search some rooms occupied by the French Consul, and as this is contrary to international usage, the French Government asked for redress. Signor Crispi promised it, and M. Flonrens understood by the promise that the Magistrate would be dismissed. The Italian Premier, however, found on inquiry that the Magistrate had acted only on his view of his duty, and declined to inflict punish. meat other than a reprimand. With this M. Flourens is not content, and the dispute may, it is suggested, grow into a serious quarrel. That is not probable, as the rule on such matters must by this time be perfectly clear ; but the incident shows the jealous irritability of the two Foreign Offices. The Italians suspect the French of " designs " not precisely formulated; and the French are enraged with the Italians, and especially with Signor Crispi, who is almost a Republican, for joining the League of Peace.