16 FEBRUARY 1867, Page 2

The Italian Parliament has been dissolved, for reasons described at

length in another column, but which may be reduced to two. Ricasoli's Church Bill has been rejected by Parliament, and it is necessary to show the Pope and Europe that it has also been rejected by the nation. Since that article was written its main anticipation has been confirmed. Baron Ricasoli has, it is stated, consented to retain power, and to remodel the Ecclesiastical Bill completely, but gets rid of Scialoja and three or four other col- leagues. No news has been received of Rattazzi's entrance into the Ministry in any capacity, but we shall be surprised if that un- scrupulous but adroit person does not, sooner or later, make his appearance on the list. Ricasoli trusts him about as much as Pitt trusted Newcastle, but the Baron, high principled as to ends, is not squeamish about instruments.