It is interesting to note how large the influence is
whigh still remains to Kings. We all perceive the authority of the Emperor of Germany, far in excess of his constitutional power; and the Emperor of Austria is not only the supreme arbiter within the Hapsburg Dominion, but the referee and ultimate master of both his Executive Governments. The King of Greece recently appealed to his people against his own Ministry, and won by a two-thirds majority ; and it is said that the King of Italy intends to do nearly the same thing. He has obtained from a majority supposed to be hostile a vote on account for six months, and the Dissolution will really turn on his policy of adhering to the Triple Alliance. The Extreme Left was, it is believed, persuaded by him at the last minute, and Signor Giolitti, who it was sup- posed would be defeated, triumphed on Saturday by a majority of 72. The elections in Belgium, again, have been, on the whole, unfavourable to the Referendum, which is the King's plan ; but it is believed that when it comes on for discussion in the Convention, it will be swept through by the personal influence of the monarch, with whom neither of the parties can afford to quarrel. Democrats think the Royal power in- defensible, and so it is by argument; but in practice it places a suspensive veto in the only hands which, now that aristocracy is dying, have the nerve or the strength to use it.
