29 APRIL 1865, Page 3

A report has just been submitted to the Italian Government

on the education of the people which discloses a frightful state of -popular ignorance. Out of 21,777,534 people, 16,999,701 are unable either to read or write. An Italian who cannot read is not so ignorant as an Englishman in the same position, but there is nevertheless ample work for the schoolmaster. In Piedmont only is half the population able to read, and we trust that the 'moment public feeling will allow, education throughout the penin- sula will be made compulsory.