Great importance, possibly unreal, is attached to a 'decision of
the French Government that their Ambassador to Italy, M. de Mony, shall not be in Rome while the German Emperor is there. He is now away, and his leave has been extended, it is asserted, with this express object. It is alleged that this extension, which is announced in an official note in the Gazette, is a consequence of the absence of General Menabrea from Paris ; and it is known that the Foreign Offices of Rome and Paris are again squabbling over African matters, Signor Crispi objecting to.the inspection of Italian schools in Tunis by a French official. He says the schools are exempt, under old treaties with the Bey, which cannot be annulled by the mere establishment of a French protectorate. Signor Crispi is needlessly " difficult" on this matter, as he can resist annexation when it cornea without-all this petty obstruction ; but the French Government is also unwise. The absence of the Ambassador will be taken by the, young Emperor as a slight to himself, and add, however slightly, to the causes of tension. A French statesman of the old school would have been scrupulously polite, and even com- plaisant, until the hour arrived for striking hard.
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