30 MARCH 1929, Page 3

Plebiscite would be a more appropriate term than election for

these proceedings, and indeed everything was done to make the ballot—which required simply the answer " yes " or " no "—a testimony of national acclamation. The points to note are that the Fascists' success extended to all parts of the country, including Sicily and South Tyrol, where the population is commonly supposed to be lukewarm in its allegiance ; that Fascist propaganda surpassed itself—although obviously there was no opposition to conquer—and that Catholics polled in full force, the Cardinals themselves voting, so as to ensure ratification of the Lateran Agreement.