Of course, Signor Rossi's memorandum is not legal proof of
Signor Mussolini's guilt. It may be that Signor Rossi, himself in a tight place, is only anxious to drag down his old chief as well. But the Opposition Press is taking the opportunity of declaring that a man under the shadow of such grave charges as are made against Signor Mussolini must hasten to lay down the sceptre of power and clear himself as a private citizen. These repeated revelations must undoubtedly be having an effect- on the prestige of Fascism. It is evident that Signor Mussolini himself considers that he is losing rather than gaining ground, or else he would scarcely have taken the desperate step of an early appeal to the country under a new electoral law. The whole story is of extraordinary interest, as showing now impossible it is for any Govern- ment, however apparently impregnable its position, to stand up against the force of public opinion in a modern country. We can only commend Signor Mussolini's decision to consult the popular will at an election. He may be relying on governmental influence to carry him through, and a popular verdict will give him his one opportunity of making Fascism an ordinary constitutional regime. He will undoubtedly show true vision and statesmanship if he takes this one remaining chance, however hazardous it may seem. We must add, however, that he has begun very ominously by suppressing temporarily some of the chief Opposition newspapers.
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