4 NOVEMBER 1922, Page 3

The Fascisti established- control of the Press, which was not

allowed to publish any facts or make any com- ments unfavourable to them. Last Saturday morning the Italian Government, who, in spite of their resignation had remained in office, announced a state of siege, but they afterwards withdrew the announcement. The King, it appeared, in his desire to avoid Civil War had refused to sign the decree. The King's act decided the issue and nothing remained but to surrender to the Fascisti and allow them to form a Government. The King sent for Signor Mussolini, the leader of the Fascisti. We have written fully on these remarkable events elsewhere, but must add one picturesque touch very characteristic of an Italian Revolution. The new Ministers asked their chief as to the clothes they should wear when kissing hands. " Top hats and black coats," was the lacoilic order of the Prime Minister, though he had to send out one of his colleagues in a hurry to buy him the necessary top hat ! Apparently the silken cylinder is to be the symbol of the new Government's policy. Witness Signor Mussolini's excellent telegrams to Mr. Boner Law and M. Poincare. We accept the omen.