7 DECEMBER 1861, Page 2

The Ministry of Baron Ricasoli still seems safe, though Cialdini

has joined the Opposition. Ratazzi, the chief of the French party, has acknowledged that the failure of negotia- tions for Rome is not the fault of the Ministry, and that no other could have been more successful. The admission is frank, and will do much to smooth Ratazzi's way to the Cabinet, where his skill in internal administration seems to be greatly required.