The Prince of Piedmont has been proclaimed King (January 10)
as Humbert IV., an assumption characteristic of the dynasty, Which never forgets that though Italy is new, the House of Savoy is old, and he has issued a proclamation to the people. It is ex- tremely well worded, and obviously intended to meet the doubt in the Italian mind whether the new King will be as strictly con- stitutional as his father. After referring to the misfortune which has befallen himself and Italy in the death of a Sovereign who founded the unity of the State, and whose last sigh was for the nation, King Humbert says :—" At this moment, there is but one consolation for us possible,—namely, to show ourselves worthy of him,—I by following in his footsteps, you by remaining devoted to those civic virtues by the aid of which he succeeded in accomplishing the difficult task of rendering Italy great and united. I shall be mindful of the grand examples he gave me of devotion to our country, love of progress, and faith in liberal institutions, which are the pride of my house. My sole ambition will be to deserve the love of my people." The new King is not popular, but his true character is scarcely known ; and in this, as in many other Royal Houses, the same man may be a very different person as Heir and as King.
