The Italian Parliament and Statesmen are models of diplomatic tact
and sobriety. The mode in which they have dealt with. Prince Bismarck's absurd charge against La Marmora of pub- lishing forged despatches, and dealt with it without either giving any fair ground of offence to the Prince, or palliating La Marmora's gross breach not only of official etiquette, but of duty to his country in the publication of confidential communications made to him as Minister of the Italian Crown, has been admirable. A vote of censure on La Marmora would have been passed, but for Prince Bismarck's violently-exaggerated charge, which every one knew was unfounded. When this was made, the interpellation intended to draw forth the censure of the Government was delayed, and when at length, after La Marmora had cleared himself by publishing the exact text of the despatch impugned, Signor Nico- tera brought it forward, the Foreign Minister (Visconti Venosta) replied briefly and frigidly, condemning La Marmora's conduct, and intimating an intention of so legislating, at some future time, as to prevent its repetition ; but, at the same time, denying that Prince Bismarck had any documents in his possession the publication of which could affect the honour of Italy,—in short, giving a reply perfectly polite to Prussia, but somewhat frigidly polite, and admitting nothing against Italian honour. Prince Bismarck has thanked the Italian Minister for his "friendly "reference to him- self. But that itself shows that the Prince is foiled. -He has virtually acquiesced in a rebuke and a check to himself, and a vindication, not indeed of La Marmora's loyalty, but of his veracity and honour.
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