It is stated, "on official authority," that the general result
of the Italian elections has been most favourable to the Minghetti Government Out of the 500 Members of the Chamber, 356 are upon its side. The result of this, vote is of course to strengthen the Ministry in the policy which it has laid down, namely, heavy taxation, the maintenance of a large army, and the adoption of exceptional measures for the government of Sicily. These measures may be necessary, as no middle-class can be formed in the rural districts until property is secure, but they will effect no permanent good in the island without two additions,—a system of light railways, and a change in the agrarian laws. There can be no prosperity in a country where the great proprietors manage their land through bailiffs, by the help of labourers who huddle in their villages away from their work in order to feel secure.
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