The Italian Elections came off on Sunday, but they are
not yet finished, as about 150 second ballots must be taken to- morrow. The general result can, however, it is said, be pre- dicted with some accuracy. The Premier, S. Cairoli, and the Left (according to Reuter) will have a following of 249 members, .entof the 508 in the Chamber. The Right form a compact body .of 175, and the "Dissident Left," under Nicotera, have the re- maining 84. This means a weak Government, as if the Dissi- dent Left votes with the Right, as on questions of confidence it is apt to do, the Left is not able to overpower both. The 'Government is rarely able to collect all its forces ; it is con- stantly deserted on foreign policy, and if any refractory group, even of the Left, votes against it, it must be overthrown. It is probable, therefore, that unless a working compromise can be made with the Extremists, which is doubtful, owing to per- sonal fends, the extension of the suffrage will be taken up as -an imperative measure.
Previous page
