NEWS OF THE WEEK.
THE German Emperor and Empress, accompanied by the Minister for Foreign Affairs, and attended by a large suite, have paid a visit of state to the King of Italy, who is cele- brating with some parade his silver wedding. The reception of the Emperor throughout his journey has been most cordial, and in Rome enthusiastic, the people not only appreciating the compliment to the dynasty but delighting in the Triple Alliance. The expenditure of the Court has been on a lavish scale, thirteen new rooms, for example, being, so to speak, treated for the Emperor and Empress ; but the King of Italy has an immense income not derived from taxation, and as he is as good a manager as if he had been born a Hohenzollern, be must now be well able to afford occasional display. The Emperor, in his speech at the grand banquet, professed him- self at once amazed and charmed at the devotion of Italians to the House of Savoy, and throughout his visit made an effort to leave a pleasing impression. The Emperor called on the Pope, and conversed with him for an hour; and though it is officially stated that only social subjects were discussed, his Foreign Minister was closeted with Cardinal Rampolla, and the Emperor was so pleased with his visit that he scattered honours on the Papal Court. We shall see when the Centre votes on the Army Bill whether he really gained anything. If he did, he paid for it.
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