The King of Italy opened his Parliament on the 25th
inst. in a long speech, marked by the unusual prominence given to his personal authority. We have remarked upon this feature of the speech elsewhere, and need only add here that King Humbert welcomes the extension of the vote to all who can read and write ; that he is anxiously pressing forward social Bills, such as those for compensating workmen for accidents, and for raising the salaries of schoolmasters ; and that his Government has resolved not to increase taxation, but to give agriculture and commerce time to recover themselves. He evinces a proclivity, rather timid at present, towards Free-trade, and will abolish the differential tariffs between France and Italy, but will con- tinue to spend as much as ever upon the Fighting Services. He believes that peace is better assured than it was, and con- gratulates the country upon laying down its arms in Africa, where it has " assured " itself of vast possessions, and will loyally guide its Abyssinian ally. The Dervishes intend to make remarks upon that last clause, which the Italians will find audible; but the whole speech breathes a spirit of confidence and hope unusual in utterances of the kind.
