A considerable event, the effects of which we have discussed
in another column, occurred in Italy on Saturday. An imaginary coalition of groups, which was to have overthrown Signor Crispi, or at least to have seriously weakened his position, suddenly disappeared, crushed by a vote of "entire confidence" passed by the Chamber in so many words by a majority of 329 to 61. The debate was on the whole of the internal administration of Italy, finance included ; it lasted five days, and it was believed that all the discontented sections would unite in a vote of censure. When it came to the point, however, each group discovered that it wished Signor Crispi to rule, though it dis- liked his conduct in some one particular, and the division left him more completely the master than ever. It is distinctly stated that this vote, which has amazed the friends of the Papacy and of France, was not the result of any negotiations, but expressed the real decision of the Chamber that Signor Crispi is for the time the indis- pensable man. The result is satisfactory as regards foreign policy, but it leaves Italy internally in a most doubtful con- dition. Signor Crispi will never settle the quarrel with the Church, which is not beyond settlement ; and he has not dis- played wisdom in his management of finance. It may be necessary to spend, but the necessity should be avowed, and the Budget be absolutely truthful. At present it is French rather than frank.
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