CONTINENTAL ELECTIONS.

Otago Witness, Issue 3429, 2 December 1919, Page 21

CONTINENTAL ELECTIONS.

(By Cable.) THE ITALIAN RESULTS. ROME, November 21. It is estimated that the new Chamber of Deputies will include nearly 400 new men. The greatest Jdefeat was that sustained by the Giolittians, who once numbered 300, but now have only eight members, while the Socialists have 155, the Catholics 98, the Liberals and Conservatives 137, the Democrats an* Independents 80, and the Reformists 16. An exciting, session is anticipated in view of the Socialist prominence. LONDON, November 21. There are serious revolutionary disturbances in Italy, the northern provinces being disaffected. The majority view is that the Socialist Deputies are against tho Monarchy. Cabinet remains in constant session, and a strict censorship is maintained. The position is grave, but is not regarded as alarming. ROME, November 24. Signor Tittoni, the Premier, has resigned. Signor Scialja succeeds Signor Tittoni as Premier. November 25. As a result of the Socialists' victory at the elections a grave- crisis is feared, which may involve not only the Cabinet, but the ruling house. Tho new Socialist elements are animated by revolutionary sentiments." They favour a Maximalist policy, inevitably leading to Bolshevism. This section will almost certainly command a party. They number 150 out of a total of 500 deputies. There is a talk of disorder at the opening of Parliament to prevent the King being heard, and even of insulting or attacking his Majesty. It is contended in some* quarters that such demonstrations will clear the air and rouse the electors from their apathy, to which the Socialists owe their triumph. It is suggested, on the other hand, that King Vittorio Emanuele will abdicate in favour of the Duke of Aosta, who is very popular owing to his brilliant leadership of the Third Army. LONDON, November 25. The Morning Post's Rome correspondent states that although rumours are prevalent that King Emanuele will abdicate owing to the threatening attitude of the Socialists, it is generally believea that he will not stoop to such a weak course. It is even suggested that the King will refrain from appearing at the opening of Parliament, because the Socialists, who, while an insignificant party, refrained from attending, now declare that they will take the opportunity of hissing his Majesty and preventing the Speech from the Throne, also hmtmg at an injury to the King either in going or returning from Parliament. While a political crisis is possible, following the increased representation of Socialists, due to the apathv of the middle classes to the elections, it is expected that ex-Premier Nitti, "" with a considerable Catholic support, will be able, despite a small majority, to retain the reins of government. ROME, November 26. It is predicted that the Budget will include a tax on capital, a tax on war profits, taxe3 on luxuries and on brewing, and the reduction of interest on Treasury bonds. Signor Nitti has effecte'd a saving by reducing the number of officers, thus placing the army approximately on a peace footing. THE POSITION IN FRANCE. . PARIS, November 24. The Young France Party, which is being formed in the new Chamber of Deputies, excludes all who formerly held Ministerial offices. The party supports a policy of securing budgetary equilibrium and reorganisation of the economic administration. NEW YORK, November 26. The New York World's Paris correspondent interviewed President Poincare, who said: After my Presidential term I propose to offer myself as a candidate for the Chamber of Deputies or Senate. MyFolicy will be to keep France powerful, want her to maintain a strong army. Peace would be a vain word. Without American co-operation tho treaty would mean nothing. France's economic status cannot be restored without complete exploitation of the French colonies. Germany shows no signs of true repentance. We must watch carefully, or smouldering fires may blaze anew. I am a firm upholder of the League of Nations. The league would prove its efficacy and assure peace if it becomes a reality. THE BELGIAN POLL. LONDON, November 81. The Morning Post's Brussels correspondent draws attention to the- defeat of the Catholic Party in the elections, after holding an absolute majority in both Chambers for over 30 years. BRUSSELS, November 24. King Albert has requested M. Delacroix (the present Premier) to form a Coalition Ministry. (In November, 1918, M. Delacroix formed a Ministry, in which there were six Catholic, four Liberal, and two Socialist members. Presumably the Socialists will have greater representation n the new Government.) SWISS ELECTIONS. LONDON, November 24. Pro-Bolshevism is reappearing in' Switzerland, following on the elections, in which the Socialists are expected to gain 14 seats. Demonstrations in favour of M. Lenin and General Trotsky were held at Geneva. The police in Paris have seized copies of the Swiss organ Le Feuille, printed in French, and palpably Bolshevist in character.