ITALIAN AFFAIRS.

Otago Witness, Issue 3614, 19 June 1923, Page 17

ITALIAN AFFAIRS.

PRIME MINISTER'S DIFFICULTIES. LONDON, June 10. The special correspondent of The Times at Rome states that Signor Mussolini, in a speech in the Senate, attributed tha recent outbreaks to the opening of Parliament. He denied that the Fascisti despised Parliament. He added that Parliament had merely ceased to be important because Syndicalism had dealt t a death-blow. He did not intend to tell bis birthright for a mess of potage—namely, in order to secure the assistance of the dregs of Italian political life. The correspondent adds: ‘‘Signor Mussolini was never in such danger politically. The country feels the discomfort of tha Fascist rule, while the people have not yet had time to appreciate tho benefits. There has been a. rapid series of internal quarrels, leading to resignation. Even the Fascists themselves are at loggerheads, the question being whether tha Fascismo intends, to be a constitutional Government or a Government based on force. Signor Mussolini knows that Ins is the only possible Government, yet it would be defeated at a general election. NEW ELECTORAL LAW. ROME, June 15. The main points in Mussolini’s new electoral law are that it divides the kingdom into 20 electoral divisions, which elect 533 deputies. Candidates shall be represented in one Nationalist list, and no list shall be recognised unless there are one-third of the number of possible candidates in any division. Lists are only voted on if they are presented by 1500 voters in each division. The list that secures an absolute National majority of votes will be divided by 535, and so many seats assigned as correspond with each quotient. The measure is meeting with strong opposition. The Catholic Centre is most refractory because it is threatened with loss of the greatest number of seats. The United Socialists also op post? it; but even if they joined with the Catholics they would be unable to defeat the Bill. The Popularists argue that the scheme is intended to secure the Fascist dictatorship for 30 years. JOY FEEDING CONDEMNED, ROME, June 15. It is believed that the press is closely echoing Signor Mussolini’s views, following on a speech by Signor Mussolini before the Supreme Council of Fascists, insisting on a return to the simple habits which characterised the party’s formation. Signor Vaselli, political chief of the Roman Province, has issued orders forbidding banquets on the occasions of the Black Shirt (Fascist!) celebrations. If refreshments are needed when war memorials are inaugurated army rations must be served in army tins, and instead of elaborate meals on other occasions modest fare must be provided. Signor Vaselli points o.ut that continual joy feeding has damaged the Fascisti's reputation for seriousness.