has spread among the distressed. In the West they say the price of money' makes the whole difference between a profit and ruin.'"

However the better Democrats took the alarm in time. At the "Fall elections" the "Greenback-Labour " candidates were beaten everywhere, while the Democrats, who had coquetted with them, suffered severe losses in the north and west, though they so far recouped themselves elsewhere as to leave the balance of parties but slightly affected. When Congress met in December the President's message announced that resumption of specie payments would be carried into effect according to law on New Year's Day. No opposition was threatened, and the revival of mercantile activity already visible was confidently expected to make rapid progress on a basis of hard money.

CHAPTER IV.

ITALY SPAIN-BELGIUM-HOLLAND-DENMARK-PORTUGAL

MEXICO.

Italy.-Death of the King-King Humbert IV.- Death of the Pope-Election of Leo XIII.-Cabinet of S. Cairoli-The Eastern Question-Encyclical Letter -Surplus of Revenue-Municipal Elections-" Italia Irredenta "-Electoral Question-David Lazzaretti-Death of Cardinal Franchi-Reconstruction of the Cabinet-Attempt on the King's Life-Loyal Demonstrations-Defeat of the Cairoli Ministry-Ministry of S. Depretis.

Spain.-Marriage of Alfonso and Mercedes-Opening of the Cortes-Pacification of Cuba-The Budget-Death of Queen Mercedes-Death of Queen Christina -Attempt on the King's Life-Diplomatic Difficulty.

Belgium.-Fall of the Clerical Ministry-Silver Wedding-Opening of Parlia

ment.

Holland.-Outbreak in Acheen-Opening of Parliament-The Budget-Betrothal of the King-Socialism.

Denmark.-Revolt of Negroes in Santa Cruz-The Folkething Dismissed—Marriage of the Duke of Cumberland and Princess Thyra. Portugal.-Change of Ministry.

Mexico.-Border Difficulties.

ITALY.

VICTOR EMMANUEL, first King of Italy, died in Rome on January 9, from a brief but severe attack of fever, caught at his hunting palace of San Rossore, and complicated by pleurisy. He was in his fifty-eighth year, and died on the same day as the Emperor Napoleon. The King belonged to an excommunicated class, those who had aided in the seizure of the States of the Church, though he was never excommunicated by name, but, on his application, his private chaplain performed the last rites of the Church. The chaplain had previously received the authority of his ecclesiastical superiors and the Cardinal-Vicar, and on receiving the intelligence the Pope expressed his regret that his infirmities prevented his visiting the Quirinal himself, and sent the King, by two Monsignors, the Papal benediction, The King remained in

full possession of his faculties to the last, and died enjoining his son to follow in his footsteps. "His character," said the Spectator, 66 was most remarkable for this-that while it was in many serious respects far from elevated, or even average, its loyalty was not only perfect, but was perceptible to the masses of a great country; but we must add here that his death has created deep emotion in Italy, and deep regret in every country in the world. The precise share of the deceased King in making Italy will only be known when this generation has passed away, but it is already certain that without him, without his peculiar, gloomy uprightness in politics, his almost ferocious daring and the confidence which, Savoyard hunter as he was, he attracted from all classes, Italy would never have been made."

The Prince of Piedmont was at once proclaimed King as Humbert IV. After referring to the misfortune which had befallen himself and Italy in the death of a Sovereign who founded the unity of the State, and whose last sigh was for the nation, King Humbert said :-" At this moment there is but one consolation for us possible-namely, to show ourselves worthy of him-I by following in his footsteps, you by remaining devoted to those civic virtues by the aid of which he succeeded in accomplishing the difficult task of rendering Italy great and united. I shall be mindful of the grand examples he gave me of devotion to our country, love of progress, and faith in liberal institutions, which are the pride of my house. My sole ambition will be to deserve the love of my people."

On January 12 the troops throughout Italy took the oath of allegiance to the new King. In Rome the ceremony was extremely impressive. It took place just beyond the baths of Diocletian, on the site of the prætorian camp established by Sejanus. Three sides of the square were lined with troops, while on the fourth were ranged the officers now in Rome, but not attached to the corps under arms. Solemn silence was maintained by the crowds along the route, until on the appearance of the King a shout of "Il Rè Umberto arose on all sides. General Bruzzo, commandant of the Military Division of Rome, read in a loud voice the military oath, and the soldiers, raising the right arm, simultaneously uttered the word "Giuro" ("I swear "). The King then rode to the Piazza dell' Indipendenza for the march past of the troops, and at the conclusion returned to the Quirinal.

A week later he took the oath at the Parliament House, in the presence of an immense assemblage of persons, who cheered him for five minutes.

After the senators had sworn allegiance King Humbert addressed them, and said that Italy-which knew how to understand Victor Emmanuel-proved to him the truth of the lesson taught by his father, that a religious respect of her institutions was the surest guarantee against all danger. Such was the faith of his House, and that it was which would be his strength. He added

he had no other ambition than to be thought worthy of his father.

A telegram from Rome announced that the Vatican, in reply to questions from the Papal Nuncios abroad and several foreign bishops, stated that the situation had not been changed by King Humbert's accession to the throne. But the death of Victor Emmanuel was followed almost immediately by that of the Pope. Pius IX. died on February 7, the Pope who in all the long line had reigned the longest, nearly thirty-two years. He was elected on June 16, 1846. The day before his death he had been in his usual health, but his strength had been greatly worn by the excitement consequent on the death of Victor Emmanuel and the accession of his son, and on the morning of the 7th he had a fainting fit, from which he never recovered. He had recovered so often that his death, in spite of his eighty-five years, came almost as a surprise.

An

In accordance with arrangements made by the congregation of Cardinals the Pope's body, after having been embalmed, was removed to the Sistine Chapel, where it was delivered into the charge of the Chapter of the Vatican, who conveyed it by a covered passage to the Basilica of St. Peter. Here the body was to lie in state for three days, the Chapter of the Vatican celebrating constant masses. The public were admitted from half-past six o'clock on February 10 to St. Peter's to see the lying in state. immense crowd assembled at the doors, and the crush was so great that the military and police on duty had to be increased. Many women fainted, unable to extricate themselves from the throng. The remains, clad in the Pontifical habiliments, were laid on a crimson bed, at each of the four angles of which stood a Noble Guard with drawn sword. Twelve large candelabras surrounded the bed. The body was so placed that the feet of the deceased Pontiff extended beyond the altar rails of the chapel in which the bed stood, so that the people, according to custom, might be able to kiss them. The face looked calm, and the features were unchanged.

The Vatican conclave assembled at once to elect a successor, and soon did its work. Fifty-nine Cardinals out of sixty-two had arrived in the Vatican when on Monday (February 18) they were walled up, and on Tuesday morning the voting began. On Tuesday night the smoke of the burned voting-papers warned the Romans that the effort to secure a two-thirds majority had been ineffectual, but on the Wednesday morning the work was accomplished. Thirty-five Cardinals were found to have voted for Cardinal Pecci, the favourite of the religious but moderate party, and thereupon Cardinal Franchi, head of another section-influenced, it is said, by Cardinal Schwarzenberg-stepped forward with nine followers and "adored " him as Pope. As he had thus received 45 votes, three more than the necessary two-thirds, the election was complete; and Cardinal Pecci was announced to the

crowd outside as Pope, under the name of Leo XIII. The successful candidate was born in 1810, and when quite a young man obtained a reputation by suppressing brigandage in Benevento, and subsequently was Archbishop of Perugia and Nuncio at Brussels. He was disliked by Antonelli, and kept aloof from Rome; but on the death of the Secretary of State, Pius IX. summoned him to the Vatican, and made him Camerlengo, the alter ego of the Pope in all matters of business except foreign affairs, which were entrusted to Cardinal Simeoni. The new Pope was supposed to be "moderate," and declared on all hands to be a learned and able man, especially apt in government, of pure life, and of a most reverend and commanding presence. The first act of Leo XIII. was the appointment of Cardinal Schwarzenberg, an opponent of the Dogma, as Camerlengo. A subscription for a presentation to the Pope as a "gift on his joyous accession" was opened by M. Veuillot, who himself headed the subscription with 10,000f., the residue of 15,000f. forwarded him by Pius IX. on the suppression of the Univers by Napoleon III. The late Pope, he explained, offered him altogether 32,000f. as consolation for the suppression or as assistance in the revival of his paper, but only 15,000f. were accepted. The new Pope, who owed a great deal to the religious press, sent a special blessing to M. Veuillot, whose services he warmly appreciated.

The coronation of Pope Leo XIII. took place on March 3 in the Sistine Chapel, the Pope's first decision to have a public coronation in St. Peter's having, it was said, been altered at the instigation of the Jesuits and Ultramontane Cardinals. A Reuter's despatch stated that as soon as the Roman Catholic Powers who have direct relations with the Vatican were informed of the intention of the Pope to confirm Cardinal Simeoni in his post of Secretary of State they made some observations, which were also supported by some of the cardinals, of such a nature that Cardinal Simeoni, who was about assuming office, was obliged to at once tender his resignation. The Powers in question saw in the confirmation of Cardinal Simeoni a continuation of a policy which they did not consider in conformity with the present time. The Pope thereupon appointed Cardinal Franchi Secretary of State; and Cardinal Simeoni succeeded Cardinal Franchi in the post of Prefect of the Congregation of the Propaganda Fide.

The new King of Italy was invested with the Order of the Garter, which had been conferred on his father by Queen Victoria on his first visit to England, by the Duke of Abercorn, whose special mission for the purpose was made the opportunity for the exchange of friendly messages. Meanwhile there was a change of ministry. The Italian Chamber of Deputies elected Signor Cairoli President of the House by 227 votes out of 384. All the groups of the Left combining to propose Signor Cairoli, the Government, who had hitherto opposed him, at the eleventh hour determined to support him.

The next day, owing, it is said, to the election of Cairoli, but partly also in consequence of a scandal connected with Signor Crispi, the Depretis Ministry resigned. The King sent for the new President, who accepted the task of forming an Administration, stating that he did so to calm the public mind, and admitting the necessity of reform, especially with regard to taxation. After a fortnight's endeavours Signor Cairoli formed his Cabinet as follows:-Cairoli, President, without portfolio; Corti, Foreign Affairs; Zanardelli, Interior; Seismit-Doda, Finance; Conforti, Justice; Baccarini, Public Works; De Sanctis, Public Instruction; Bruzzo, War; Brochetti, Marine.

Signor Cairoli read in the Chamber, on March 26, the Royal decrees accepting the resignation of the Depretis Ministry and those appointing a new Cabinet. He added that by a decree signed that day Count Corti was appointed Minister for Foreign Affairs. Signor Cairoli afterwards made a speech explaining the policy of the new Cabinet. They would, he said, maintain the prestige of the Constitution intact, avoiding every restrictive or arbitrary interpretation of its provisions. With regard to foreign policy, Signor Cairoli said:" Italy is on a friendly footing with all the Powers. Desiring to enjoy the benefits of peace, she will maintain neutrality; but under any circumstances that may arise she will know how to defend her dignity and her interests. Consequently the Ministry consider that the measures taken to complete the organisation of the army have not been without utility." The Government would maintain the lately-established balance between revenue and expenditure, would propose an enquiry as to the present condition of railways, bring in Bills for the provisional management of North Italian lines and for an electoral reform, and refer to Parliament the question relating to the recent abolition of the Ministry of Trade and Agriculture.

Signor Farini, of the Left, was elected, in the Minister's place, President of the Italian Chamber of Deputies by 174 out of 262 votes. Sixty votes were given for Coppino, a member of the late Ministry, and twenty-six blank votes were given by the Nicotera faction. The Right almost unanimously supported Farini.

The Pope held a Consistory at the Vatican on March 28, at which he gave an address eulogising the Pontificate of Pius IX. A very sorrowful state of things everywhere prevailed, he said, affecting not only civil society but the Church, which, having been despoiled of the temporal power, was unable to enjoy the free and independent exercise of the authority which belonged to it. He could not, however, refuse to accept the Pontificate, and would devote himself to the preservation of the Catholic faith and the Holy See. The Pope then expressed the consolation it afforded him to carry out the work, begun by Pius IX., of establishing a Catholic hierarchy in Scotland, and afterwards announced the nominations he had made.

Agitation on the Eastern Question now began in the Chamber.