r has been internal. Her Socialistic ferment was so
great at one time that it did not appear likely that the old Italy
could long continue without revolution. "W Lenin" [1] is scrawled in
black on many walls, and also, "Down with the betrayers of the Army,"
and "Vote the full Socialist Programme." The idea of revolution is
popular among the masses, and the efforts of the anti-Communist
volunteers have several times suggested a general outbreak of civil
war. Of all the Allies Italy has had the stormiest after-the-war
period, and the outlook has seemed blackest for her. Given time, she
could, however, right herself--and the time has been given. If the
working class had been impoverished and threatened with unemployment it
is doubtful whether Italy could have weathered all the trouble. But
the proletariat was rich. The provincial banking accounts had become
full. The peasants now are especially well-off, and if the proletariat
wanted to fall upon the rich they would have to fall upon themselves.
"The principal phenomenon of our life," said Signor S---- at one of the
Ministries, "is a complete economic inversion. The number of our poor
does not increase, for the wealth of the country has been exceedingly
well shuffled and dealt out afresh to all."

"Do not be deceived by appearances of unrest," said B---- of the
"Messagero." "It is caused chiefly by the ex-soldiers who will not
settle down. You have the phenomenon as well as we. It is common
after war. Only our men are more turbulent than any other in Europe.
You have seen them, large, full-blooded, and excitable heroes, not so
sluggish and obedient as the French, more nervous and clamorous than
the English. But we are working. The women and children are more
industrious than formerly, and make up for the men's defection. Italy
will right herself."

Undoubtedly, external policy has helped Italy greatly. Whilst France
and England have played a fitfully obstructionist and generally
uninspired policy towards the restoration of European trade, Italy has
been steadily working in a positive direction. She has received
substantial help from Germany, help in return for help. The wasteful
process of using Switzerland as a fence for German goods has largely
been abandoned in favour of a direct commercial exchange. Italian
shipping, augmented by its Austrian spoils, has obtained considerable
help and advice. Quite surprising how many Germans have posts in the
I