NEWS OF THE WEEK.
THE Italian Premier has found it necessary to deliver a speech to correct the effect of his talk with the reporter of the Figaro, which, it is now admitted, occurred. The speech was delivered at Florence on Wednesday, and its main objects are to reaffirm the necessity of the Triple Alliance to Italy, and to conciliate Austria by expressing dislike of Irredentism, which the speaker was once believed to favour. S. Crispi also took advantage of the occasion to express his belief that the throne was essential to the unity of Italy. The speech has greatly pleased Vienna and Berlin, and greatly irritated Paris and the Republicans of Italy, who have contrived to fuse their aspirations for the French form of government with aspirations for more territory. Its general effect is pacifying, but it leaves, as we have said elsewhere, an impression that S. Crispi is opportunist to unscrupulousness, and would make or break any alliance in the hope of profit to Italy. Fortunately, Italy's interest in protection against France is enduring, perhaps even unchangeable.
