A great many Italians think the European situation very serious.
Signor Crispi says be is all in favour of peace, but hints at past complications ; and the Esercito, the leading mili- tary journal, affirms that, "some weeks since," France was on the point of making a raid on Spezzia with a powerful fleet and a body of troops. The plan had been prepared, the fleet was nearly ready, and the descent would have followed the declara- tion of war within a few hours. The Italian Government was so alarmed, that it placed Spezzia and Genoa in a position of defence with " feverish activity." It is possible that such a scheme may have been discussed, but it is not likely that it was adopted. The risk in such an operation, if the Italian fleet fought well, would have been excessive, and France would have brought all Europe down on her by such a treacherous act. At the same time, it is impossible to exaggerate the rage created in Paris by the Treaty of Friedrichsrnhe, or the energy of the decision, if it is ever possible, to regain Rome and break up the unity of Italy.
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