THE MICHIAVELLIAN PRINCE

Signor Mussolini does not read his history in vain. Having profited so much already by the study of Imperial Roman methods he is celebrating the third anniversary of his advent to power by delving into archives of the Middle Ages. He has brought the policy to light again, with rare appreciation of the spirit in which that official was originally created.

On the theory, or pretext, that they must be impartial in local party feuds, these magistrates were never natives of the city which they were appointed to govern. Far be it from Signor Mussolini to overlook the advantages of this mediaeval method of centralization. Appointees of the national government will soon supplant locally elected mayors.

This move, according to Signor Mussolini's cabinet, will end the incompetence which is corollary to petty political warfare, and substitute "an organ of government above parties." The Fascisti are apparently resolved to introduce more competence and more of themselves into Italian politics, for, as Signor Mussolin frankly admits, "You cannot govern with words."