Fascissimi

Last week Fascismo took a new and overwhelming stride towards dominance in Italian affairs. Announcements on three successive days outlined a program of absolutism which the Fascisti have called "the third wave of the Fascist revolution." The announcements were as follows:

One. An agreement has been made between the Italian Confederation of Industry (representing practically all Italian employes) and the Confederation of Fascist Trade Unions, to the effect that in all employer-employe disputes the two Confederations are to regard each other as having the sole right to represent respectively all Italian employers and all Italian workingmen.

By this agreement the Socialists, who for 30 years have assumed to themselves the right to champion and defend the working class, are ruled out of practically all labor disputes. The Fascists declare that the measure will put an end to the Socialists' attempts to start a Marxian class war, and will bring about the realization of the Fascist ideal of class collaboration.

Two. The Mussolini Cabinet approved a bill providing that henceforth the Mayor of Rome and the mayors of all Italian municipalities of less than 5,000 inhabitants will be superseded by officers appointed by the Central Government. Thus the electorates of the towns affected will have practically no voice in the administration of their local affairs.

The Fascisti assert that this "reform" is made necessary by the fact that Italians are frequently swayed by passion at local elections, and do not return to office such able men as the Central Government would set over them.

The proposed officials are likened to the "Podestas" of the early Italian republics, who were Governors possessed of extensive powers.

Three. Several interlocking measures were likewise approved by the Fascist Council of Ministers which are intended to alter the whole political structure of Italy. What is proposed is that the Senate shall be gradually transformed from a body the members of which are appointed by the King, into an elective assembly whose members shall be representatives of various organizations recognized by the Fascist government, chiefly agriculturalists, industrialists and workingmen. At the same time the power of the Senate would be increased, so that it would eventually become the more important of the two houses of Parliament.

Significance. Premier Mussolini undoubtedly intends to throw his whole influence behind, this program. And he will have a united Fascist party at his back. It is considered that the "reforms" have a very good chance of being imposed upon Italy.