Nevertheless, for long months, the Government has patiently
striven to find a compromise, with the object of restoring to
the agreement the reason for being which it had lost. These
negotiations were, however, limited not only by time, but by
our national dignity. Beyond these limits the interests both
of our honor and of our country would have been compromised.
Signor Salandra was interrupted time and time again by rounds of
applause from all sides, and the climax was reached when he made a
reference to the army and navy. Then the cries seemed interminable, and
those on the floor of the House and in the galleries turned to the
Military Tribune, from which the officers answered by waving their hands
and handkerchiefs. At the end of the Premier's speech there were
deafening "vivas" for the King, war, and Italy.
Only thirty-four Intransigent Socialists refused to join in the cheers,
even in the cry "Viva Italia!" and they were hooted and hissed.
After the presentation of the bill conferring full powers upon the
Government the President of the Chamber submitted the question whether a
committee of eighteen members should be elected.
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