No. 275.
Mr. Marsh
to Mr. Evarts.
Rome, July 16, 1879. (Received August 4.)
Sir: It is announced on the 14th instant that Mr. Cairoli, who was charged by the King with the formation of a new cabinet, had succeeded in this task, and so many of the new ministers as were present at Rome were sworn into office on that day. It appears, however, that some of the portfolios are still vacant and there is no certainty when the ministry will be complete.
The grave question of principle in regard to the power of the Senate on bills for revenue still remains, and there does not appear to be much prospect of harmonious action as to the proposal to reduce or abolish the grist-tax, and it may be necessary to dissolve Parliament and resort to a new election.
I have, &c.,