Dialog

In Rome, simultaneously on the eve of the reopening of Parliament, were held plenary meetings of Fascist and Socialist Opposition Deputies. The first assembled to hear a speech from Premier Mussolini; the second to approve a proclamation to the Italian people. Reports of both meetings were published in Italian newspapers at the same time and they showed the yawning chasm which divides political Italy. This is particularly brought out by The New York Times, which presented the chief points made in the form of a dialog:

MUSSOLINI: "The reopening of Parliament is a proof of my Constitutional intentions."

OPPOSITION: "Parliament is a bluff with which you hope to cheat public opinion."

MUSSOLINI: "The Fascist Militia is Constitutional because it has sworn faithfulness to the King."

OPPOSITION: "The oath of faithfulness has no value because you have stated that the militia must remain devoted to Fascismo and act as the bulwark of the Fascist revolution."

MUSSOLINI: "Justice is impartial and strikes the Fascisti as heavily as any other citizens."

OPPOSITION: "We have no faith in the Justice of a Government whose actions should be investigated by Magistrates."

MUSSOLINI: "The present Parliament can and must function."

OPPOSITION: "The only solution of the present situation is to hold general elections."

MUSSOLINI: "We have increased the prosperity of the country."

OPPOSITION: "You are responsible for the higher living costs and lower wages."