"Proclamation of Alberto I.—Formation of
the New Ministry.
"The French Government have received the following Telegraphic Despatch from Toulon:—
"'The Alessandro steamer has just arrived from Montoni. The Marquis of Estella proclaimed the Grand Duke Alberto I. in the evening of the 24th, instead of in the morning of that day, which was his original intention. This was merely occasioned by the delay of the Marquis in entering the capital. The Marquis has formed the following Ministry:—
- "Prime Minister, and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Signor Gaëtano.
- Minister of the Interior, Signor Terlizzi.
- Minister of War, Colonel Cossario.
- Minister of Marine, Admiral Contarino.
- Minister of Finance, Signor Viviani.
- Minister of Justice, Baron Manzoni.
- Minister of Commerce, Chevalier Grachia.'"
The Times newspaper, commenting upon this Administration, reminded its readers that Signors Gaëtano and Terlizzi were the Chiefs of the Provisional Committee of Government during the Revolution in Castelcicala; that Colonel Cossario was the second in command of the glorious army that had achieved Castelcicalan freedom; that Signor Viviani was the well-known banker of Pinalla; and that the Chevalier Grachia was the nephew of the deceased general of that name.
"Thus is it that Richard can now make a Ministry in a powerful State!" murmured Greenwood to himself. "Oh! what a sudden elevation—what a signal rise! And I——"
"What are you muttering about to yourself, Greenwood?" asked Tomlinson.
"Ah!" cried the Member of Parliament, suddenly, and without heeding the stock-broker's question,—for his eyes, wandering mechanically over the surface of the paper which he held in his hand, had settled upon a paragraph that excited the liveliest emotions of surprise:—who could have believed it? Oh! now I recall to mind a thousand circumstances which should have made me suspect the truth!"
"The truth of what?" demanded Tomlinson.