ITALY: Period of Repose

Often has the government of stern Dictator Benito Mussolini demanded stiff sums from Italian taxpayers. But last week // Duce was in relenting mood, perhaps because a neighboring dictator had just fallen (see p. 21).

To a delegation of Italian mayors, grouped about him in a respectful crescent, the Prime Minister thundered with energy and prudence:

“We are now the giant with steel tendons which is Fascist Italy! We can take a little rest in order shortly to accelerate the tempo of our march. All public works not strictly necessary must be postponed. We propose to give the Italian taxpayers a period of repose. Dazio Consumo* [intercity taxation] is a relic of the Middle Ages now maintained only in France, Greece and Italy. It must be abolished.”

* Dazio Consumo: small municipal taxes on foodstuffs, merchandise, gasoline, etc., collected at customs houses at city limits.