Not less to be considered is the royal pre rogative in regard to the choice of the Chamber of Deputies. On its right exercise depends largely wise development, or disorder in public affairs. The Statute places no limitations on him except in the request that Parliament be reconvoked within four months.
No statutory limitation exists to this high prerogative which, except in Norway, holds in all constitutional monarchies; and among the republics is recognized only in France, tem pered by the previous assent of the Senate.
In the lack of regulations the experience and the wise judgment of the sovereign contributed largely in Italy to the right use of the Statute. There are certain special conditions that prac tice has shown may determine the necessity and the occasion for a selection : 1. When there is continued dissension in re gard to high matters of state; as occurred on the occasion of the treaty between Piedmont and Austria with the celebrated Edict of Monca lieri, in 1849.
2. When a serious conflict takes place be tween the two branches of Parliament, and the king has not been able, or has not thought of settling it by renewing the Upper Chamber, aug menting the number of senators to assure a government majority, This is what King Hum bert did in 1880, calling the assembly to decide on the flour tax, which the Chamber wished to abolish, and the Senate intended to retain (1880).
3. When the Chamber and the government had not fixed standards of general political rights it became necessary to take a popular vote to avoid more serious disturbance (1904).
4. When the new Cabinet had not obtained explicit approval, or results did not clearly show a majority of votes, on account of many absent votes (1892).
5. When through internal disturbances, not withstanding the established majority, parlia mentarybusiness was impeded, as in 1900, when obstructionists paralyzed the work of the as sembly.
6. When some grave event occurs which modifies the territory of the country, as in the occupation of Venice and Rome, which gave rise to an election in the Chamber on 13 Feb. 1867, and on 2 Nov. 1870.
7. When a new electoral law is voted. In this way the Chamber was elected in 1882 after the reforms. But it was not thought necessary to re-elect it in 1891, after the law which sub stituted viva voce nominations for nominations by ballot.
From this short exposition it is seen how in Italy the Crown, while preserving its high dynastic prerogatives, has from the beginning followed such a liberal policy as to render mon archy compatible with a wise democracy. The co-operation in the national reorganization, the common struggle for independence and unity, and the plebiscites have consolidated this union between the Crown and the Parliament.
The statute and political science may define the outlines, indicate the forms, but the rest must be governed by good customs which are the true guarantee of free institutions. Italy can boast of a parliamentary monarchy which will bear comparison with the correct tradi tions of England.
On its side the Parliament, following the trend of the times, has, without shocks or ex cesses, adapted its constitution to modern needs.
Thus, with harmony established between the powers of the government, and political forms adjusted, Italy may proceed serenely on the path of social reform.
Consult Crosa, Emilio, competenza regia nel diritto italiano) (Milan 1916).