ITALY. The modern Italian navy dates from 1860, when the fleets of Sardinia and the Two Sicilies were combined. immediately after the formation of the Italian Kingdom the construc tion of a powerful navy was commenced. The newly constructed fleet received a severe setback at Lissa, in 1866, hut it was continually added to and in 1890. so far at least as ships were concerned, it was the third navy in the world. It then reached the limit of size permitted by the national finances. Since 1890 it has pre served about the same strength of fleet. hut the increases in the navies of the 'United States, Rus sia, and Germany have forced Italy to sixth place in naval rank. The bead of the nav' is the Minister of Marine (an admiral), who is assisted by the 'superior council' of the navy, composed of 1 vice-admiral (or admiral), presi dent ; 3 vice-admirals (or rear-admirals), 1 di• rector-general of the civil personnel, members; 1 rear-admiral (or captain), who is a member and secretary; and lastly the chief of the bureau or office whose affairs are under consideration.
By the law of November 23, 1889, the Navy De partment is divided into 10 sections. as follows: ( ) General Staff and Cabinet, which consists of (a) cabinet of the minister, which coordinates the different branches; (b) questions of a gen eral military kind, strategy, and tactics, aux iliary fleet, defense of the coast, and fleet manwuvres: (e) rules and arrangements con cerning the service, diseipline, dress, etc. (2) Direction of the service as regards, personnel. (3) Naval Construction. (4) Armament and Equipment. (5) :Merchant Marine. (6) Hydro graphic Service. (7) Medieal Department. (8) Military Engineering (fortifications. works, ete.1. (9) Office of Revision. (1(1) Accounts.
The Naval Academy and College is located at Leghorn. The principal dockyards are at Cas tellamare, Spezia, Venice. Taranto, and Naples; naval stations at Genoa, Messina, Licata, Ca gliari, and Palermo. The Italian fleet as it ex isted in 1902 is summarized in the table given later in this article.