NOTE--The pictures on pages 6, 7, 8, 9, are printed
through the courtesy of the Italian Embassy, Washington. They are
reproduced from photographs owned by the Italian Government.]
[Illustration: Ceiling showing spaces from which art masterpieces have
been removed]
No restrictions were placed on the use of electricity in most city
homes, although street illumination was diminished and in certain
cities in the advanced zone was abolished entirely, as a defensive
measure. The abundance of electricity is explained by the fact that it
is very often generated by water power, as, for instance, in Rome.
Restaurants must send to the authorities a list of food furnished,
with prices charged for each portion, or for the whole meal, or for
the week. They must indicate also any extra charges, and the reason
for such charges. The authorities will approve the menu only if it
corresponds with normal or prescribed prices, and a copy, stamped and
signed by an authorized person, must be exposed to the public where it
can easily be seen.
No food can be served unless it is on the approved list. In large
cities, there is a committee of control, composed of five citizens
appointed by the mayor, whose duty it is to see that the restrictions
are rigidly observed. If the police authorities do not approve of a
certain menu, it is submitted to the committee, and unless they put
their O. K. upon it, the restaurant is not permitted to use it.
Two factors combine to keep prices of necessities and even luxuries
down to a reasonable level. One is the so-called "_calmiere_," or
government regulation, that certain products may not be sold at a
higher price than that fixed by the regularly constituted authorities.
The other factor is the prevalence of co-operative societies that sell
to their members at cost or almost at cost. Retailers have to compete
with these societies, and there is a consequent curb on profiteering.
Nearly every trade or profession has its own co-operative stores. The
entrance fee which must be paid to join a co-operative society is very
moderate, in some instances as low as five _lire_ (about one dollar).
[Illustration: THE ASSUMPTION OF THE VIRGIN