But the _Consulta di Stato_ of Finances, established the 12th of September, 1849, only gave signs of life in December, 1853.

Four years afterwards! This is what I call drawing a bill at a pretty long date.

It is admitted that the nation needs some guarantees, and that it is entitled to tender some advice, and to exercise some control.

And so the nation is requested to call again in four years.
The members of the _Consulta_ of the Finances are a sort of sham deputies; very sham ones, I assure you, although the Count de Rayneval, to suit his purpose, is pleased to call them "the Representatives of the Nation." They represent the nation as Cardinal Antonelli represents the Apostles.
They are elected by the Pope from a list presented by the Communal Councils.

The Communal Councillors are elected by their predecessors of the Communal Council, who were chosen directly by the Pope from a list of eligible citizens, each of whom must have produced a certificate of good conduct, both religious and political.