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CHAPTER XXIII.

ITALY WITHOUT CAVOUR. A.D. 1862-3.

THE new ministry was formed by Baron Ricasoli. Victor Emmanuel turned to his state duties with a feeling of loneliness and a sense of increased responsibility. Henceforth he gave more personal attention to foreign affairs, dictated correspondence, and wrote much. From a number of notes written in his own hand, for the use of an envoy at Paris, we quote one or two.

I desire that the person that the emperor sends here to represent him, be one who knows how to reconcile in an amicable manner the interests of two countries so closely allied.

I desire that the emperor should be reassured as to the state of the army, which every day is increasing in strength on the basis of the ancient Piedmontese army; and that he should not believe the erroneous reports which have been communicated to him. My wish is to Italianise Piedmont, and Piedmontise the army!

I have in no respect changed my way of thinking on the Roman question. It is a matter of time. I am

not ambitious to go there now, nor for some time. I am

aware that at present France cannot do otherwise than she is doing; and I am firm in my idea that the question of Venice should precede that of Rome.

The

Victor Emmanuel to Count Ponza di San Martino. Dear Count,-I thank you for the various letters you have written me, and still more for your work. affairs of the government of the Neapolitan provinces go well, and I am sure, with your activity and capacity, they will continue to improve.

The death of Count Cavour is a grievous fact, and I feel it deeply; but that mournful event shall not arrest for one moment the onward march of our

political life. I see the future before me clear as a mirror, and nothing can daunt me. I wish strength and courage to the present ministry, for grave trials are still in store for us; but if God gives me life we shall pass through them fearless and uninjured. The recognition of France will be an accomplished fact within this month. It is not well to push the Roman question; I delay it as much as possible, feeling sure that that of Venice ought to precede it, and I am firm on this point.

Dear Count, remember me sometimes, and remain always firm in the faith, as I am: the future is ours. I press your hand. Your affectionate,

Turin, June 15, 1861.

VICTOR EMMANUEL.

In the month of July, Russia and Prussia followed the example of England and France, and acknowledged Italian unity. At the same time the young King of Portugal sent an ambassador extraordinary to ask the hand of Victor Emmanuel's youngest daughter, Maria Pia, and to present his portrait to the king. The offer was received favourably; in fact, Victor Emmanuel, who knew Don Louis personally and liked the Braganza family, desired the alliance very much. In the course of three months the marriage was officially announced, and there were great rejoicings on the occasion, and congratulatory addresses innumerable. The senators and deputies who came in the name of the legislative bodies to present an address, Victor Emmanuel invited to enter his daughter's reception-room, and speak their farewell compliments personally,-that she might carry away a livelier impression of the affections she left behind her. The young princess was moved to tears, and in thanking the deputation said she would never forget the land of her fathers. The king accompanied her to Genoa, where he consigned her to the charge of the Portuguese ambassadors. The last hour before parting the father and daughter spent alone with each other, and when they reappeared the eyes of both were red with weeping. Maria Pia was Victor Emmanuel's youngest child, and god-daughter of Pio Nono.

The most striking want-at least, the one that travellers suffered most from-in the Pontifical States, was the absence of railway communication, all the Popes before Pio Nono's time having had a strong pre

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judice against steam-engines; while even he gave only a tardy and reluctant sanction to the dangerous innovation. Long after other civilised states enjoyed the advantages of locomotives, the Pope's subjects still jogged over mountain and moor in carriages,-the tedium of the journey being frequently enlivened by encounters with brigands; and it was the custom for a gentleman when starting on a trip of thirty or forty miles, to make his will and confession, like a soldier preparing for battle.

Under the new régime this want of railway communication was being gradually supplied; and in the November of 1861, the line between Bologna and Ancona being complete, Victor Emmanuel went to open it with an imposing ceremony. The king was greeted with great warmth all along the line. When the train ran parallel to the road great crowds were assembled who waved their hats and cheered vociferously, crying Viva Vittorio Emanuele nel Campidoglio! The king said to his ministers-'Yet there are people in Europe who think when I speak of the necessity of settling the Roman question, that it is my caprice or ambition. If they heard those cries they would be persuaded of the just desires of the people, and that it is a necessity for the tranquillity of Italy and the peace of Europe.'

At the end of this year the Crown Prince of Sweden, now the reigning sovereign, visited the King of Italy, and they became fast friends. Baron Ricasoli only held office about nine months; not feeling equal to the difficulties he had to encounter, he resigned in March 1862, and Signor Ratazzi was empowered to form a new

ministry. Naples was still tormented by brigands, and consequently in a disturbed state. The ministers thought the king's presence there would have a good effect and in fact it had a very powerful one on the excitable Neapolitans, who all united in the warmest demonstrations of affection for him. While there, his son-in-law, the Prince Napoleon, came in state to visit him in the emperor's name, and there was a great nautical fête in the Bay of Naples on the occasion.

TELEGRAM.

The King of Italy to the Emperor of the French.

I have just now visited the fleet which you have sent to meet me in this port. This act on your part of kindness for me personally, and sympathy for the Italian cause, has touched me deeply, and I thank you for it. It is a long time, sire, since I have felt such happy emotion as this day. The order that reigns in these southern provinces, and the warm testimonies of affection I receive on all sides, reply triumphantly to the calumnies of our enemies; and will convince Europe, I hope, that the idea of Italian unity rests upon a solid basis, and is profoundly engraven on the hearts of all Italians.

Accept the assurance of my sincere and unalterable friendship.

Naples, May 3.

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