CAPS IN THE RANKS
very warm démonstration, and Victor Emmanuel was much gratified by it.
He exhausted himself in suitable replies to the addresses, but they are too numerous to quote.
About this time the French Government removed the old ship of war Orénoque, which had remained at Civita Vecchia as a protection to the Holy Father, or a means of escape in case of danger.
In this year several eminent Italians died ; amongst them the Marchese Gualterio, one of the most devoted friends of the House of Savoy, and the Cavalière Desambrois, who had presided in the councils of Charles Albert at the promulgation of the Statuto. The ‘ makers ’ of Italy were fast dropping off, and Victor Emmanuel was left almost alone of the noble band who had rallied round his throne in the time of trial and danger. He felt it deeply. ‘ I am not yet old, and ail the friends of my youth are passing away,’ he said sadly. La Marmora and the king had become estranged in the days of prosperity and peace, having clung to each other faithfully in the time of misfortune. We do not prétend to say whose fault it was, but it must hâve saddened the last few years of these two gallant warm-hearted soldiers, who had made the campaign of life together, to be divided at the end.
In 1876 the two emperors returned the visit the King of Italy had made them three years before. In considération for the Pope’s feelings Victor Emmanuel could not reçoive his visitors in Rome, so they were asked to select whatever other city in the kingdom they liked.
The Emperor of Austria, with ‘ exquisite courtesy/ chose Venîce as the spot of Italian soil on which to renew his pledge of friendship to Victor Emmanuel. If he went to Rome the Pope would be offended, if to Florence or Naples he would hurt the feelings of his dispossessed relations. Choosing Venice he hurt nobody but himself.
Victor Emmanuel was quite touched by this magnanimity, because he knew Francis Joseph had selected Venice ofa set purpose. There was Turin in which the king could hâve received his guest without awakening any unpleasant recollections. ‘ It is an act of self-abnegation,’ he said, ‘ of which I do not believe I should be capable.’
AU the more warm was the welcome he wished to give him in the city of the Lagunes. He felt alittle uneasy lest the réception of the emperor by the Venetians should not be ail he wished, but there was no need of anxiety on this point. The king walked up and down the platform with feverish impatience, looking up the line every few minutes. When the train stopped, and the emperor sprang out, the first face that presented itself was that of his ‘ dear friend, ally, and brother.’ The sovereigns kissed each other on the lips, and walked arm in arm out of the station. Wherever they appeared they seemed anxious to show the people what sincere confiding friends old enemies can become when once reconciled. And the Venetians left nothing undone on their part that might please and honour the guest of their king. The city authorities spared no expense, and the
