VICTOR’S REPLY TO THE EX-DICTATORS

vote formerly expressed by the Assemblies of Emilîa. Such signal manifestations put a seal to the proofs of order, of perseverance, of love of country, of political wisdom, which in a few months hâve won for those people the sympathy and esteem of ail the civilised world. I accept their solemn vote, and henceforth I will glory to call them my people.

In uniting to the constitutional monarchy of Piedmont, and making equal to her other provinces — not only the States of Parma and Modena, but also the Romagna — which already, of their own accord, had separated themselves from the Pontifical rule, I do not mean to lessen my dévotion to the vénérable head of the Church — a dévotion which has been, and always will be, warm in my heart. As a Catholic and Italian prince I am always ready to defend that independence necessary to his suprême ministry, to contribute to the splendour of his court, and to render homage to his high sovereignty. The Parliament is about to unité. It will receive in its bosom the représentatives of Central Italy with those of Piedmont and Lombardy, thus consolidating the new kingdom, and giving a larger prospect of assured liberty and independence.

To Baron Bettino Ricasoli, Dictator of Tuscany.

The homage that you bring me in fulfilment of the solemn vote already manifested by the Assembly in which was collected the flower of the Tuscan

population, crowns that sériés of invincible propositions, of generous works, which make Tuscany deserve the affection of every Italian and the applause of ail civilised peoples.

I accept this vote, which after many months of trial is now strengthened by the unanimity of popular suffrage, and I glory to be able to call the Tuscans also my people.

Associating her lot with that of my kingdom, Tuscany does not renounce her glorious traditions, but continues and increases them, making them common with other noble provinces of Italy. The Parliament in which the représentatives of Tuscany shall sit beside those of Piedmont, Lombardy, and the Emilia, will, I am certain, inform ail its laws with the fruitful principle of liberty, which will assure to Tuscany the benefits of self-government without weakening, but rather strengthening, that intimate communion of efforts and of will that is the most efficacious guarantee of the prosperity and independence of our country.

The ex-dictators received the order of the SS. Annunziata ; Baron Ricasoli was made Governor of Tuscany, and Farini, Minister of the Interior,

Victor Emmanuel to the People of Central Italy.

Your desire is satisfied : you are united with my other peoples in one sole monarchy ; your concord and persévérance hâve deserved this reward. Great