CESSION OF NICE AND SAVOY TO FRANCE

députations who waited on him with affectionate reproaches, that the question should be decided by their votes. It was hard to tell his faithful subjects, who had been so devoted to him and his dynasty, that they must transfer their allegiance to another sovereign, and that he wished them to do so. He did it, however, saying that, though he felt the séparation to be a terrible sacrifice, he knew they would be equally prospérons when United to France ; hehoped they would be good subjects to the emperor, but he begged them not to forget the old country, as he never could foiget the proofs they had given of dévotion to him and to the national cause.

On March 24 the treaty was signed, and at the same time the king issued an address to the inhabitants of Nice and Savoy, trying to reconcile them to the change by reminding them of the affinity of race, language, and customs between them and the French. Unwillingly the Savoyards gave their consent to be disunited from the mother country ; but the transfer was effected without any serions disturbance, in spite of the passionate protests of a few fitry spirits like Garibaldi. Nice was the birthplace of the great volunteer, and his grief and indignation knew no bounds when he learned that it had been transferred to a foreign rule.

The Parliament was opened on April 2 with unusual pomp. The représentatives of the new States, the most distinguished men of Southern and Central Italy, mingled with the Sardinian and Lombard senators and deputies in taking the oath of allegiance. It was a roll-call of illustrious names, among which were Man-

zoni, Capponi, Ricasoli, Farini, Mamiani, Poerio. Great enthusiasm prevailed, and loud acclamations followed the swearing-in of the new members. Then a profound silence followed, and the king delivered his speech, every paragraph of which was received with applause, with one exception.

The King' s Speech.

Gentlemen Senators, — Gentlemen Deputies, — The last time I opened Parliament, when Italy was sunk in sorrows, and the state menaced by great danger, faith in Divine justice comforted me, and augured well for our destinies. In a very brief space of time an invasion was repelled, Lombardy liberated by the glorious achievements of the army. Central Italy freed by the marvellous merit of her people ; and today I hâve here assembled around me the représentatives of the rights and of the hopes of the nation. For so much good fortune we are debtors to a magnanimous ally, to the valour of his and our soldiers, to the self-abnegation of the volunteers, to the persevering harmony of ail the peoples ; and let us render to God the merit of it ail, for, without superhuman aid, such enterprises, mémorable in présent and future générations, are not accomplished.

In gratitude to France, for the good of Italy, to consolidate the union between two nations that hâve a common origin, principles, and doctrines — and finding it necessary to make some sacrifice — I hâve

THE KING’S speech TO THE NEW PARLIAMENT. 2Ç

made that which has cost my heart dear. Subject to the vote of the people, the approbation of Parliament, and the consent of Switzerland with regard to the guarantees of international rights, I hâve made a treaty for the reunion of Savoy and Nice to France.

Here the royal speaker’s voice grew thick, and he could hardly finish the sentence. He paused a minute or tvvo before he resumed in his usual firm sonorous accents.

Many difficulties we hâve yet to overcome, but sustained by public opinion and the love of my people, I shall not allow the least of their rights or liberties to be injured. Though firm as my fathers were in the dogmas of the Catholic Church, and reverence for its Suprême Head, should the ecclesiastical authorities adopt spiritual arms for temporal interests, I, with a safe conscience, and reposing in the traditions of my fathers, will find strength to maintain entire civil liberty and my authority, — of which I owe account only to God and my people.

The provinces of the Emilia hâve had an administration in conformity with that of the older provinces ; but with regard to Tuscany, which has had laws of its own, a particular temporary provision is necessary.

The shortness of the time and the rapidity of events hâve prevented the préparation of the laws which must give stability and strength to the new State. In the first period of this législature you will only hâve lo discuss the most urgent questions. My

ministers will then préparé, with due consultation, the designs on which you must deliberate in the second period.

Founded on the Statuto, fhe unity, political, military, and financial, the uniformity of laws, civil and penal, and the progressive administrative liberty of the province and the commune, will renew in the Italian people that vigorous and brilliant life which in other forms of European civilisation was produced by the self-govemment of the municipalities, but which in the présent day is rejected by the constitution of a strong State and the genius of the nation.

Gentlemen Senators, — Gentlemen Deputies, — In turning our attention to the new ordering of affairs, not seeking in old parties other than the memory of the services rendered to the common cause, we invite ail sincere opinions to a noble émulation that we may attain the grand end of the well-being of the people and the greatness of the country. It is no longer the Italy of the Romans, nor that of the Middle Ages ; it must no longer be the battle-field of ambitions foreigners, but it must be rather the Italy of the Italians.

On April 15 the king embarked at Genoa and landed at L^hom, in order to make a tour through his new dominions. He was welcomed with indescribable enthusiasm in ail the towns through which he passed ; and beautiful Flofence was decorated for his réception with the exquisite taste which distinguishes her