ITALY WITHOUT CAVOUR. A.D

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 adairs, 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 hâve been communicated to him. My wish is to Italianise Piedmont, and Piedmontise the army !

I hâve 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 présent France cannot do otherwise than she is doing ; and I am firm in my idea that the question of Venice should précédé that of Rome,

Victor Emmanuel to Count Ponza di San Martine.

Dear Count, — I thank you for the varions letters )*ou hâve written me, and still more for your work. The 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. T wish strength and courage to the présent 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 récognition 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 précédé 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,

Victor Emmanuel.

Turin, June 15, 1861.

MARRIAGE OF VICTOR’S YOUNGEST DAUGHTER. 8l

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 présent 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 présent 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 députation 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 beforc 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, w'as the absence of railway communication, ail the Popes before Pio Nono’s time having had a strong prc-