WAR WITH AUSTRIA

as his deputy at the head of the council, led the army northwards. The Italians, though grumbling against the ministry because of the recently imposed tax, received the announcement of war with unmeasured applause. The day before the battle is always one of pleasing excitement and enthusiasm ; the day after, when the costs corne to be counted, one of mourning.

Victor Emmanuel appointed his cousin regent, and carried his sons along with him to the seat of war. At sunrise the king passed through the streets of Florence, amidst loud acclamations, good wishes, and blessings, to the railway station, where he embraced Baron Ricasoli, saying, ‘ I commend our country to you.’

The ardent applause which greeted the king was in answer to one of his fiery proclamations issued the day before, explaining the reasons of the war, which were — the inveterate hostility of Austria to Italian liberty, her refusai of a pacifie settlement of the quarrel by means of a congress, and her threatening attitude on the Italian frontier, which was a continuai source of disturbance and inquiétude to his State. He thanked his people and army for the ready response they had given to his call ; expressed a strong conviction that the justice of their cause would be recognised by public opinion, and concluded thus : —

Italians, — I commit the govemment of the State to my most beloved cousin Prince Eugenio, and I take up again the sword of Goito, Pastrengo, Palestro, and San Martino. I feel in my heart a conviction that VOL. II. I

this time I shall completely fulfil the vow I made on the tomb of my magnanimous parent. I will be once more the first soldier of Italian independence. Vtva ritaîia !

Given from Florence, June 20, 1866.

Victor Emmanuel.

Ricasoli.

T O the National Guards.

Orticers, Sub-officers, and Militia of the National Guards, — I commit the sovcreign authority to my beloved cousin Prince Eugenio, and I turn again to fight the last suprême battles for the liberty and independence of Italy. While the forces of land and sea will vindicate the nation’s rights against the threats and provocations of Austria, you will maintain her well ordered and tranquil, because in obeying the laws she will strengthen her liberties and préparé herself for theglorious future that awaits her. You hâve constituted this kingdom by your votes : preserve it intact by your discipline and your citizen arms. To you I commit, in full confidence, the guardianship of public order, and calmly I go where the voice of Italy calls me.

Victor Emmanuel.

Victor Emmanuel to Napoléon III.

Sire and Brother, — I announce to your majesty that, faithful to the convention made with Prussia, I hâve this morning sent a déclaration of war to Austria.

ADDRESS TO THE ARMY. Il5

My army, which confronts the enemy, counts over 250,000 active men. I hâve a reserve of 50,000, and very soon I may hâve another as good. I start tomorrow to assume the command of the army. My heart is joyous and full of confidence in the future.

I thank your majesty for ail that you hâve done for us, and I pray you not to foi^et us, and me in particular, who am your majesty’s good brother,

Victor Emmanuel.

The emperor replied that in the interests of his country he had resolved on maintaining a strict neutrality ; but he would never cease to pray for the happiness of his ‘ good brother ’ and the independence of Italy.

Order of the Day.

Officers, Sub-officers, and Soldiers, — Austria arming on the frontier challenges you to new battles. In my own name, in the name of the nation, I call you to arms. This cry of war shall be as heretofore a cry of joy to you. Whatever be your duty I will not tell it you, because I am satisfied that you know it. Confiding in the justice of our cause, strong in the right, by our arms we must accomplish our unity.

I assume to-day the command of the army, to fulfil the duty which awaits me and you, to liberate the people of Venetia who hâve long groaned under an iron yoke. You shall conquer, and your name shall be blessed by présent and future générations.

Victor Emmanuel.

Il6 LIFE OF VICTOR EMMANUEL IL

Victor Emmanuers happy prognostications were not this time destined to be fulfilled. The forces of Austria were led by the able and experienced commander the Archduke Albert, who had distinguished himself at Novara. On the ill-omened field of Custozza, where the Italians had been defeated in 184g, the opposing armies met ; and both being in good condition, well disciplined and brave, there was fought a prolonged and bloody battle, in which the Italians were worsted, but not routed. They valiantly maintained their positions, and though their losses were heavy, those they inflicted on the enemy were also severe.

On July 20 the Italian navy suffered an overwhelming defeat at Lissa in the Adriatic, and these two great misfortunes plunged Victor Emmanuel into the deepest grief. He felt disabled from continuing the war : ail the sacrifice of life had been in vain : national unity was as far off as ever. He had deported himself with his usual gallantry at Custozza ; and the young princes, for the first time in action, had shown a spirit worthy of their fatheri Amadeo was slightly wounded ; and this gave an opportunity for the générais to protest against the reckless exposure of lives so precious to the State. General Cialdini said the thought that at any moment they might be deprived of ail the royal family, had weighed heavily upon his mind. The king combated the idea for his sons as well as himself. He said he did not expose himself from mere recklessness, but from a sense of duty, to inspire his men with more courage and show them that he considered the cause worth