ADDRESS TO THE NEW PARLIAMENT

should calm itself at the sources of national suffrage. I hope that it has there derived a consciousness of the grave necessities of the country, and the strength to provide for them.

We hâve had the time for bold propositions and daring enterprises, I met them confident in the sanctity of the cause which God had called me to defend. The nation replied eagerly to my voice. With harmony and persevering labour we acquired independence and we maintain liberty.

But now that her existence is assured, Italy requires that we do not, in intemperate rivalries, lose the vigour of mind and soûl which is necessary to give her wise and stable laws ; so that, in peace and tranquillity, those éléments of prosperity which Providence bestows so largely, may hâve time to fructify. The nation expects that Parlian^ent and government will undertake resolutely this work of réparation. The people love and prize institutions in proportion to the benefits they bring them. It is necessary to show that our institutions satisfy the noblest aspirations of efficiency and national dignity, while at the same time affording a guarantee for the good order of the statc and the well-being of the population, that in them their faith in the liberty which is the honour and the strength of our constitution may not be diminished.

For the attainment of this object my government will présent for your deliberation a complété scheme for the improvement of the administration, which VOL. II. K

will strengthen at the same time both liberty and authority.

The necessities and engagements of the State hinder me for the présent from lightening as I could wish the heavy imposts which weigh upon my people. But a legitimate liquidation of the ecclesiastical assets, ^ a severe economy in the expenses, a diligent application of the new laws, an austere morality maintained in ail parts of the public administration, will operate so that the taxes may become less burdensome. Only the prompt discussion and efficacious execution of the proposed reforms can restore our crédit and remove the necessity of new taxes. To-day the question of the finances is for Italy not only a question of suprême interest, but also a question of honour and of national dignity. I doubt not the Parliament will turn ail its attention to solve it

On solemn occasions we hâve promised to Europe that when once we were complété in our entity as a nation, she would find in us a power given to civilisation, to order, and to peace. It now rests with us to maintain that promise, and to respond to the hopes that we hâve taught her to conceive of us.

Gentlemen Senators, — Gentlemen Deputies, — The honour, the welfare, and the future of Italy are in your hands. If it was a glory to hâve, with so many sacrifices, conducted to fulfilment the work of our independence, and impressed on the nation the movement and vigour of life, it will be no less glory to