THE ROMAN QUESTION IN PARLIAMENT. I

kingdom out of a number of small states long divided, to ‘ make ’ a nation, as he expressed it, out of such éléments as went to compose the ‘ geographical expression ’ known as Italy, involved a herculean labour which few men would bave had the strength and persévérance to conduct to a finale, and which could not possibly be accomplished without many difficulties and trials. We can imagine him sometimes, weary of the fitful fever of his existence, looking with envy at a sovereign like Queen Victoria, calmly reposing on the broad and solid foundations of an old hereditary and constitutional monarchy.

The ministry, as the Marquis Pepoli had said, was in a dubious and painful position. The Chambers were reopened on December i, when the Roman question was put under discussion and gave occasion to passionate debates. One deputy proposed a resolution to approve the conduct of the government, expressing regrets that the friendly relations with France had suffered, and declaring in explicit terms that Italy had a moral right to Rome. The resolution was rejected by a majority of two. ‘ In the majority there were deputies of the extreme right who would not agréé to the affirmation of Italy’s right to Rome ; deputies of the left, who would not express regrets for the altered relations with France ; deputies of the centre, who were irritated by the offensive words pronouriced with regard to Italy in the French rostrum ; and those deputies who habitually oppose any ministry whatever.’ The ministry resigned, and the king accepted their résignation, but

immediately empowered General Menabrea to form a new cabinet.

At the time of the ministerial crisis there arrived in Florence a distinguished traveller on his way to Rome — an English statesman for whom Victor Emmanuel had a profound respect. Lord Clarendon was an old acquaintance ; and the king talked freely to him of his difïiculties and perplexities, and asked him to be the bearer of a message to the Pontiff. He begged him to assure his holiness of his affection, which no political dissension had povver to change ; to lay beforc him the true State of affairs, and to say that the longer the policy of résistance lasted, seeking support from foreign interventions, the more painful would be the inévitable end. Lord Clarendon delivered the message. ‘ They arc strange people, these Italians, pretending to unité Italy without my aid,’ said the Pope. Lord Clarendon suggested that his holiness might aid in the process by sending his blessing to the King of Italy. But Pius was still obdurate. He said he did not trust in foreign interventions, but in some miracle of Providence. ‘ Providence has worked miracles, your holiness, during the last ten ycars, but ali in favour of Italy,’ was the prompt reply of the Englishman.