LAST PÀRLIAMENT IN FLORENCE

Though Victor Emmanuers ambition was gratified by this arrangement, he felt that he was in a manner sacrificing his son. In a private interview with Gorrilla he revealed his paternal feelings, and talked in such a way about Amadeo that the Spaniard came out from the audience in tears, and said to the Italian minister, whom he met at the door — ‘ The king has confided his son to me ; I will be a faithful subject.’ In the last days of the year 1870 the young King of Spain sailed from Spezzia, amidst the mingled joy and grief, smiles and tears, of his countrymen.

The last Parliament held in Florence was opened December 5.

The King' s Speech.

Gentlemen Senators, — Gentlemen Deputies, — The year that now closes has astonished the world by the greatness of the events which hâve corne to pass and which no human judgment could hâve foretold. Our opinion about Rome we hâve always loudly proclaimed. And in face of the late resolution to which my love of country has conducted me, I hâve thought it my duty to convoke the national assembly.

With Rome the capital of Italy I hâve fulfilled my promise, and crowned the undertaking which twenty-three years ago was initiated by my magnanimous parent As a king and as a son, I feel in my heart a solemn joy in saluting here assembled the représentatives of our beloved country, and in pro-

nouncing these words — Italy is free and one. Now it dépends on us to make her great and happy.

Whilst we celebrate this solemn inauguration of Italy complété, two great pcoples of this Continent, glorious représentatives of modem civilisation, are torn by a terrible struggle. Round both to France and to Prussia by memories of recent and bénéficiai alliances, we are obliged to observe a rigorous neutrality, which is also imposed upon us by the duty of not increasing the strife, and that we may be able to interpose an impartial word between the belligerents. This duty, dictated by humanity and friendship, we will not fail to fulfil, adding our efforts to those of the other neutral powers to put an end to a war which ought never to hâve broken out between two nations whose greatness is . equally necessary to the civilised World.

Public opinion, approving by its support this policy, has shown once more that Italy free and united is for Europe an élément of order, of liberty, and of peace.

This attitude facilitated our task, when, for the defence of the national territory, and to restore to the Romans the arbitrament of their own destinies, my soldiers, expected as brothers, welcomed as liberators, entered Rome. Rome, reclaimed by the love and by the vénération of the Italians, was thus restored to herself, to Italy, and to the modem world. We entered Rome in the name of the national right, in the name of the compact which binds ail Italians