[Extract.]
Mr. Marsh to Mr.
Seward.
No. 139.]
Legation of the United States,
Florence,
May 15, 1866.
Sir: * * * * *
Since my last despatch military preparations have been carried on with
the greatest alacrity by this government, and the enthusiasm of the
people in every
[Page 110]
part of the
peninsula and of the island is unbounded. For a day or two, rumors of a
more pacific character have been in circulation, and it is said that
many military movements have been suspended. The enclosed slip from the
Italie, or ministerial paper, of this morning, contains all that is
publicly known in relation to the rumors in question.
I have never been fully convinced that the present issues would be
brought to an immediate test by war, and though public opinion has for
some weeks regarded war as inevitable, I still continue to believe that
such an event is not very near at hand.
I have the honor to be, sir, your obedient servant,
Hon. William H. Seward,
Secretary of State, Washington, D. C.
[Translation.]
The public is at present much interested in rumors of congresses,
conferences, and pacific measures which have been in circulation for
some days. This is very natural, and it is very probable the reports
are well founded. We know nothing certain, but what happens will be
a consequence of the crisis through which we are passing. Every man
interprets these rumors according to his humor or interest: one
hopes to see the imminent clouds scatter as if by enchantment;
another fancies the government is betrayed, and he is disposed to
cry treason if it would not appear ridiculous.
It is very natural for disinterested powers to try to prevent a
conflict; but whether they are sincere or not is their secret. At
all events, they will keep their intentions secret.
We do not know how long these negotiations may last; at any rate,
they cannot continue long; but let them last three or fifteen days,
the time will seem long to the impatient people of an intelligent
country like ours. When the excited minds become calm, they will
understand that minutes are not to be counted under such exciting
circumstances.
In times like these, absolute confidence in the government is a
necessity; it must be allowed complete liberty of action, for the
simple reason that nothing better can be done.
But we may be sure the Italian government will not deviate a single
step from the proper track. It is foolish to think that things can
be put in the same condition they were in two months ago, or that so
many millions will be wasted and so much effort lost to arrive at a
negative result. La Marmora is neither a madman nor a child; he is
conscious of the reach of his acts and of his policy. Criticise him,
but don’t call him a fool. The Venetian question will be solved. We
have said it, and we will maintain it.
We do not think Austria will give up Venetia peaceably, though
English papers are advising it every day, and even public opinion in
Vienna seems to favor the cession of a province that cannot be held.
But whether we believe it or not, we cannot prevent the neutral
powers from negotiating on the subject.
In the present condition of things, we believe nobody will trouble
himself to find out where the first gun will be fired. It is silly
to attach much importance to a detail that is now of so little
interest. But when a complicated political war breaks out, it will
be the result of long and powerful combinations, for a fixed
position must not be endangered by rash considerations or hasty
movements.
We are conscious of the present painful situation; it is neither
peace nor war. War is expected, and preparations are made for it
without a hope of success. But we are well aware that such
situations cannot continue; and if they appear long, it is because
of the natural impatience with which they are borne.
