To-day we have a proclamation from the King of Italy denouncing the
insurrection and declaring that he cannot tolerate any usurpation of the
privilege of being the depositary of the right of peace or war.
I offer no conjectures as to the result of these complications. A
translation
[Page 283]
of the
proclamation published in Galignani’s Messenger of this morning is
herewith enclosed.
Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State, Washington, D. C.
[From Galignani’s Messenger, October 29, 1867.]
France, Paris,
October 29, 1867.
By a telegraphic despatch from Florence we learn that the Italian
ministry has been thus constituted: General Menabrea, president of
the council and minister of foreign affairs; Gualterio, interior;
Cambray-Digny, finances; Cantelli, public works; General
BertoleViale, war; and Mari, justice. Until the complete formation
of a cabinet, the following have been temporarily commissioned to
act: Menabrea, as minister of marine; Cambray-Digny, agriculture;
and Cantelli, public instruction.
The Official Gazette published on Sunday the subjoined proclamation
from the King:
“Italians! Bands of volunteers, organized
and excited by the manœuvres of a party without my authorization or
that of my government, have violated the frontiers of the Pontifical
State, The respect due by all citizens, without exception, to the
laws and to inter-national stipulations, sanctioned by the
Parliament and by myself, imposes on me, in these grave
circumstances, an inexorable duty of honor.
“Europe knows that the standard raised in the territory which adjoins
ours, and on which is inscribed ‘Destruction to the spiritual
authority of the head of the Catholic religion,’ is not mine. This
attempt places the common country in great danger, and imposes on me
the imperious duty, at the same time, of saving the honor of the
nation and of not confounding in one common cause two matters
absolutely distinct—two objects which are very different.
“Italy ought to be reassured against the dangers into which she may
run; Europe must be convinced that our country, faithful to her
engagements, does not wish to be, and cannot become, the disturber
of public order. A war with our ally would be a fratricidal conflict
between two armies which have fought for the same cause.
“Being the depositary of the right of peace or war, I cannot tolerate
any usurpation of that privilege. I have, therefore, confidence that
the voice of reason will be heard, and that the Italian citizens who
have violated that right will come promptly and place themselves
behind the lines of our army.
“The danger which disorders and inconsiderate projects may create
amongst us must be conjured away by maintaining firmly the authority
of the government and the inviolability of the laws. The honor of
the country is in my hands, and the confidence which the nation has
had in me in the most painful times cannot fail me.
“When calm shall be re-established and public order completely
restored, my government, in accord with France, will endeavor
loyally, in conformity with the vote of Parliament, to devise some
means of bringing to an end the grave and important question of
Rome.
“I have had, and shall always have, confidence in your prudence, as
you have had in the affection of your King for that great country
which, thanks to common sacrifices, we have at last brought into the
number of great nations, and which we must transmit to our children
entire and honored.”
This proclamation is signed by the King and all the ministers.
