No. 355.
Mr. Marsh
to Mr. Fish.
Legation of
the United States,
Rome, November 25, 1874. (Received
December 19.)
No. 525.]
Sir: The new parliament of this kingdom, the
deputies to which were chosen at the elections November 8, 15, assembled at
Rome, pursuant to royal decree, on the 23d of the present month, and was
opened by His Majesty in person with the reading of a speech, a copy and
translation of which are hereto annexed.
The canvass and election were conducted with more than ordinary spirit, and
the polls were attended by a larger proportion of the legal voters than is
usual.
About one hundred and thirty of the deputies, or one-fourth of the chamber,
are new to parliamentary life, and though the returns showed a considerable
nominal administration majority, the election of the ministerial [Page 760] candidate for the presidency of
the chamber of deputies was not thought altogether secure. But the question
has been settled to day, by the choice of Mr. Biañchéri, the president of
the late chamber and a supporter of the ministry, by a majority of
sixty-four votes. Many deputies who, it is said, would have voted with the
opposition were absent, but the probability is that the present ministry
will be sustained by the chamber.
The most noticeable feature of the election is the increase of the opposition
element in the southern provinces, which is thought an unfavorable
circumstance, as indicating an aggravation of local jealousies between the
Neapolitan and Piedmontese sections of the kingdom.
The election of Garibaldi is an individual, not a party triumph, and is an
evidence of his great personal popularity, not an indorsement of his
political opinions. Garibaldi is indeed republican in sentiment, but he is
not a type or exponent of any political organization or creed, nor in
Parliament, would he be likely to regulate his action by any consideration
of party expediency. He was urged to attend the opening of the session with
the view, it was thought by some, of making him the center, if not the
leader of a parliamentary opposition, but he did not appear at Rome, and
will not probably be a frequent attendant at the sessions of the
chamber.
The questions raised by Mr. Minghetti’s address to his constituents, and
touched upon in His Majesty’s speech, are, so far as now appear, the only
ones of much moment which will be presented during the session. The
opposition party is not united upon any definite programme, and I do not
think that the general ministerial policy is unacceptable to the nation upon
any other ground than its avowal of the necessity of continuing the taxes
already so burdensome.
I have, &c.,
[Inclosure in No.
535.—Translation.]
Speech of His Majesty King Victor Emmanuel at the
opening of the Italian Parliament, November 23, 1874.
Senators, deputies:
My first thought on finding myself in the midst of the representatives of
the nation is to offer words of gratitude to the Italian people for
their cordial demonstrations of affection on the occasion of the 25th
anniversary of my reign.
Those demonstrations were all the more acceptable to my heart because
they were spontaneous and universal.
Equal to the affection of which the country has given me proof will he, I
trust, the zeal of the new legislature in the accomplishment of the work
for the re-organization of the state.
The civil code has been unified; the penal code should also be. It has
been the subject of mature study in the senate, and it will be again
brought to your attention. I hope that from your discussions a code will
be perfected worthy of science and of the Italian name.
The reform of commercial rights, required by the country and promised by
the government, will be initiated by a bill on commercial associations.
The interference of the government will be less, and the responsibility
of the administrators will be thus rendered more efficacious.
The government will submit to you certain measures for
there-establishment of public security in those provinces where it has
been seriously disturbed. In accepting these measures you will follow
the example set by the most enlightened nations and by those
legislatures most jealous of preserving public liberty, which falls into
contempt unless it guarantees the security of persons and of
property.
The new military organization has given good results, and I am proud to
remark the progress of the army to which I am attached by the deepest
affection and by the most cherished associations of my life. This work
must be carried to the end, and provision must be made for the defense
of the state.
[Page 761]
The navy, upon which so much of our future depends, will be, also, the
subject of your deliberations.
My government will present to you bills for the reformation of certain
taxes, with the object of a more equitable distribution and of rendering
them more simple and productive.
This will be the commencement of a gradual reform of our tributary and
administrative system, which, created in moments of difficulty and
agitation, has need of careful revision.
Meanwhile we must incur no new expenses. Parliament will, therefore, have
to occupy itself with those alone for which engagements have been made,
or with those of evident urgency. But my government, in proposing them,
will point out to you new measures to meet them.
In this manner you will succeed in establishing an equilibrium in the
budget of the kingdom. This is the most ardent desire of the nation.
This will be the fullest compensation for, and the most efficacious
relief to, the sacrifices which the people have borne with such noble
courage.
The regeneration of Italy will thus be cleansed of every stain. Italy
will thus have the rare merit, in the history of political
transformations, of never having entertained even the idea of betraying
her public faith.
Senators, deputies: I am happy to assure you that we continue to be upon
the best relations with foreign powers. I receive with pleasure
continued proofs of the esteem in which friendship with Italy is held by
other nations.
This is the reward for the moderation and firmness of our policy.
Persevering in this course, we shall continue to show how liberty united
with order may solve the most difficult problems, and Italy will not
fail in her glorious destiny.
Providence has assisted us at every step, and this year has given to the
country abundant harvest, thereby relieving the poorer classes, whose
happiness never ceases to occupy my thoughts.
Let us thank God, and with the constant virtue of our thoughts and deeds
let us continue to merit his protection and help.
