No. 196.
Mr. Marsh to Mr. Frelinghuysen

[Extract.]
No. 1030.]

Sir: By this post I forward to the Department of State the Diritto of this date, containing in its leading article a detailed statement of the number and organization of the military force of Italy now actually under arms or. which may be called into service in time of any probable emergency. These troops are all provided with the most improved arms used in modern warfare and otherwise thoroughly equipped for active duty. The discipline of the Italian army is not merely strict, but severe,* * * and I have no doubt that men thus trained will form a very effective soldiery, though I believe the social and moral discipline which is imparted to American youth, combined with a more elastic organization, and with greater freedom of individual action, will make an American army superior to any troops formed under the Italian or any other European system.

The expense of equipping and maintaining so large a military force is greatly disproportioned to the resources of Italy, and though the finances of the country have improved in condition under the present administration, yet a few years or even months of actual war would, as I believe, require the imposition of new burdens upon the Italian people.

* * * * * * *

The naval department, too, has involved a corresponding expenditure, and still larger appropriations are demanded for both the military and naval branches of the public service.

There are symptoms of discontent among the laboring classes in Lombardy and elsewhere, which though not extensive enough to threaten any immediate danger, yet point to the existence of a popular feeling that,* * * may well excite serious apprehensions as to the political future of Italy. Perhaps the greatest safeguard against revolt and revolution in Italy is to be found in the confidence so generally felt throughout the kingdom in the House of Savoy under its present wise and truly patriotic heads.

* * * * * * *

The present promising appearance of the principal crops throughout Italy is doing something to encourage and appease the classes that suffer most severely from public burdens, but the poverty of these classes is such that but for the vague hope of some great change for the better it could scarcely be endured.

I have, &c.,

GEORGE P. MARSH.