Page:Readings in European History Vol 2.djvu/615

 Unification of Germany and Italy $77 With the victory of Caserta Vecchia, October 2, the glo- rious period of our campaign of i860 closes. The Italian army of the north, sent by Farini and Company to combat the " revolution personified " in us, found us brothers ; and to this army fell the task of completing the annihilation of Bourbonism in the Two Sicilies. In order to regulate the position of our gallant fellow-soldiers, I asked for the recog- nition of the army of the south as a part of the national army; and it was a piece of injustice not to grant my request. They resolved to enjoy the fruits of conquest while banishing the conquerors. When I understood this I handed over to Victor Emmanuel the dictatorship conferred upon me by the people, pro- claiming him king of Italy. To him I recommended my gallant comrades, the thought of whom was the only painful element of my departure, eager as I was to return to my solitude. On the 1 8th of February, 1861, the new parliament of Italy met at Turin in a large hall temporarily built of wood. King Victor Emmanuel opened proceedings with the following address. Senators and Deputies : Free and almost entirely united by the wonderful aid of Divine Providence, the harmonious cooperation of the peo- ple, and the splendid valor of the army, Italy confides in our uprightness and wisdom. Upon you it devolves to give her uniform institutions and a firm foundation. In extend- ing greater administrative liberty to peoples that have had various usages and institutions, you will take care that polit- ical unity, the aspiration of so many centuries, may never be diminished. The opinion of civilized nations is favorable to us. The just and liberal principles now prevailing in the councils of Europe are favorable to us. Italy herself will in turn become a guarantee of order and peace, and will once more be an efficient instrument of universal civilization. The Sardin- ian govern- ment sends an army to check Garibaldi. Magnani- mous retire- ment of Garibaldi. 482. Victor Emmanuel's address at the opening session of the Italian parliament (February 18, 1861).