The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1859-05-07
THE MARQUIS D'AZEGLIO,


The Niagara brought the intelligence that the 18th
utimo after an interview between Lord Malmesbury and
the MARQUIS dAzego, the Special Sandman Envoy who
just reached London Sardinia agreed to the principle
Of general disarmament condition that she and the
other Italian States admitted TO the proposed Con-
grees This formed the text Of the final proposition Of
England, mentioned by Lord Derby, which Austria has
since 60 decidedly rejected, and which rejection is
sidered as the tocsin Of war.
Victor Emmanuel Taparel Marquis d. Azsgto, beongsto
one of the Oldest families in Piedmont and Of consde
rabe distinction at the present time.
His father is the Marquis Roberto dAzego, who has
played distinguished part in the Advancement of free
ideas and consolidation Of free institutions in Pied
mont His labors in promoting education among the peo
pie, and his championship Of civil and religious liberty
without distinction Of creed Sect have contributed
less the services Of his TO render tue Of
Azeglo dear TO the Piedmonese. He is also great pa
ton and OF the fine arts During the reign of
Carlo Alberto before the constitutional system intro
duced into Piedmont he was one of the foremost cham
pions OF liberal opinions; and at the commencement of
the Constitutional regime, he headed with his signature
petition which was also signed by many of the
most influential persons in the kingdom, praying that the
Wadenses and other secarians not OF the State faith
might be admitted to the enjoymeu. OF tu civil rights.
An immediate consequence Of this step that Carlo Al
berto issued the 18th February lSls grantog
to the Wadensee those privileges which, June 10th
following were extended TO the Jews and all other seca
rians.
The Marquis Messimo dAzegio followed in the foot
steps Of his father From his earliest youth he de-
voted not merely TO liberal opinions, but to the ibe
raj and ennobng pursuits The developement of consa
tutional freedom in Piedmont in 1s47-4s had been for
years preceded by movement in that direction shared
in by men who subsequently, like Azeglio him SELF
came ministers Messme d'Azeglio contributed to the
sum of argument in favor Of the constitutional system
pamphlet entitled s'Ultimi Cast di Romagnan in which he
Set the standard OF rational liberty against the mad
theories Of Mszzini and his school.
1t was not from inclination that he took part in politics
% an active agent But he had acquired immense inhu-
ence with the people, because though opposed from tenn
permanent much from principle to the violent policy
advocated by some demaeogues he was believed to be
sincere pairio. and thorough supporter Of liberal
ideas The young constitution Of Piedmont sorey
fortunes of Carlo Albert When he abdica,ed, and
his son concluded an .rmstice with Rade.zkey,
the Piedmontese Parliament, filed with Wanting n
thusiasts, refused to ratfy it, and endeavored to
force on renewal Of the which had already proved
10 disastrous Victor Emmanuel dissolved ths Parliament,
but only met with fierce opposition His frs. Minister
was De Launsy, who believed to be resctionist.
When King desired TO prove that such were not his
tendencies he called to the head Of affairs MESSING
dAzeRho. Even his influence DID not prove eoough in
duce the Param ent to accept the obnoxious treaty
The Parliament again dissolved by proca nation or
manifesto, which corntessigned by Azsglio. "rhe
sacred nsme," Gays Gaepga in his History of Pied
was soother to the minds Of reasonable men and from
that moment all disquietuce was laid at rest"
Active politics not 10 the taste Of the Marquis Mes
elmo dAzeglio Still, he continued to act the prime
minister and councillor OF his sovereign Ills anecedcnts
had dttec him rather to be the contemplation than the
busy politician "n is impossible" says the author
we have already cited, 'to mention q person en-
titled to feelings of deeper veneraon warmer aec
ton. poet, artist, MUSICIAN nobeman OF retned
tastes and pleasures proud 10 have earnedo
nowhis bread by his pen and pencil, DAzegio has been
for many years, when that title might q his
head the patriot Of Italy excellence" he commanded
the respect of the "tyrans as they were called while
When others dared Themselves he passed from
place to place fearless, though not unendangered With
the patriotic ;ervor Of Mazzn but who. his dangerous
and Improbable Doctrine he, too, stsove for Italian
unity. He directed, says Gaienga, "organzed, Great
ed, public opinion in Italy, that opinion which was
wrought into action in 1848. At that juncture Azego
bore arms, and gave big blood at Vicenzav He came
back after the explosion Of that vast dousion to
nGrmee and stil untitled for great exertions by
eisurey incident, epicurs artistic habits he
took but little share in public business except by fts
and starts but under the Of difficulties he
sublime His voice in the Chamber, his pre-
sence in the Cabinet, again and again the
safeguard OF the nation" He acquired ascendancy
the King, and counteracted the intrgues of tue
courtiers It is only just to Victor Emmanuel TO suppose
that he fully appreciated his worth and vrtues At last
in 1853 beng unprepred to the lengths in church and
reform demanded by the necessity Of the case as
well as BY the people, he made way for Count Cavour
man OF more energy, and though quite erstOcra
more public spirit The Marquis Messimo d'Azego
the model OF aristocratc whig Of the best order full
Of the theories Of liberty, but hating n the practice
when 1t touched the privileges OF the aristocrIcy.
When however he retired from the ministry, I. not
TO oppose his successor the contrary he Count
Cavour the benefit OF his support ell possible occasions
the Convent bill the King guided by Azegos ad-
vice. lie accompanied his Sovereign to France aud
England appropriately 70 h share Of the homage
due 10 men who have done much for constitutional
freedom. and on whoae future corduc. so mach OF the
hope OF lty--of Europe-rests The writings of the
Marquis are well knoTn. He ia directly related TO Man
zoni and to the family Of AGeri.