The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1868-12-12
THE TIMES AND WORKS or mAcHlAvELL.
Lecture by sisnor Antonio Biagsi.

LectSe ny StgnOr Antonio Bla9g1.
The first OF course OF three lectures by Professor
Antonio Biaggi on the literature and fine arts in
Italy was delivered last night before an appre-
cative If not large audience at the chapel Of the
Theological Seminary, No. 9 University place. The
subject was:-"Tne Political Life and Career OF
Nicoai Machiavel, from 1859 to 1927 The parallels
drawn by the Professor between the barbarous prn-
cpes and times OF four centuries backl with those
Of the present day were interesting. The lecturer
not very conversant with our language but eloquent
nevertheless, deserves the more credit. After few
words Of apology as to his deficiency in the English
tongue, he said:-1n the church OF Tanto NOmini we
find tombstone dedicated to Nlcolai Machiavelli,
which erected two centuries after his death and
by his admirers Of foreign birth. Machiavelli, as
the great statesman, held during fourteen years
twenty three missions. He alluded to Caesar Borgia
and to Pietro Severini whose death caused the fall
OF the republic, and when the Medici re-entered
Florence, Machaveli was deprived OF his public
functions. In 1918 conspiracy was discovered.
Machiavelli, being imprisoned was put to torture
acerated body was put in irons he was thrown into
dungeon. When released he was continually sur
rounded by spies. Compelled by this action OF the
existing government he devoted himself, uncon-
Quered, to his works which are transmitted to us
and which are studied by every man OF science to
this very day. The professor then spoke OF the
very many Italians who have been forgotten and
never appreciated, but whose ideas have been bor-
rowed and worked up by Germans like Hegel, Schle-
gel and Cans, and he nstancediG Giovanni Mistavico
whose work, LA Sciencla Nuova,n has been treated
work prn RIM Tns work IS Away: e erea
down as . work to perpetuate tyranny, while,
really studied Is so truly pnils1n3nrop
mankind. Tyranny has existed from time
immemoral and to speak Of tyranny before
with liberty. Machaveli divides tyranny into two
grades-one the hereditary power, which is easily
acquired and the other that OF the new prncipallty
Luar
the dissatisfaction OF those accustomed to the old
state OF things AS an Illustration the lecturer re-
lost it and reacquired and held ii BY the wiser plan
he had adopted Machiavelli's doctrine is that care
must be taken neither to change laws nor to increase
taxation. AS an illustration the lecturer pOnted to
Victor Emanuel, who Increased the taxes IN Naples,
and the consequences which followed. One other
principle laid down by Machiaveli was first to de-
stroy and then make new laws in imitation OF the
old ones. Machiavelli has written eight books, and
to each he gives philosophical introduction
motives, and every one OF these books
ends by showing his r. aim to AID the
write this for an intelligent and discriminating pub
tic, say princes must not always be good. Most
men are bad; why should princes be otherwise
Princes should be shrewd enough to slit and thus
avoid their ruin. They should be generous but not
so much as to interfere with their power. They
should be given to luxury, but not go to extremes;
for then they would have to resort 70 taxation and
that would create dissatisfaction. They should be
merciful but not shrink from cruelty when neces-
But when such an iron rod Is applied 1t should be
short and decided and clemency should at once be
reinstated. A prince should not resort to plotsr
The lecturer referred to MaZzini and Cavour
MazZlni's mode OF action was always by plots, and
how did he succeed In not one instance. Cavour
the contrary, through his candor and open action
always succeeded. Princes should be punctual to
their engagements There are two kinds of govern
ments-laws and f0rce-the former made for men,
the latter for beasts. Machavel illustrated this
by saying princes should be foxes for dexterty and
lions for strength to combat their adversares. The
lecturer here alluded to Napoleon. How does Ma
poeon's greatness stand In comparison with his
contemporary George Washington, the genius Of
greatness and goodness2 Machiavelll recommends
that princes should not be too scrupulous to their
word for men are generally bad, yet they should
show Kindness justice and good piety. The lecturer
alluded to Napoleon Ill, who listens to all his minis.
ters but keeps his own counsel and gives his orders
when the decided moment has arrived. These prln-
cpes are the same Machiavelli advocated, and they
have been always met with up to our day. Machia-
ve has been accused Of having chosen Cesar BOrgla
as his model prince. In answer to that 1t is said
that as Borgia was the one who created the first
Italian army and 1t was preferable to serve tyran-
meal prince than weak potentate. II Is not aston
ishing that Machiavelli, man Of 80 deep knowl-
edge OF the human mind and Its faults although at
heart philanthropist should express himself thus.
He took and spoke OF men rs they were and are
found. not as they ought to be. The lecturer con-
cuded with the remark, particularly adapted to our
country f princes to be princes, must be tyrants,
IL Ia better to do without them.n