Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1873-06-30
NO.. 154.
Miseellailsons.
DEATH OF RATAZZT.

| liable dispatches, dated the 9TH, announ-
ced the death at Frosinone of Urbano
katazzi, the celebrated Italian statesmen.
Katazzi was born in June, 1903, Alessand-
ria, in Piedmont, place which at one
time was famous for being defended 10y the
strongest Notifications in Europe. He
came of excellent family, both his father
and uncle having for years been members
of the Piedmontese executive.
In ls4s, when Charles Albert promu-
gated his constitution, Ratazzi was
returned as representative OF the
College of Alessandria, taking his
seat on the ultra of the Lower
Chamber. He was an adherent OF
the king in the attemted revolution of the
same year and was member of the min
| istry hastily constructed by that monarch
after the battle of Custozza, and which las
ted only ten days. On the formation OF
the new ministry he took sides with the
opposition, and attacked some of the
measures he had before supported, with
great bitterness.
Subsequently he was appointed minister
OF the interior and of justice; but, upon
the abdication Of the king in favor of his
son, he again found himself out of officia,
position. SO thorough a politician as
katazzi could not rest quiet long, and
shortly after he took his seat in the Sardin-
ian Parliament as a Democrat, though his
opinions were subsequently modified to
considerable extent
In 1902 he was made president of the
chamber, and the following year minister
of justice under Count Cavour formerly
one OF his most bitter adversaries. From
that time Ratazzi shaped his political
eff tf,I, III IL, g. 4
whom, after the battle and armistic of
Nillafranca, he succeeded After the
death of Cavour, he found himself in op-
position to the yews of Ricasoli. the new
premier. In the famous debate on Italian
affairs at Turin. in December, 1861, he
gracefully withdrew his opposition to the
premier, and, whether from motives of
policy or otherwise, voted with him.
In March, 1862, when Ricasoli was in
duced to resign the premiership ostensib-
ly through not being able to find suit
able minister of the interior, but really,
through court intrigue, Ratazzi was in
trusted with the task of forming new
ministry In his inaugural speech declar-
ed his policy to consist essentially in main
tanning friendly alliance with France and
England, the. natural allies" Of Italy; and,
as regarded the pope, in remaining faithful
to that vote of Parliament which declared
Rome to be the capital of Italy: but he
modified this declaration by explaining
tna "this end was to he accomplished by
moral and diplomatic means, always hand
in hand with France"
This policy arrayed against him the
better part OF the kingdom, and he found
it difficult to stem the torrent Of Indignation
which threatened to overwhelm him. He
petitioned the king 10 dissolve the ministry
so as to be saved the humiliation of resign
ing. This, however, the king refused tc
do, and on the first of December, 1862.
Ratazzi and his colleagues resigned, a
new ministry being formed under the
presidency of Farina. In 1866 Ricasoli
returned to power. A year later, another
crisis having occurred, Ratazzi again be-
came minister, but to engoy his honors
for abrief time only. He retired October,
1867, and since that time has held no
position of influence under the government,
altough taking an active part in politics.