The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1877-03-04

the projects OF Italian patriots. Luckily the
little army which followed La Marmora TO the
Crmca seemed to have an instin'tive percep-
ton that il was there for great idea. To a
poor soldier struggling through the mud OF n
trench his officer said gayy Don't mind it of
that same mud we moan to make an Italyl"
One OF the first proofs OF the wisdom which
had prompted the participation of Sardinia in
the Crmean war was the honor paid to Victor
Emanuel ut Paris and London in 1855. which
showed how much ground Piedmont had gained
in n short time. II was on the occasion of this
visit that Cavour. in an interview with Napoleon
Ill ut tho Tuilerics, contrivcd to draw forth a
question destined TO I've the prelude Of events
What can he done for ltaly?" AS yet perhaps
this was only careless word, a Vague indica-
ton Of sympathy, but he who caught II in tho
month Of December, 1855. was not the man to
let ii drop.
In tho congress which followed the taking OF
Scbastopol and concluded the treaty Of Paris
Cavour was naturally the representative Of Sar-
dinia, and IL is certain that he astonishcd and
charmed his colleagues Ivy the range. cxacti-
tudc and profundity Of his requirements. Din -
poace was determined he saw no reason to
WOUND u,e paid" 81 nassl,. aud he was careful
tn show himself moro compliment In PROPOSE
ton. as Austria, who had done no ilSlting WIS
unyiclding. On ono occasion. when tho Aus
trian Ambassador was insisting on n cession Of
territory in II lssaraba. which diplomatic Oh
phuism styled a roctincation OF frontiers,
Count Orlor said in half whisper to
Cavour. "lIe does not dream how much
blood and tears this littlo modification
will cost his country" We suspect that
the Piodmontesc was ut no pains 10 appoase tho
Russians resentment But the crowning
triumph OF the Sandman envoy was his succ0ss
in Introducing the Italian question into the do
deliberations OF this Congress against the in
dignant protest OF Austria and olicitng from
the representatives Of England. France. and
Russia expressions OF opinion distinctly OPP
posed to tho Austrian policy in the peninsula
Cavour returned from the Congress Of Paris
with the satisfaction of having placed his coun-
try in the eye OF Europe. and with the personal
prestige OF a statesman.
A main source OF Cavours strength was that
he had always before him single object. yelled
at times by tho shadow OF events. but immuta-
Die and visible ~ his intellect One OF his facu-
ties. superior possibly 10 his bollncss. was the
instinct Of opportuneness. the art OF adjusting
his action to circumstances. Manzoni said Of
him that he had all the qualities OF stitecraft-
not only prudence. hut timely imprudence. On
the morrow OF the Paris Congress he perceived
that the now situation must have room to ripen.
that nothing decisive could be mplished for
two or three years. and meanwhile there was
much ~ do over and carry through In order not
10 lose the ground won and to prepare the for
ward march, To ruin Austria morally in the
Peninsula. without affording her the pro-
text Of overt aggression. TO uphold moro con-
spcuously than over tho Liberal asccndcn y Of
Piedmont. to rally the patriotic sentiments Of
Italy about the standard Of Victor Emanuel
without compromising Sardinia with repres-
sive Governments. to lead Europe gradually 10
see In the enfranch scment OF the Italians a
Conservative gain and not a loss. and TO prose-
cute all these aims amid the conflict OF parties
and through the perplexing incidents Of "A Par
liamcntlry systcm-such WAS the work Of
Cavour between 1856 and 1858. II could only
have been accomplished 10y man who had al
ready oontrived to assure himself a voritible
prcpondcrance. sort OF Parliamentary royalty
or dictatorship. the supple and sure instrument
Of his designs. "We have u Government" peo-
pie used Ia say In Turin: we have two Cham
bers and "A Consttution-hs names Cavour."
Tho reputation which Sardinia had acquired
was calculated to lattor the pride OF little
country but in this pacific interim il seemed
necessary Ia fOrtfy and extend II by a multi
plicity OF enterprises and prolo ,ts-such as the
civilizations Of Acxan Ira. tho creation Of
great naval arsenal Mt Spezzia and the tunnel
ling Of Mont Ccnis-at the risk OF seeming TO
overt,N tho resources of an inconsiderable
state But the capital object OF CavOur's policy
was compassed since By these efforts ana sacri-
Aces he WIS enabled to exhibit Piedmont ~ tho
active asgran iizei. AMI accredited representa-
tive Of the liberal and rational idea
Meanwhile. however. the spirit OF conspiracy
and OF radical revolution did not yield the field
without struggle Wo would not unlcrrnto
Of Al tl,.,
ment Of nationality throughout tho Italian pen
insua. but the experience Of Atty years had
proved that while such men rs he could raise
the whirlwinl, they could not direct the storm.
For the moment. luckily. Muzini's outbreaks
had no other effect but 10 demonstrate that the
extremists were losing. and the national ib-
erals gaining with every hour Tho Plei-
mont'se policy in proportion ns II hecnme d.
fined by acts or words. quickenod the hope Of a
possible dcliveranrc 10y regular and allowable
means and without seeking. sometimes without
knowing t!icm. Cavour found allies or accom-
pliccs everywhere Not the least precious Of
these was Daniel MANN. the famous Venetian
exile, who WAS living in retirement at Paris nm /
who, after an interview with Cavonr. announced
that he should heneeforth further what was
pra tlcally possible, loving Italy more than "A
republic"
Not only was II necessary during thrno iataful
years 10 hold Piedmont fast by the authority Of
n parliamentary leader AMI tho peninsula by
tho fas 'ination II "a national policy hut tn gain
tho good will or Indifference OF foreign powers
toward the projects which w,re ripening. In
persuadns Russia tn aeIncs 90 In a rupture Of
ret'tonary traditions, in tempting and pushing
Austria into blunders which fatally cloudod her
prestige In chilling En- slnnl's close and time
hOnored rotations with Vienna AMI her super