New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1885-04-14
TIE LILLIAN MISSION.

Americans have always been deeply interested
in the cause of Italian Nationality. The historic
figures have disappeared from the stage !;
Cayour, Ricasoli, Rattazzi, MaMini Victor
Emmanuel, and Garbadi have followed one an
other until not single representative of the
heroic period is now left; but the practical re-
suits of the first generation of Italian unity
command the respect and admiration of a free
people. Americans still recall the inspiring
memories of the creative period of sister
Nations golden youth and rejoice that the
promise of those days of heroic action which
fred tho enthusiasm Of Mr.. Gladstone and Mr..
Bright and progressive statesmen the world
over has been fulfilled. So sincere Is their re-
spect for the youngest Nation in Europe that
they must deplorc the unfortunate blunder
which has been made in the selection of the
new Minister to the Quirinal
Mr. Kelley seems to have been an opponent
of the cause Of italian unity and to have
made a vehement protest against the occu-
patton of Rome by Victor Emmanuels troops
At O public meeting held in Richmond fifteen
years ago, he was reported as saying:
1.-THE Catholics of this diocese have witnessed
@with the profOundest concern the recent
@cruel and causecss invasion of the Papal States
"by q noighboring sovereign, and the sacrilcg-
@ious violence with which the Holy Father has
@bcen driven from his horne and bercft of his
@lawful authority . The cause that tri-
"umyhed when King Victor Emmanuel
scrosscd the Roman frontier was the cause Of
sthe socialists and infdels of Geneva; no
@Ilore, 10 less" He was also chairma II
of a Committee on Resolutions, and reported
among others, the following vigorous utter
ance:
Eesolped That while the spolatons Justify the world
I'm stgrnazing this invasion as fragrant crime against
social order and peace Of nations the personal turp
tude of King Emmanuel invites serious
denuncations Pretending to be Catholic prince, he
has smitten it were with mailed hand the chief Of
Cat holics claiming to DO lawful sovereign he has
trampled under foot the very convention TO which he
owes his throne and pretending to be defender Of the
rights of the humbos he has admitted in hs procama
ton OF tho sh of September that he despoled the terri
tory OF peaceful neighbor TO prevent the brgands Of
his own dominion from concentrating the spoliation
without his aid.
There could not be more stupid and boorish
insult offered 10 the son of Victor En-
manuel than to ask him 70 receive the
author of that resolution as Envoy
Extraordinary and Minister Plcnipotentiary
from friendly power. 1t is not impossible that
the Italian Government may administer to our
State Department the just rebuke of re-
fusing to receive him; and at any rate
it would be the best way out of a
bad business to withhold his commission.
The cause that trumphed when the French
garrison was withdrawn from Rome and Ie-
united Italy regaincd its historic Capital was
not the cause of Geneva socialists and infdcls ;
and any American who has proclaimed so mar
row and purblind view would cut sorry
figure as the Official representative of the
American Government.