The Evening statesman. [volume] (Walla Walla, Wash.) 1903-1910, 1906-09-20
ITALY IS CELEBRATING
Observing Anniversary Of The King.
dom's Independence.
1HIRTY-SIx YEARS OF FREEDOM
TRUE ITALIANS ALL OVER THE
WORLD ARE ENJOYING THE
HOLIDAY.
YEARS OF FREEDOM

ROME, Sept. 2O-Thirty-six years
ago today Rome. formerly the capitol
of the Papal state was occupied by
Italian troops and became the capital
of the Kingdom of Italy. The occu-
patton of Rome marks the date of
Italy's independence. and for that rea-
son the anniversary of the day is cele-
brated by Italians not only in their
own country. but wherever they may
have found a temporary or permanent
residence. 1t was on SEPTEMBER y,
1870, that the troops of Victor Emman-
uel took possession of the Eternal City
in response to the invitation of its in
habitants and in Difference to the clam
orous demands of the entire Italian
people.
The presence of a French army OF
occupation at Rome from 1S49 to 1870
the temporal sovereignty Of the pope
had served to embitter the population
of the papal states to such an extent
that 1t was quite as difficult to pre-
vent them from rising in revolt as it
was to cheek the people of other pOr-
lions of the peninsula from giving
forcible expression to their deep re-
rentment at the presence of foreign
troops on Italian territory. On several
occasions, indeed, King Victor En-
manuel's troops We're employed to sup
, press instructions in the papal states
and three times Garibaldi was seized
and placed under arrest by order of
the king for leading forces across the
pontifical frontiers for the purpose of
taking Rome
| Finally, in 1870. when the war with
Germany compelled France to with
draw her army of occupation from.
Rome, disturbances at once broke out
| in the bapal states and grave disorders
ensued, while throughout Italy the pop
ular agitation in favor of the annexa-
ti6n Of Rome and its conversion into
the national capital become more pro-
nounced. At teplgth, Victor Emmanuel.
realizing that It was impossible to
restrain any longer the will Of his peo-
pie. addressed a most respectful and
conciliatory letter to Plus TX, pointing
out to him the necessity of succeeding
the French occupation with one by Ital-
ing order. The offers contained in the
letter was refused by the pope. Re-
the people of the papal states the
Italian forces, had received strict Or
ana, after some more negotiations, took
possession of Rome, welcomed by its
inhabitants. The only resistance they
met was that by the handful of for
eigners which formed the papal guard.
Gen, Caderna, in command Of the
Italian forces, has received strict or
ders not to cross the Tiber, but to
leave that part of the city, situated on
the right bank of the river, including
St Peters, the Vatican and the San
Angelo Castle in other words the
Leonfne city, to the care of the papal
troops The government intended to
leave that part of the city in posses
sion of the pope. However, the popu-
]ation became greatly excited and dem
,nstrative and finally, the authorities
Of the Vatican requested Gen. Caderna
TO occupy the Leonine City with his
troops. At first he declined, fearing
to disobey his orders and causing poll
teal complications, but so urgent were
the requests of the Vatican authorl-
ties, that finally ne crossed the 1lper
with his troops and occupied the papal
precincts, which ever since have re-
NAMED in the possession of the Italian
government. Before a week had elaps-
ed the people of the papal state decid-
ed by an overwhelming plebiscito to
become part of the Kingdom Of Italy
Az usually the day was celebrated
throughout Italy today. The mayor OF
the city sent his congratulations to the
king and the latter answered with a
handsomely worded message Of appre-
,iation. The day is observed as
holiday and popular celebrations are
held everywhere.