The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1907-07-04
Giuseppe Garibaldi.

To-day Italians the world over are
observing the hundredth anniversary Of
their national hero, a hero without fear
and without stain, as marvellous az any
Of those preserved 10 the legends Of more
poetic ages. Against impossible odds he
succeeded in achieving Italian unity, and
in the moment of victory sacrificed his
W political ideals to his country's good.
The historians and politicians have
tried to decry and explain away Carl
BALpI's exploits and influence, shutting
their eyes to what he really did. He was
always a leader Of forlorn hopes, but he
rushed in and succeeded where others
tried and died. The defence of Rome in
1s49 was doomed to failure from the
start, but GARIBALpI's holding out with
his unframed and i'll armed bands, his
repulse Of the Austrians and King BoMBA
to yield only 10 the republican French
who should have aided him, gave all
Italy courage for the time when she could
have a fair fight.
History records no madden enterprise
than the landing of GARIBALDI's thou
sand at Marsala. Asingle regiment with
q competent commander could have scat
tered the motley crowd Of undisciplined
enthusiasts; they would have been shot
OF the spot, regardless OF British SYM
pathy, and CAvoUB and his King would
have disowned them. That GARIBALpI
knew well. He was successful, and in a
few weeks had wiped out the Bourbon
power in the Two Sicilies and could meet
VIcroR EMMANUEL at the Volturno, with
all south Italy free. Then came the test.
He might retain his control Of the prov
inces he had overrun and establish the
republican forms he preferred, or he
might accept the almost accomplished
fact OF Italian unity and trust that the
Re gdIdntuomo would protect Italian lib
erty. That he chose the right course no
Italian who cared for his country has
evs1 doubted.
Then he withdrew to Caprera. asking
no reward, and the politicians took
charge. The Italy put together so adj
venturously had 10 be protected against
tho Powers Of Europe. and GARIBALDI
was to find that his creation was stronger
than himself. Twice he undertook to
freq Rome in spite OF the Government
and twice he was suppressed. The bull
let that wounded him al Aspromonte put
an end to the popular belief in his super
natural invulnerability. He helped to
free Venice, he lived TO see Rome joined
TO Italy, and when his enemy NAPOLEON
had fallen he offered his sword to repub-
lican France.
GARIBALDI's campaigns with his AL
pine battalions and his red shirts may
not stand military criticism; they we're
merely successful. His diplomacy was
deplorable because he was constantly
trying to upset what the diplomats
wished to retain, and he was blind to
obstacles. His self -effacement after the
accomplishment of each daring task was
complete; he worked with his hands as
sailor, Al farmer. as craftsman, till the
time was ripe to strike another blow for
his country, The soap boiling and candle
making on Staten Island in the months
when New York gave him a refuge were
a. natural and honorable an incident
in his career as his solitary entry into
Naples ahead Of his army, and the men
Of his race. TO whom America has proved
q home he could not have dreamed of,
are to be congratulated that they have
q tangible relic OF his stay among us
in the memorial they are d~edicating
to-day.
Simple, gentle, fearless, outspoken for
the truth, regardless of self. perhaps too
trusting Of those near him, no knightly
quality was lacking in this sailor of Nizza.
Tho Italy he brought together less than
my years ago will remember him CRATE
fully when even MAzzINI and CAvoUR and
vfcron EMMANUEL are forgotten.