Year: 1879

LIFE OF VICTOR EMMANUEL.


OF memoirs of the late Victor Emmanuel there are
great many. but life OF the dignity and propor-
tions of that written by G. s. Godkin and published
by Macmillan Co. has appeared in the English
language. And this author, who is living in Italy,
found in the Italian that adapted for trans
laton An impartial life of the late King by any OF
his countrymon at this time could hardly be ex-
pected. After perusing the two volumes that COM
pose this work arc inclined to think that an i'm
partial life by foreigner is equally difficult The
author is enthusiast. and writes with the warm
admiration, if not for the subject of
her biography. The initials OF the author confess
TO no sex. but feel pretty sure that
this book written by woman, for no
ono but woman would speak 80 lightly
Of q mans faults Her admiration for W.T.
torio Emmanuee Maria Alberto Eugenio Ferdinando
ToDmaso begins with the hour of his birth. We
led through the Of his early lfe and he is
painted as remarkable child. Even young
man we are told that Victor Emmanuel was "with-
out particle of personal vanity but pride of race
his passion" At the age of twenty-one he be-
gan to pay court to his Maria Adelaide. Whom he
married ana to whom his enemies say he behaved


like brute and demon, while his friends say that
he was always a loving husband and appreciated the





not agree with either verdict but says that he
fond his wife and retained her affection to the last
She ..died of an acute disease and not of broken
heart" but author acknowledges that he was
'guilty Of certain gallanries during her lifetime
which have caused her deep pain "What-
ever his faults may have been," says this
writer. "he had very noble trait of character.
which in prince is particularly admirable-a mag
nanimity OF soul which set him above petty con-
siderations and made him ignore all personal in
juries and offences" He is said to have suffered in
tensely from the calumnies Of his enemies. During
the illness which resulted in his wfes death he
her devoted attendant. leaving her bedside
cept to visit his brother who also lying ILL., All
his Piedmontese subjects declare that he deeply
attached to his wife, and that her death tor
riblc blow to him. 1t is also true that his connec
ton with tho Countess Miraiore was the cause of
bitter to Queen Adelaide. "Who can tell what
remorse was mingled with his grief" says this
writer, "when the royal mourner thought Of his


otherless little ones, he bent over the couch Of
his dying wife. and met the gaze Of the sad, loving
eyes which sought his continually"


We are given close history of King Victor En-
manuel from his birth to his DEATH the incidents Of
which are moro or less familiar to The writer
thing to his glory but has, nevertheless.
made an extremely interesting work. ana given
hero where others would have deprived US Of one.
The chapter devoted his private life is not the
least entertaining. Those who Imagine all kings to
be men of the most luxurious tastes will be sur
priscd to Hnd this one extremely simple. He rose
at little past four o'clock. summer and winter and
aftcr taking cup Of coffee went out for walk In
the sh ooting season he never went without his gun
and dogs. His favorite dog was English terrier
called Milford" who when he died. cried most
pitfully and refused all food. Between eleven
r 1-1r L..


fast. which was also his dinner. as he ate
nothing else till late hour. when he took light
supper. About two o'clock he resumed the business
begun in the morning and gave his attention to
the affairs of State. In the afternoon he drove
through Rome, and in the evening to the Villa
Mirafore. small plainly furnished suit of apart
ments on the ground ioor was all Victor Emmanuel
occupied of tho magnificent palace Of the Quirina.
except on State occasions With the exception Of his
military uniforms his wardrobe the scantiest
gentleman could be supposed to manage with. He
wore the cloth, color and texture all the year
round-gray for morning. black for evening. He
seldom had more than ono suit Of each. and wore
them until they were shabby which caused a Nea-
politan body to remark, 'The Ministry load with
taxes and yet they the heart to buy vtorio
new pair of pantaloons." The King used to tell
this story with much enjoyment He was. however,
particular about his linen. of which he had largo
quantities and OF the finest. When he going to
Berlin and Vienna his gentleman in waiting told
him that his wardrobe needed replenishing.
Every we'll. order what is necessary" replied
the King. "But your Majesty must have
your measure TAKEN" urged the gentleman.
.swhat q nuisance!" exclaimed His Majesty. task
Baron - to be kind enough to have his measure
taken for me; ho is about my size" After the death
of the Queen the Irregularities of the Kings life be-
came moro conspicuous. but told that public
duty was never neglected postponed for private
interest or pleasure. and that mo back door in
nuence was permitted to bear upon State affairs; for
no ideal prince. not ever the British Arthur. could
have lofter OF his kingly responsibility
more conscientious regard for the honor and well
fare of his country" number of anecdotes are
told prove tho generosity and kind hearedness Of
| Victor Emmanuel


Tho present King when no was Prince Humbert,
was popular only FAR as he his fathers son.
says this writer. He 'early earned for himself the
reputation of gay character" and "his manners
were not concatory" but since he has come to the
throne ho "has shown himself TO be man of OK
cecnt sense. tact ard good feeling" Tho relations
between tho late King and his unusually
intimate and his fathers death profound
row to the young man.