The Life of General Garibaldi: Translated from his private papers; with the history of his splendid exploits in Rome, Lombardy, Sicily and Naples, to the present time.Garibaldi, Giuseppe
History
The Life of General Garibaldi: Translated from his private papers; with the history of his splendid exploits in Rome, Lombardy, Sicily and Naples, to the present time.
Garibaldi, Giuseppe
Garibaldi, Giuseppe, 1807-1882
After the peaceful and triumphal entry of Garibaldi into Naples, new
rumors were put into circulation of a pretended disagreement between him
and the King of Sardinia. These were most satisfactorily refuted by the
measures which the victorious general adopted immediately afterward. On
the 14th of July, he proclaimed the government of Victor Emanuel, placed
all the ships of war and commerce, the arsenals and materials of marine,
by decree, at the disposal of Sardinia, and put them into the hands of
Admiral Persaro; the portfolio of the interior was confirmed to Liborio
Romano, the only member of the late ministry who enjoyed the confidence
of the people. The choice of Scialoia, who had already left Genoa to
assume the ministry of finance, was very generally applauded. Two
battalions of genuine Piedmontese Bersaglieri were landed from the
Sardinian men-of-war, and took possession of the Darsena. Telegraphic
orders were sent for two more Piedmontese regiments to garrison the
Neapolitan forts. By taking the Neapolitan marine under its command, and
occupying the strongholds, dockyards and arsenals about this place, the
Sardinian government committed itself more openly to the annexation of
these kingdoms than it ever dared to do in the case of Tuscany or
Romagna last year. And all these measures were taken not only with the
consent but by the express desire of Garibaldi, who certainly exhibited
no apprehension that the king's government would interfere with his vast
undertakings.
The extreme joy with which the news of Garibaldi's entrance into Naples
was received by all classes and parties, from Messina to the Alps, can
be best understood by those who know the detestation with which the
oppression and vindictive cruelty of the late government were
universally regarded. This feeling was greatly increased by the
disappointment of the nation in all those hopes to which the death of
Ferdinand had given birth, and the conviction that his successor was
determined to tread in his father's steps rather than enter sincerely on
any new course. When Francis II. ascended the throne, it was felt that a
young monarch, above all, one educated as he had been, had every claim
to public consideration, and very sincere hopes were for the time
entertained, that he would cease to follow the beaten track of Bourbon
perjury and despotism, and frankly identify himself with the wants and
aspirations of his country. Possessing, through his mother, a
considerable hold on the affections of his subjects, and succeeding a
sovereign who was detested by his people, he had an excellent position,
and by a judicious system of even moderate reforms, might have
conciliated all parties and opposed a successful barrier to the tide of
revolution that was soon to sweep over the landmarks of Italy.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Elsewhere in the archive
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account