made France the mistress of the destinies of Italy.
England, which, as a Protestant Power, had no great friendship for the
Holy See, found it suitable to preach non-intervention, as an excuse for
not being able or for not daring to aid her ancient and faithful ally, the
Pope, in opposition to her new friend, the Emperor of the French. England,
at least, was consistent, for, while she proclaimed and practised
non-intervention in favor of the French Emperor's subversive intervention
in Italy, she adhered most devoutly to the doctrine when there was
question, a little later, of aiding France against the crushing power of
Prussia.

(M70) Whilst the European Powers lay dormant under the spell of the new
doctrine of non-intervention, the King of Piedmont vigorously pursued his
career of spoliation. Having accepted a sham plebiscitum, he annexed, by a
formal decree of 18th March, the Grand Duchy of Tuscany, the Duchies of
Parma and Modena, and that portion of the Papal States known as the
Legations, to his ancient kingdom of Sardinia and Piedmont. This was done
with the full consent of his Imperial patron, Napoleon III. For, at this
time, Victor Emmanuel ceded to France, as compensation for Central Italy,
Nice and Savoy. This boded ill for France. Some French writers consider
that this transaction would have been less disgraceful if these provinces
had been exchanged for Lombardy, which had been won from Austria with
French blood and treasure. But, as evil destiny, which was hastening to
its accomplishment, would have it, they were given as payment for the
spoils of the widow and orphan of Parma and the aged man of the Vatican.
Thus for once was non-intervention dearly purchased.

The usurping monarch having now accomplished a long-cherished purpose,
ought, one would suppose, to have obeyed the dictates of prudence, and
held his peace. But no. He must write to the Pope, in order to justify his
nefarious proceeding. Piedmontese bayonets and four millions of
Piedmontese gold had won for him the plebiscitum of which he was so proud.
Nevertheless, he declared, addressing the Holy Father, that, "as a
Catholic Prince, he believed he was not wanting to the unchangeable
principles of the religion which it was his glory to profess with
unalterable devotedness and fidelity." Notwithstanding, "for the sake of
peace, he offered to acknowledge the Pope as his Suzerain, would always
diminish his charges and contribute towards his independen