the hands of a _colporteur_. This
wretched man offered to disclose the names of the libellers. Pius IX.
declined his offer, generously forgave him the offence, and even bestowed
upon him a sum of money in order to induce him and enable him to give up
his nefarious trade.

Meanwhile, there was at Rome a still more numerous body who sustained the
policy of the Holy Father. These friends of order, it is most pleasing to
record, made every effort to aid him in carrying out the measures of
reform which he contemplated. This influential body of faithful and
patriotic citizens, who can never be sufficiently praised, organized a
considerable force which kept the populace in check. This party consisted,
chiefly, of the burghers of Rome. They were encouraged and headed by the
higher nobles, such as the Borghese, the Rospigliosi, the Riguano, the
Piombino, and the Aldobrandini. Acting as a noble guard, they were able to
preserve order in the city, when, on occasion of celebrating the memorable
amnesty, it was seriously threatened by the factions. They were, indeed, a
party of reform, order-loving and law-abiding. It can never be
sufficiently regretted that, unaccustomed as they were to political
turmoil, they knew not how to keep their ground in the face of new dangers
which arose so soon.

The health of Cardinal Gizzi had begun to decline. The toils of office
were not calculated to improve it, and so he relinquished a post which
was, every day, becoming more onerous and difficult. There was another
Cardinal whose high character had endeared him to the Romans. Ability and
learning were not his only qualities. He was energetic and resolute,
faithful, straightforward and self-sacrificing. When the dread scourge of
cholera swept over his episcopal city and impoverished his people,
Cardinal Ferretti gave up for the relief of the sufferers all that he
possessed--money, clothing, plate, furniture, and remained in his empty
Palace, as destitute as a pauper. To this eminent Cardinal Pius IX.
appealed, offering him the high office which Gizzi could no longer hold.
On 26th July, 1847, the new Chief Minister arrived at Rome. He was warmly
received. The citizens gave him an ovation.

Shortly before his arrival, news had come to Rome that Austrian troops
were marching on Ferrara, a city of the Papal States. They were, indeed,
entitled, by the treaty of 1815, to occupy this fortress, as well as that
of Camachio. They could urge no better exc