, as they
were communicated, to affect deeply the Italian mind. Public opinion was
aroused. The most profound sympathy was everywhere felt and expressed.
Liberty had revived under the auspices of Religion. It had emanated as a
new blessing from the Cross. The Chief of Religion, the Father of the
Faithful, had become its High Priest. His name was held in benediction.
His praises were proclaimed not only by the Italian people, but also by
every civilized nation. It was no longer violence--no longer
insurrection--that contended for liberty. The greatest of all sovereigns
had announced its reign. It was not indebted to any secret society. It
relied upon society at large. It rested secure, so men believed, on the
firm foundation of enlightened public opinion. Philosophy, as represented
by M. Cousin, hailed its advent. The statesmanship of France, headed by M.
Thiers, extolled its champion. Protestantism, forgetting its illiberal
prejudices, re-echoed with enthusiasm the warm _vivats_ of reformed Italy.
Pius IX., meanwhile, enjoyed his reward,--not in the flattering echo of the
thousand voices which sounded his praise, but in the one still voice of
approving conscience. He was consoled, moreover, by a profound conviction
that the cause which he had taken in hand would, one day, prove
triumphant.

With every new concession came the desire for further change. The people
generally were satisfied, even grateful, and they frequently expressed
their gratitude in the most sincere and enthusiastic manner. They were
not, however, all sincere. There were not wanting those who studied only
to make available for their own ends the tumultuous gatherings and warm
expressions of satisfaction in which the people so often indulged. This
was the Socialist faction. It aimed at nothing less than to establish a
Republic--a _Republic, one and undivided_, or, as it has been called,
because of its cruel and blood-thirsty character, the _Red Republic_.

With a view to the establishment of such a Republic, the men of this party
took advantage of the numerous assemblages, which could not now either be
regulated or diminished in number, to gain new friends, to increase
popular excitement, and so to discipline it as to bring it, through some
favorite demagogues, under their control. It will shortly be seen with
what a dangerous weapon they were arming themselves. It can scarcely be
doubted that but for the machinations of these factionists and their
inf