Section 60. The Fall of Metternich

The February revolution in France was speedily followed by an uprising of the Liberal party in Vienna, which, on March 13, forced Metternich to resign the influential position which he had held for so many years. The next day he wrote an account of the affair to Tsar Nicholas, who, he well knew, would heartily sympathize with him.

the Tsar of

Sire, the most invincible of forces, that of circumstances, 223. Metterhas put an end to my long political life. Your Imperial Majesty nich informs has always deigned to honor me with that form of esteem which the March has the highest value in my eyes, namely, confidence in my revolution principles and such encouragement as the upright man should in Vienna seek in his own conscience. To-day once more my conscience impels me as a duty to lay before your Imperial Majesty the expression of my profound gratitude for the sympathy which I believe that I have merited on your part, and of which, during the whole course of your Majesty's glorious reign, you have deigned to give me so many proofs.

Europe, sire, is involved in a crisis which much exceeds the bounds of political movements. It is a crisis in the social body. I foresaw the event; I have combated it consistently during a ministry of well-nigh forty years. To check the tor

rent is no longer within the power of man It can only be

224. The signs of revolt in

My efforts have been in vain. And as I do not know how to steer a middle course, or to remain in a situation repugnant to my moral sense, I have retired from the scene. Too advanced in years to hope to witness the events which, according to my views, may ultimately put an end to the present crisis, it only remains for me to offer to my master and to my country the good wishes which I shall not cease to entertain for their inseparable happiness.

Condescend, sire, to retain a kind remembrance of me and permit me to assure you of the most profound respect. I remain, your Majesty, etc., etc.

VIENNA, March 14, 1848

METTERNICH

Two months before the overthrow of Metternich and a month before the February revolution in France, it was clear that the Austrian government was likely to have trouble with its subjects in Italy. The English consul general writes from Venice, January 18, 1848:

Though the Venetian provinces have hitherto been much more tranquil than the provinces of Lombardy, they appear Venetia and now disposed to make common cause with the latter, and it is Lombardy surprising to see the change that a short time has brought (January, about.

1848)

The Aus

cized in

northern

Italy

When I left Venice, early in November last, everything was perfectly quiet, and although some little excitement had trians ostra- been produced by the speeches delivered by a few persons during the sitting of the Scientific Congress, society was upon. its accustomed footing. Now, however, it is quite different; the Venetians have adopted the system of the Milanese, and there is hardly a Venetian house into which an Austrian is admitted. This determination has been come to very unwillingly by many, but they act under a system of intimidation that is carried on to a degree scarcely credible. Persons supposed to have a leaning towards the government are held up to public execration, and their names are written upon the walls as traitors to their country. . .

Should a collision ensue between the troops and the people, - and a very slight thing may bring it on, the consequences, I fear, would be extremely serious.

The government at Vienna, however, had been warned by disturbances in Milan early in the month, and Marshal Radetzky, the Austrian commander, encouraged his troops by the following declaration issued in Milan on the same day that the above letter was written from Venice by the English consul.

encourages

His Majesty the emperor, being determined according to 225. Marshal his rights and duties to defend the Lombardo-Venetian king- Radetzky dom, as well as every other part of his dominions, against all his soldiers attacks of an enemy, either from without or from within, has permitted me to make this, his resolve, known to all the troops of the army stationed in Italy. He is persuaded that his intentions will meet with the firmest support in the valor and fidelity of the army.

Soldiers, you have heard the words of the emperor; I am proud to make them known to you. Against your fidelity and your valor the efforts of fanaticism and the infidel spirit of innovation will be broken like brittle glass against solid rock. The sword which I have borne with honor in so many battles during sixty-five years is still eager for action. I shall know how to make use of it to defend the tranquillity of a country a short time since most happy, and which a mad faction now seeks to plunge into misery.

Soldiers, our emperor relies upon you; your old general trusts you let this suffice. Let them not force us to unfold the banner of the double-headed eagle, for the strength of its talons is yet unimpaired. Let our motto be: Defense and tranquillity to faithful and friendly citizens and destruction to the enemy who shall dare with a treacherous hand to disturb the peace and welfare of nations.

226. Milan,

Austria, appeals to

On March 22, 1848, Radetzky, in spite of his boasts, was forced to evacuate Milan, and the provisional government which had been established there appealed to the king of Sardinia for aid.

Sacred Majesty:

MILAN, March 23, 1848

We have vanquished the enemy who occupied the city. after revolt- He left the castle last night and marched towards Verona, but ing from he is not yet far from the capital and is marking every step with slaughter and plunder. Our citizens have made heroic efforts, and with very few resources they have repulsed the pride of an enemy confident in his strength.

the king of
Sardinia
for aid
(March 23,

1848)

Although the city is now free, the speedy and potent aid of your Majesty is none the less important. The provisional government therefore implores your Majesty to hasten to assist us by every means. Your Majesty will thus be a benefactor to the sacred cause of Italian independence and brotherhood, and will surely receive the applause and gratitude of this people. We would willingly add more, but our position as a provisional government does not allow us to anticipate the wishes of the nation, which are, without doubt, all directed toward the furtherance of the cause of Italian unity.

While the northern Italians were preparing to resist to their utmost the rule of Austria, the Pope was entering upon a serious conflict with the republicans at Rome. The latter demanded that a constitutional convention be convoked, and were ready to seize the government by force of arms, when the Pope fled from the city. The Convention was then elected, and on February 9, 1849, it abolished the temporal authority of the Pope and proclaimed the short-lived Roman Republic in the following decree.

ART. I. The Papacy has forfeited in fact and of right the temporal government of the Roman State.

II. The Roman pontiff shall have all the guarantees neces- 227. Decree sary to secure his independence in the exercise of his spiritual establishing

power.

the Roman

Republic

III. The form of the government of the Roman State shall (February, be a pure democracy, and it shall take the glorious name of 1849)

the Roman Republic.

IV. The Roman Republic shall maintain such relations with the rest of Italy as our common nationality may require. February 9, 1849, 1 o'clock in the morning.

GIOVANNI PENNACCHI

G. GALETTI, President

ARIODANTE FABRETTI

ANTONIO ZAMBIANCHI

QUIRICO FILOPANTI BARILI, Secretaries

The decree establishing the republic was immediately followed by a proclamation to the people.

LONG LIVE THE ROMAN REPUBLIC!

ROME, February 8, [1849]

It is I o'clock, after midnight, and we issue at this moment 228. Proclafrom the hall where the convention has been assembled since mation announcing II o'clock A.M. Who can describe the commotions which have the Roman agitated us? The great word has been pronounced.

Republic
(February,

Democracy has won the day. After a serious, animated, 1849) but free and conscientious discussion, at a quarter past II P.M., amidst the applause of the people assembled in crowds in the galleries, the Roman Republic was proclaimed, after the fall of the temporal power of the Pope had been declared. Out of more than 140 representatives of the people only some twenty were against the propositions that were passed.

In this manner religion has been purified. Italy has recovered Rome, and Rome has opened to itself a glorious future. The majority of the representatives agreeing in this great proclamation demonstrates fully that the desire of the people to be emancing ad from a theocratic government could