r Pius IX. if such a party could have been formed, but the
elements were wanting. The true idea of constitutional government was as
little understood in Italy as in the rest of continental Europe. The only
party at Rome who desired change were the Socialists, who identified
reform with subversion, who denied every right, and sought the destruction
of all existing institutions. No wonder if, in presence of such a faction,
the aristocracy, so highly conservative, dreaded and opposed all change.
The Socialists, whilst by the fear which they inspired strengthened the
hands of the conservative party, opposed and prevented the formation of a
body of reformers who, like Gizzi and Pius IX., would have labored
intelligently to forward the cause of reform, never losing sight of the
great principles of humanity and justice, never sacrificing to Utopian
theories inalienable rights, above all the rights of property--the very
groundwork of the social fabric. Without the aid and countenance of a body
of reformers, the able ministry that now surrounded the Pope found it
difficult to proceed. They could not determine for any important
constitutional change. They could not even undertake any considerable
improvement.

They were, however, not inactive. They studied to educate the people by
improving and extending the public schools, and by what was, indeed, an
advance in continental Europe--establishing a periodical press.

There were few cities so highly favored as Rome as regards the facilities
for educating youth. Nevertheless, there was room for improvement, and
Pius IX. accordingly established in the city a central school for the
instruction of the youth of the operative classes. This was a school of
arts and manufactures, and, at the same time, a military institution, in
which the pupils were qualified to become either tradesmen or subordinate
officers in the army. Whilst Cardinal Gizzi was Minister many other useful
schemes met the approbation of the Pontiff, and were sanctioned by his
signature.

Not a few commissions also were appointed--some for the study of railway
communication in the Roman States, others for the improvement of both
criminal and civil procedure, and others for the amelioration of the
municipal system and the repression of vagrancy.

Rome, so richly endowed in many respects, could scarcely be said, as yet,
to possess a periodical press. To establish such a press was, for the
reforming ministry, a labor of lo