e of the absolute
independence of sovereigns in favor of the Turkish Sultan against his
Christian subjects, thought itself justified by its protocol of April 8th,
and in the absence of any representative of the august accused, in
proclaiming that the situation of the Papal States was _abnormal_ and
_irregular_. This accusation, developed, aggravated and exaggerated in
parliament and elsewhere, by Lord Palmerston and Count Cavour, was,
nevertheless, formally put forward under the presidency and on the
_initiative_ of the French minister for foreign affairs. Consequently,
France must be held accountable for it to the Church, and to the rest of
Europe." The war which "the skilful but guilty perseverance of Piedmontese
policy" succeeded in occasioning between France and Austria facilitated
not a little the work of revolution in the States of the Church. In order
to dispel the fears that prevailed, the following words were addressed to
the Bishops of France by the minister of the Emperor: "The prince who
restored the Holy Father to his throne in the Vatican wills that the Head
of the Church should be respected in all his rights as a temporal
sovereign." A little later, the Emperor of the French, elated with his
military success, issued a proclamation which renewed the apprehensions
that had been so happily allayed. "Italians!--Providence sometimes favors
nations and individuals by giving them the opportunity of suddenly
springing into their full growth. Avail yourselves, then, of the fortune
that is offered you! Your desire of independence, so long expressed, so
often deceived, will be realized, if you show yourselves worthy of it.
Unite then for one sole object, the liberation of your country. Fly to the
standards of King Victor Emmanuel, who has already so nobly shown you the
way to honor. Remember that without discipline there can be no army, and
animated with the sacred fire of patriotism, be soldiers only to-day, and
you will be to-morrow free citizens of a great country."

"The Romagnese," continues Montalembert, "took the speaker at his word.
Four days after the appearance of this proclamation, they rose against the
Papal authority, created a provisional government, convoked a sovereign
assembly, voted the deposition of the Pope, and the annexation to
Piedmont. Finally, seeing their audacity remained unpunished, they
organized an armed league, officered by Piedmontese, and commanded by
Garibaldi--that Garibaldi, who, h