Does he fear lest some enemy should invade his States?
Certainly not. He is better protected by the veneration of
Europe than by a line of fortresses. If, by a scarcely
possible eventuality, any difference were to arise between
the Holy See and an Italian Monarchy, the Pope has the means
of resistance at hand, without striking a blow; for he
counts more soldiers in Piedmont, in Tuscany, and in the Two
Sicilies, than the Neapolitans, the Tuscans, and the
Piedmontese would well know how to send against him. So much
for the exterior; and the situation is so clear, that your
Ministry of War assumes the modest and Christian title of
'the Ministry of Arms.' As for the interior, a good
gendarmerie is all you want.'
"Eh! my dear son," cried the Prelate, "we ask nothing
better. A people which is never destined to make war does
not want an army, but it ought to keep on foot the forces
necessary for the maintenance of the public peace. An army
of police and internal security is what we have been
endeavouring to create since 1849. Have we succeeded? Do we
suffice for ourselves? Are we in a position to ensure our
tranquillity by our own forces? No! no! certainly not."
"Pardon me, Monsignore, if I think you a little severe.
During the three months I have loitered as an observer in
Rome, I have had time to see the pontifical army.
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