THE MISSION TO ROME. n 



position to combat them ? Is it supposed, moreover, 

 that there is no need to reassure that numerous por- 

 tion of the Eoman population which, while detesting 

 the rule of anarchy, dreads almost as much the 

 return of one who has left so melancholy a mark 

 upon the reign of Gregory XYI. ; of a regime which 

 at the death of that Pontiff had rendered a change 

 of that system absolutely necessary, and which, by 

 provoking a vigorous reaction, has done far more to 

 bring about the misfortunes of these recent times 

 than the hurried introduction of certain reforms 

 which were not, perhaps, sufficiently thought out. 

 The men of whom I speak, and who, if I am not 

 mistaken, comprise nearly the whole of the well-to-do 

 and enlightened classes, would gladly rally now to 

 any combination which offered them guarantees of 

 good order, security, and sound administration; but 

 how can they be otherwise than uneasy when they 

 see that not a word is said as to the future ? and are 

 they not justified in fearing that there is a design to 

 annul all the concessions due to the generosity of 

 Pius IX., including the secularisation of public func- 

 tions, the prime and essential basis, without which 

 any reform attempted in the States of the Church 

 can be but illusory ? 



" I will say no more upon this subject. You are 

 aware of the painful reflections which it has forced 

 upon me, and you have done your best to bring those 

 who obstinately refuse to recognise the truth of these 



