CHAPTER IX.
The excitement which had reigned in Rome for weeks past was
destined to end almost as suddenly as it had begun. The events
which followed the 22d of October have been frequently and
accurately described; indeed, if we consider the small number of
the troops engaged and the promptness with which a very limited
body of men succeeded in quelling what at first appeared to be a
formidable revolution, we are surprised at the amount of attention
which has been accorded to the little campaign. The fact is that
although the armies employed on both sides were insignificant, the
questions at stake were enormous, and the real powers which found
themselves confronted at Monte Rotondo and Mentana were the
Kingdom of Italy and the French Empire. Until the ultimatum was
presented to Italy by the French Minister on the 19th of October,
Italy hoped to take possession of Rome on the pretext of restoring
order after allowing it to be subverted by Garibaldi's guerillas.
The military cordon formed by the Italian army to prevent
Garibaldi's crossing the frontier was a mere show. The arrest of
the leader himself, however it was intended by those who ordered
it, turned out in effect to be a mere comedy, as he soon found
himself at liberty and no one again attempted to seize him.
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