A hundred years ago
From the 'Spectator,' 17 September 1870—The great news of the week . . . is the entry of the Italian army into the Roman territory. On Sunday, after repeated discussions in the Coun- cil of Ministers, the order to enter Rome was given. Count Ponza di San Martino had previ- ously gone on a special mission to the Pope, to offer terms which it was hoped, in the confusion and helplessness of his secular posi- tion, Pius XI. might accept. This day week (Sept. 10) the Count had an interview with the Pope, and is believed to have offered him the Leonine City to rule, the status of a sovereign with ambassadors at foreign Courts, the guaran- tee of the debt, and complete ecclesiastical inde- pendence, but the Pope declined the offer with his usual non possumus. The Papal troops have, however, offered no resistance, and it was ex- pected that the Italian force would even enter the city of Rome itself without any opposition from the Papal Zouaves, whose commander had been arrested for avowing his intention not to resist. General Cadoma has, so far, carried out his intention for the occupation of the Papal dominions with perfect, ease, and we do not suppose there is any reason to apprehend a struggle, however trivial. The Pope elects to stay at the Vatican.
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