“RICASOLI, “ President of the Council of Ministers. ” to the prefects of the different provinces, August 1, 1866

Translation of a circular addressed by the president of the council of ministers to the prefects of the different provinces.

“Yesterday I notified you of the conclusion of the armistice. Now will commence the negotiations for peace which the government will procure, honorable and advantageous to the country. Let the people and the press understand, now is no time for opposition and recrimination.

“The conditions of this country, internal and external, are known to all. But if it is a part of true patriotism to scrutinize into the evils of the country, it is equally a duty to reveal them only at the proper time. The present is the moment for that patriotism whose essential characteristic is to defer its own desires to the necessities and exigencies of the country. Unreasonable accusations and recrimination would give a proof of internal weakness which could only turn to the profit of the enemy, and interrupt the action of the government, which now more than ever is in need of the united support of the people in the negotiations of peace.

“The government has a right to the support of public opinion; for all that can be done for the good of the country will be done. It is resolved to fulfil its duty, directing all its efforts to the end that Italy may issue from the present complications stronger and more firmly consolidated. Confidence on the part of the government, harmony and moderation of the citizens—these are the sentiments which supply the force to overcome obstacles and accomplish the destinies of the nation.