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.

Your soldiers are fine-looking men, their general appearance is good, they have a martial air, and, as far as I can judge, they go through their manoeuvres pretty well.

It would be difficult to recognize in them the old soldier of the Pope, the fabulous personage whose duty it was to escort processions, and to fire off the cannon on firework nights; the well-to-do citizen in uniform who, if the weather looked threatening, mounted guard with an umbrella.