If I am astonished at anything, it is that the pontifical army has made so much progress as it has in the deplorable conditions in which it is placed.

We can discuss it freely because the whole system is under examination, and about to be reorganized by the Head of the State.

You complain that young gentlemen of good family do not throng to the College of Cadets in the hope of gaining an epaulette.

But you forget how little the epaulette is honoured among you.

The officer has no rank in the state.