Military life in Italy : sketches - Societa italiana di storia militare

THE CHOLERA OF 1867. 439
orders of their superiors, or could doubt the rectitude, discuss
the fitness, or deny the duty of obedience. Thus, little by
little, the sentiment of religion took the place of that of discipline,
and that which would have been done unwillingly from
force, was done most gladly from an impulse of charity. On
the other hand, that affectionate solicitude which the officers
had displayed for the soldiers on every occasion, in visiting
them in the hospitals, assisting them with their own money,
comforting, counselling, and protecting them, had produced
such an effect, that in the hearts of the latter the sentiments
of gratitude and duty intermingled in such a way
as to
take away even the idea that they could be separated or
opposed. Understanding discipline as it is and ought to be,
understanding the principles upon which it is based and moves,
the aims to which it tends, and the effects it obtains, even the
intellect of the humblest soldier takes in this great edifice, the
army comprehends the praiseworthy combination and harmony
of the forces by which it is ruled feels that
; ; they are
foundations for the warmest affections of the family, and the
most sacred laws of religion ,
and as he goes on contemplating
the whole, he sees it rise and become illumined on a height
which neither the declamations of philosophers nor the complaints
of the common people can reach. This was the effect
produced upon the soldiers ;
in this way discipline was enforced.
And the country ?
The most splendid proof of the effect produced upon the
country by the magnificent conduct of the army was given by
the Sicilian people at the end of '67, and has been repeated recently,
the dearest proof that could be given to the army