17 Marzo 96.
Siccome di Carli, e di Paladini come lei, non ve ne possono essere due, così ritengo ch’Ella fu a
Ed ora parliamo del
Mi informano che
Bisogna dunque trovar modo di agire su
_______
Non so se le consegnai copia di una breve mia memoria anonima, che fu il primo gradino di quella scala che ascesero i caduti Ministri: a buoni conti glie ne mando una.
Non aggiungo altro, affidandomi nella di Lei avvedutezza circa a quanto crederà opportuno di fare. Grazie, intanto, e cordiali saluti.
Dmo Suo
Giulio Ricordi
17 March [18]96
Ill.mo Sig. Paladini,
Since there cannot be two of Carli and of Paladini like you, I must presume that you were in Naples and that you kindly joined the many others in sending me such a courteous telegram; thanks then to you as well.
And now let’s talk about our own particular kind of African disaster!....
I have been informed that those in via Pasquirolo and company are working not only against the projected legislation but also against the Barbiere legislative decree, exploiting the new ministerial concept, that is, of a more austere legal interpretation such that nothing can be done without the approval of Parliament! True, we are not talking about a political act, nor anything similar; but politics pokes its nose everywhere, and they’ll try anything, even at the cost of poking the legacy of the deceased minister. The High Priest in action here is always Avv. Rosmini, who could now find significant support from the radical H[is] E[xcellency] Ronchetti, Sonzogno’s lawyer.
So we need to find a way to work on Gianturco (who is, I discovered, a musician!!) and on Guicciardini, in order to prevent them from being swept away by some sort of deceptive maneuver like that of Menelik! – They should instead be persuaded by the truth, which is how much utility and furtherance for the arts, and revenue for the government will be obtained [by means of this legislation]; and now that the “abbbommminable!!” [“abbborrrito!!”] Crispi is gone, they will probably find it an excellent idea to bring money into the State Treasury that would otherwise be lost for public purposes, but which would be of genuine public benefit if it were solidly dedicated to the cause of artistic advancement.
“Now may your excellence be demonstrated” [“Qui si parrà la tua nobiltate”: Inferno, canto II, verse 9]
I don’t know if I gave you a copy of a short anonymous deposition I wrote, which was the first step on the ladder ascended by our ex-Ministers; in any case, I will send you one.
I will say nothing more, trusting in your ability to determine how best to proceed. My thanks to you meanwhile, and cordial greetings.
Yours most sincerely,
Giulio Ricordi