"The supreme dominion of the Emperors over Rome was exercised without
contradiction throughout all the dynasty of the Othos and Conrads, and
only became assailed under Frederick I.
"Afterwards, amidst the multitude of Italian republics, the Roman
republic was restored for a time; and, in the 13th century, had for
the head of its government a Matteo of the Orsini family with the
title of Senator, in honour of whose memory a medal was struck.
"For a long period the Kings of Naples, of the Anjou race, were
Senators of Rome.
"Pope Nicholas III. retained the senatorial dignity for himself; and,
by a bull of 1268, forbade the election of any Senator, without the
sanction of the Pope.
"From this date all the Senators of Rome have been nominated by the
Popes, and were never permitted to be foreigners.
"Besides the Senator, there was a council, called the Conservatori.
The members of this council were chosen from amongst the first
families of Rome; proposed by the Senator, and approved by the Pope.
"From time to time the Pontiffs have endeavoured to diminish the
jurisdiction and the prerogatives of the Senators, so that in latter
times their office has been reduced to a mere honorary charge.
"It has appeared to me that the restoration of this form of
government, replacing the Senator in his old authority, would be a
step at once adapted to the circumstances of the present day, and
acceptable to the Roman people.
Pages:
179
180
181
182
183
184
185
186
187
188
189
190
191
192
193
194
195
196
197
198
199
200
201
202
203