The weeks passed as Vincent and Garibaldi continued their discussions and debates. Though Vincent remained a prisoner, the two actually began an odd friendship of sorts. He was eventually moved out of the dungeons and into a simple but comfortable room. Garibaldi now called for his presence nearly every day. They continued to discuss politics, the rights of the common man, and the future of the Italian Democratic Coalition. Garibaldi had taken to asking for Vincent's advice on matters, even when he strenuously disagreed with the answers given. For his part, Vincent was becoming increasingly persuaded to Garibaldi's point of view. He began to wonder if some compromise might be reached.
One evening the two were in Garibaldi's chambers enmeshed in another conversation, "What do hope to achieve in the long run Antonio?" Vincent asked. "If you continue along the path of warfare there is little hope for you in the long run. The Doge will not withold the legions forever. And even McCollum has sworn to march against you if the Doge asks it."
"I know Vincent, I know," sighed Garibaldi, "and even if by some chance we defeat the Senate's forces and overthrow the government; we will then be set upon by our allies, that Astorio Driver, and these infernal Spanish."
"Beyond that Antonio; even if you come through all those trials and establish a new order, you can be certain that every nation in Europe will then come after you. The idea of a government by the people and for the people is so subversive that they could not long allow it to stand."
"Yes, but what can we do? We have to try. Perhaps we can set an example for those who come after to take up the cause until such a time as Europe is ready to receive such ideas."
"Perhaps you can achieve something lasting sooner than that. What if we could get the Senate to agree to craft a Constitution that gave more power to the commoners without necessarily taking it away from the nobles? It's not unheard of. England has had a House of Commons in their Parliament for nearly three centuries. It may not be everything that you are hoping for, but it would be a start, and it would give the people a place to go where their own kind would represent their interests to the Doge."
"But how can I compromise everything we've been fighting for," asked Garibaldi. "Your suggestion has merit, but it would seem too much like capitulation to the nobles. And how could we be sure that the Senate would agree to such a thing? You have not yet even gained full agreement on your current Constitution."
Vincent laughed, "My friend, politics is all about compromise. You will never accomplish anything in government if you don't learn to give a little in order to gain a lot. And as for guarantees, well, you still have your army. Suppose you were to camp it outside of Rome while a delegation hammers out a Constitution? I'm sure the Doge and the Senate would be much more willing to reach a peaceful solution with an army breathing down their necks. Who knows, perhaps I could even persuade Donal McCollum and his Republican Guard to support us in this. I think if people realized that you weren't going to entirely overthrow the government, merely reform it, you may find you have more supporters than you thought."
"Perhaps, I don't know though. It's a start, but it still doesn't solve the root problem of the social divide between the nobility and the peasants. I'll have to give it some thought."
Vincent nodded, "Of course, I just want you to know that I'm willing to help you if you choose to seek a peaceful resolution."
With that he left Garibaldi to his thoughts...
OOC: DanielMcCollum - the balls in your court. Garibaldi is your character so you need to decide whether he'll agree to Vincent's solution and try to force a Constitution on the Senate to create a House of Commons. Vincent can work out the details if he agrees.
One evening the two were in Garibaldi's chambers enmeshed in another conversation, "What do hope to achieve in the long run Antonio?" Vincent asked. "If you continue along the path of warfare there is little hope for you in the long run. The Doge will not withold the legions forever. And even McCollum has sworn to march against you if the Doge asks it."
"I know Vincent, I know," sighed Garibaldi, "and even if by some chance we defeat the Senate's forces and overthrow the government; we will then be set upon by our allies, that Astorio Driver, and these infernal Spanish."
"Beyond that Antonio; even if you come through all those trials and establish a new order, you can be certain that every nation in Europe will then come after you. The idea of a government by the people and for the people is so subversive that they could not long allow it to stand."
"Yes, but what can we do? We have to try. Perhaps we can set an example for those who come after to take up the cause until such a time as Europe is ready to receive such ideas."
"Perhaps you can achieve something lasting sooner than that. What if we could get the Senate to agree to craft a Constitution that gave more power to the commoners without necessarily taking it away from the nobles? It's not unheard of. England has had a House of Commons in their Parliament for nearly three centuries. It may not be everything that you are hoping for, but it would be a start, and it would give the people a place to go where their own kind would represent their interests to the Doge."
"But how can I compromise everything we've been fighting for," asked Garibaldi. "Your suggestion has merit, but it would seem too much like capitulation to the nobles. And how could we be sure that the Senate would agree to such a thing? You have not yet even gained full agreement on your current Constitution."
Vincent laughed, "My friend, politics is all about compromise. You will never accomplish anything in government if you don't learn to give a little in order to gain a lot. And as for guarantees, well, you still have your army. Suppose you were to camp it outside of Rome while a delegation hammers out a Constitution? I'm sure the Doge and the Senate would be much more willing to reach a peaceful solution with an army breathing down their necks. Who knows, perhaps I could even persuade Donal McCollum and his Republican Guard to support us in this. I think if people realized that you weren't going to entirely overthrow the government, merely reform it, you may find you have more supporters than you thought."
"Perhaps, I don't know though. It's a start, but it still doesn't solve the root problem of the social divide between the nobility and the peasants. I'll have to give it some thought."
Vincent nodded, "Of course, I just want you to know that I'm willing to help you if you choose to seek a peaceful resolution."
With that he left Garibaldi to his thoughts...
OOC: DanielMcCollum - the balls in your court. Garibaldi is your character so you need to decide whether he'll agree to Vincent's solution and try to force a Constitution on the Senate to create a House of Commons. Vincent can work out the details if he agrees.
