The Council omitted no device to screen itself from popular criticism.

Its proceedings were conducted with the utmost secrecy; all who took part in them were bound by a solemn oath to observe silence.
On July 13th, the votes were taken.

Of 601 votes, 451 were affirmative.
Under the majority rule, the measure was pronounced carried, and, five days subsequently, the pope proclaimed the dogma of his infallibility.
It has often been remarked that this was the day on which the French declared war against Prussia.

Eight days afterward the French troops were withdrawn from Rome.

Perhaps both the statesman and the philosopher will admit that an infallible pope would be a great harmonizing element, if only common-sense could acknowledge him.
Hereupon, the King of Italy addressed an autograph letter to the pope, setting forth in very respectful terms the necessity that his troops should advance and occupy positions "indispensable to the security of his Holiness, and the maintenance of order;" that, while satisfying the national aspirations, the chief of Catholicity, surrounded by the devotion of the Italian populations, "might preserve on the banks of the Tiber a glorious seat, independent of all human sovereignty." To this his Holiness replied in a brief and caustic letter: "I give thanks to God, who has permitted your majesty to fill the last days of my life with bitterness.