BOTTERO, GIOVAN BATTISTA. - Journalist, b. in Nizza on 6 Feb. 1822, d. in Torino on 16 Nov. 1897.
He first founded the Opinione, then, in 1848, together with Felice Govean, the Gazzetta del Popolo, which he directed for fifty years. He recognized in Gioberti an initiator of the Risorgimento, but saw in Cavour the guiding mind and supported him even in the most critical moments.
In the controversies stirred up by the Siccardi law abolishing the right of asylum and ecclesiastical jurisdiction, he intervened in an anticlerical spirit; and when the Armonia promoted a subscription to offer a crosier to Archbishop mons. Franzoni, who on that occasion had suffered imprisonment, he took the initiative for a monument commemorating the law itself, the obelisk in Piazza Savoia in Torino.
From 1855 to 1870 he engaged in parliamentary activity. Thereafter he never returned to the Chamber, and devoted himself entirely once more to journalism. In the Gazzetta he supported Crispi when the latter succeeded Depretis, and continued to support him during the African campaign.