The Express.
London, England, 1853-01-18 00:00:00

PERSECUTION OF THE MADIAL

DEPUTATION TO LORD JOHN RUSSELL.

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A deputation from the Protestant Alliance had an
interview yesterday with Lord John Russell, at the
Foreign-office, on the subject of the persecutions now
carried on in Tuscany. The deputation consisted of
the Earl of Cavan, lion. A. Kinnaird, M.P., Rev. C.
Kemble, Rev. Dr. Steane, CoL Alexander, Mr. Josiah
Conder, Mr. R. B. Seeley, Mr. J. Cook Evans, Capt.
Giberne, and Mr. John Macgregor.
The Hon. A. Kinnaird briefly stated the circum-
stances attending the arrest and imprisonment of the
Madiai, and the efforts which had been made in vain
for their release. He was glad to find that the re-
port of the death of Francisco Medial was unfounded,
but the prolonged confinement of these persons, and
of some thirty others known to be imprisoned only
for their religious acts, seemed to be a case in which
Britain was called upon to interfere authoritatively,
and in the cause of outraged humanity. Ho under-
stood that Sir H. Bulwer had been actively
though quietly engaged in his endeavours to procure
a remission of the sentences of these prisoners, and
that the Prussian government were disposed to
press the demands already made by a special envoy
deputed for that purpose. From individuals also in I
our own country of the most exalted rank representa-
tions had been made to the Grand Duke, but without ,
effect ; and although hopes of a liberation of the two
prisoners were distinctly held forth to the deputation
from the various European churches which lately
visited Florence, yet their illegal confinement was
still prolonged, new victims were daily added to the
number of those in gaol, and the Tuscan government
(urged, no doubt, by other powers,) now appeared
determined to see how far intolerance could be car-
ried against religious truth. The Roman catholics
in this country were, he believed, quite divided in
opinion upon the rights of this case, many of them
being indignant that such persecution should be re-
sorted to as a means of advancing their religion.
The hon. gentleman having stated the leading fea-
tures of the Medial case, and alluded to others of
which it is but a sample, expressed the earnest de-
sire of the deputation that some distinct ap-
plication should be made by the British
minister at Florence for the immediate libe-
ration of all these prisoners, and that this should
be supported, if necessary, by an intimation to the
Grand Make that if by hia continent.' the rights of
conscience and of humanity were thus outraged in
his dominions it would become the duty of other
civilised states to withdraw from diplomatic relations
with Tuscany. A short statement of the foregoing
facts, and a translation of several legal documents
connected with the trial of the Madiai, were then
put into his lordship's hands.
Lord John Russell said that, with respect to the
particular ease of the Medial, his sentiments were
very much in accordance with those of the deputa-
tion. The prosecution had been instituted under the
law passed in 1786, which was an enlightened time.
He approved of the course pursued by the late go-
vernment upon the subject; and, from despatches
received by the present government, it appeared that
Sir H. Bulwer was still anxiously employed in the
case, but with respect to any further steps which it
might be considered proper to take in communicating
with an independent sovereign, his lordship begged
to be allowed to reserve his opinion.
The deputation, having thanked his lordship, then
withdrew.

LATEST NEWS FROM TUSCANY.
Happily there is room to hope that both the Ma-
diai may yet be benefited by the sympathy felt for
them in our country. Letters from Tuscany, of the
10th. divest of its authenticity the announcement of
Francisco Madiars death which, as stated in our
columns of the 10th, appearedin the Opinion of Turin.
Meanwhile the necessity for exertion rises every
day. The latest reports of eye-witnesses show that,
saw all the explanations that have been made. the
=are treated with a severity which is rapidly
ning their days, while the sovereign will. upon
Which their fate in this world hangs, is under the di-
rection of the bitterest enemies of religious freedom.
In a letter dated Florence, Jan. 8, we read :
The Madiais, alai, are still in bonds, although • week ago
we were told that there was no doubt they would soon be
at liberty, for the Tuscan Ministers are anxious to get rid
of them; but the Grand Duke, with cruel obstinacy, would
not yet allow this, though he said he was prepared to grant
them • commutation of their sentence, but would not state
when. We saw Rosa on New Year's-day, and found her in
better health and very cheerful, excepting when she spoke
of her own unworthiness in not hearing better the trials she
bad undergone, and rejoicing rather that she was honoured
to suffer for the cause of Christ.
The inspector had allowed her to give a little treat
on Hew Year's-day to all the female prisoners—some
" palmate and • glue of wine to each ; and this rare
for the exercise of her generous and compel-
caused her great pleasure. I will describe
t:Zbag htful costume, in which, nevertheless, she
well and dignified. Her chemise is of coarse
minim like sailcloth ; then she wears a knitted worsted
t, over which is • brown duffle robe such u is worn
=Franciscans. Over all is worn the livery of the
s. a broad yellow and white striped coarse
=ik.Qteriiii, the skirt tight u a sack, sad ea bee bead
she wears a close skull cap of the same feeteasi b a ems
under her chin, no hair being seen. She has NOM UN
and great thick shoos. I am not sure that I ever told ,
you, when describing her cell, that her seat was •• round
stool like • milking stool, chained ta tho wall in a corner
of the room ; and in the opposite corner is a small
footstool also chained, so that poor Rosa, when at work
upon her stool of repentance, cannot make use of the
second small stool to keep her feet from the cold brick
floor. She told us that when she was brought from Flo-
rence, instead of being at once conveyed to Laces, they
kept het a night and halt a day in the common prison at
Piatoja, which she said was • most filthy place, and the
food they gave to her was too loathsome to eat. I tell you
all this, because I see some English papers speak of the
kindness with which they are treated. The officials are as
kind ea they dare to be.
About ten days ago M. Colombe, the chaplain to the
Prussian legation, obtained leave through the King of
Prussia to visit once the prisoners. When we saw kim on
his return he was so much affected that be could not at first
speak without great emotion. He said ho had never met
with any one so completely living above the world as this
child of God, Francisco Media'. lie said to 11. Colombe
that he felt he had done with earthly things, as he be-
lieved it was God's will that he should die for His cause,
and he had therefore tried not to think of his dear wife
and her sufferings, except when in prayer. lie said,
" this blessed season (Christmas) fills my heart with love
to my Saviour, my friends, and my enemies, for whom I
ever pray."
Persecutions are going on here. Thirty prisoners are
now in the Bergen° on religious accusations. Guarducci
is still there. Another case, similar to the one of last year,
has taken place. A Bible reader was taken dangerously
ill ; his doctor (as he was bound to do) gave notice to the
priest, who hastened to the bedside of the sick man. The
latter thanked him for coming, but said he had no need of
his assistance ; that he hail, he hoped, made his peace with
God, through the alone mediation of Jesus. The priest
was furious, and Ent off for the police, who now surround
the house.