The Express.
London, England, 1867-10-08 00:00:00

LONDON, TUESDAY ICVKICINO, OCTOBER 8, 1867.

ITALY.

(rßox cum ows cosazaroxpr.n.)
FLOEKNOE, Oar. 4.

Since my last letter the ferment throughout
Italy on the subject of Rome has increased with
redoubled energy. The release of Garibaldi from
his temporary confinement at Alessandria, the ex-
traordinary demonstrations of sympathy exchanged
between him and the army whilst he was still in
custody, his speech to the troops from the fortress
balcony, telling them that when the time came,
and it was not far distant, they would be able to
turn out their enemies, the Pontifical Zouaves,
with the butt-end of their guns, co/ ealtio del lora
futile, and his positive assurance that no con-
dition had been imposed on him at his liberation,
a statement pronounced before the eager multi-
tude who were expressing frantic joy at the gene-
ral's
release, his emphatic words—" The revolu- ;
tion at Rome cannot fail—it will take place soon ;
we are bound to give the movement every en-
couragement and aid ; and we shall undoubtedly
do so in order to gain possession of Rome, no
matter what fiends impede it, be they clad as Bona-
parte' or as priests"—all itigains open declarations,
made by such a man, eneh a moment, seem
titunistakeable indicatio _ of the hero's faith in
it
j;
forthcoming events, and • e success of an appa-
rently impending mov ant. Meantime the
volunteers have actually passed the frontiers ;
outbreaks have taken place in several parts of the
Roman territory near Viterbo and Froeinone, and
the greatest agitation prevails in Rome. The Roman
papers, on the one hand, affirm, however, that " the
bands of marauding Garibaldians have been re-
pelled by the Pontifical troops, the latter being
everywhere welcomed by the populations of the dis-
tricts which had been subjugated where they were
looked upon as restorers of order and peace." On the
other hand, we learn from the Rifonna that " a
company of Viterbese volunteers, from about 90 to
100 in number, took up arms outside the town on
the 30th September, marched to Bomarzo, leaving
Viterbo quietly, in order probably not to attract
attention and cause interference. At Bomarzo the
national government was proclaimed. On the
same day, at 3 p.m., the insurgents marched on
Acquapendente, and took possession of the gates just
as the Pontifical Carabineers were retiring within
their barracks. The Carabineers resisted until
made prisoners. The insurgents got possession of
the government strong box. Their ranks aug- ,
mented, and after proclaiming the national go-
vernment, they once more marched off." It would
seem that, in consequence' of the revolutionary
movement at Romano, and the violation of the
Papal territory by the Garibaldian VolunH
teers, a demand for assistance had been
made to the superior officer in command
of the Italian troops by the Pontifical authorities.
A telegram had been, in consequence, despatched
to Florence demanding special directions. The
answer received was that the troops were to
keep at their post—i.e , not to cross the fron-
' tier, or otherwise interfere. At Rome a secret
' understanding is suspected between the French
' and Italian governments. Cardinal Antonelli
is reported to have exclaimed, in reference
to this, "La veers del Reno inoomincia del
Tevere," (The war on the Rhine commences at the
Tiber). The troops which have been sent from
Rome to help.in defending the provinces have had
strict orders " to return on the first symptoms of
reverses, however slight." It is reported that at
Civits Vecchia there are a French and Spanish
man-of-war, both full of troops, ready at any
time to disembark " if required." The Diritto
informs us that Menotti Garibaldi entered
Mcmtefiaacone, and that the Pontifical sol-
diers fled at his presence towards Rome. Whilst
these events have been occurring, young enthusiasts
' are by hundreds making their way daily towards
the frontier. At Sienna, a day or two since, some
180 youths got into the train—they of course had
neither arms nor reds shirt on at the time—under
the very noses of a picket of soldiers. No sooner,
however, was the train in motion than they
i simultaneously shouted "Evviva Garibaldi!" mak-
ing the object of their journey obvious enough.
Others are every day starting from other provinces,
and even from Florence. On the other hand, we
have seen the proclamation with which the
Roman Junta retires seemingly from the scene of
action, whilst deprecating the difficulties of the
present situation. Opinions differ as to the final
result of these movements. Some moderate and
sensible men think the moment has actually arrived
for the transformation of Rome into the capital of
Italy to take place. They say that France cannot,
dares not interfere ; that Prussia is at her heels to
keep the balance of freedom true to Italy ; that,
consequently, the Italians ought to make the most
of the present opportunity, and energetically push
on to the acquirement of their entire rights.
Others, equally earnest and sensible patriots, be-
lieve in French intervention. Public feeling is
much divided, and great anxiety is everywhere felt,
as all seem to think that some crises is at hand. In
confirmation of all previous inductions, we read in
a despatch of the Dintto, published this day :
"General Garibaldi took boat yesterday at Caprers
for the purpose of embarking on the mail steamer
for Leghorn ; he was, however, arrested, taken
back to Caprera, and the island itself is now under
the guard of the Esploratore."
Whilst all thin doubt and agitation prevail, and
the vital interests of Italy are at stake, science has
enthroned its peaceable retreat within the capital.
Florence has been ever since the 29th ult. the
abiding place of the International Statistical Con-
gress, the meetings of which have been held in the
Senate-house every day. This is the sixth Congress
held on the same subject. Brussels (1853), Paris
(1855), Vienna (1857), London (1880), and Berlin
(1863) have in turn been visited. The distinguished
Italian economist Paaini proposed, on the occasion
of the last Congress, that Florence should be ap-
pointed for the following meeting. The members
who have gathered here on this occasion from all
quartersare European celebrities in their speciality.
Large numbers—some 600—have graced the Con-1
gress by their presence, and benefited it by their
"labours of thought." It was interesting, in the
opening speech, delivered by one of the members
of this International Congress, to find an Aus-
trian (for such was the nationality of the speaker)
congratulating Italy on the eminent position which
she now occupies among nations, and expressing
warm interest in her welfare. Of course the
Congress has been duly feted on all sides. A grand
banquet was given to the members last evening
at the Paglisno Theatre, which was splendidly
decorated and illuminated for the occasion.

To-morrow the Congress closes. The King has
invited the members to a dinner at the Pitti on
Saturday next, and this evening a grand concert
is to be given to them at the Pergola.