The Sun.
London, England, 1860-05-17 00:00:00

Some journals exptess astonishment that the Ss.]

dinian- Government did not prevent Garibaldi's
attempt; but it could not do so without placing
itself in direct opposition to public opinion ; or,
to speak more correctly, without exciting civil
war."

The llloni€eur de l'ilnizee gives the following de-
;ails respecting Sicily, which are of interest at the
?resent moment :

Sicily, the largest island in the Mediterranean,
is separated from the southern extremity of Italy
by the Straits of Messina, and is surrounded by
several groups of small islands. It is about 188
miles in the largest part, that is from east to west ;
varies from 31 to 109 miles in width ; is 344
miles round, and 16,875 square miles in super-
fices. The island contains a range of high moun-
tains, which is considered by geologists as a
continuation of the Apennines. Mount Etna, also
called Monte Gibello, is situated in the pro-
vince of Catana. This celebrated volcano, isolated
like Vesuvius, is 3,608 yards above the level of the
sea, and is from 81 to 88 miles round at the base.

Towards the bottom of the mountain the vegetation
is magnificent, and here and there are to be seen
noble forests of oak, chestnut, fir, and beech. The
plains at the foot, and particularly those of Mes-
sina, Melazzo, Palermo, Trapani, and Marsala,
are fertile and well cultivated, producing grain,
grapes, and fruits of a superior quality. Sicily
is divided into seven intendencies, or provinces
—Palermo, Messina, Catana, Syracuse, Caltani-
setta, Girgenti, and Trapani. The first three, con-
sidered the most important in a military point
of view, are united by a strategical road which
runs along the northern coast to Girgenti, and
which will one day be extended round the whole
coast of the island ; Palermo, the chief town of the

Intendancy of that name, is the residence of the
Governor-General of Sicily, and is the seat of the
Government. It is a handsome town about lye
miles round, containing some fine monuments,
and is protected by strong fortifications, among
which are the forts of Castel Lucio and Castella-
mare. It is situated at the bottom of the gulf
which bears its name, and on the banks of the
Oseto, its population being about 175,000 souls.
Messina, situated in the gulf of the same name,
possesses the best port in the Mediterranean. It
is defended by formidable fortifications, among
which are the Citadel, Fort San Salvatore, and
the Bastion Real Alto, completely commanding
the entrance of the port. On the heights at less
than 1,000 yards from the citadel are the forts of
Gonzague, Castel Lueio, and Capucini. The Straits
of Messina, separating Sicily from the kingdom of
Naples, are rather more than four miles across in
the widest part, and upwards of one mile in the
narrowest. The entrance to them is defended by
a number of batteries well situated and well
armed. The town of Messina is the most impor-
tant military position of Sicily, and, in fact, de-
cides the possession of the whole island. War-
like operations are difficult in Sicily. Cavalry and
artillery cannot be easily moved, and a very
strong force of infantry is required to attack the
numerous fortified places. The fate of the coun-
try must be decided in the provinces of Palermo,
Trapani, and Messina, especially the latter; it is
there that the enemy must employ the greatest
efforts, and there that are the principal strategical
points. A disembarkation effected on other parts
of the coast would not produce any result; an
enemy might maintain himself for a long time in
the south or in the interior of the island, but
would be wasted in detail without attaining the
object sought. In the wars and insurrections of
which Sicily has been the theatre at different
periods, entire bands, retired in the interior, have
perished of hunger. Sicily cannot be attacked
with success without the co-operation of a navy,
the command of the sea giving its defenders a vast
advantage. The population of Sicily is about
2,000,000—a1l Roman Catholics. The Sicilians
are intelligent, gay, and witty ; they possess bril-
liant imaginations, strong passions, and entertain
an ardent love of their country. They are very
fond of religious spectacles, and much attached to
their religion. Their patriotism makes them con-
sider themselves as superior to other nations; among
themselves, moreover, they are engaged in a con-
tinual conflict for pre-eminence ; and this conflict
is particularly strong between Messina and Palermo.
In addition to its natural advantages, Sicily, by its
situation in the Mediterranean, is a military posi-
tion of the first order."

A Vienna letter, in the Boersenhalle of Hamburg,
says :—" We learn that Garibaldi's expedition hag
given rise to some very animated explanations be-
tween Count Rechberg and the Marquis de Mon-
*tier, the French Ambassador at the Austrian
Court. The French representative expressed in
very warm terms the indignation felt by his Go-
vernment at the expedition."

ST. PETERSBURG, WEDNESDAY.

On the occasion of the communications made by
Prince Gortschakoff to the diplomatic corps re-
specting the affairs of Turkey the English ambas-
sador, Sir John F. Crampton, immediately protested
against the intentions declared by Russia.

FRANKFORT, WEDNESDAY.

The probabilities of the assembling of a Confe-
renco have lately diminished, the German Powers
being of opinion that it would not in any will'
influence French policy, nor arrange any real
guarantee in favour of Switzerland.
The following are their reasons :

The annexation of Savoy to France having prao•
tically done away with the guarantee contained
in Article 92 of the final act of Vienna, that article
could not form the basis of a Conference.
The 001ifilOR of the Littorals of the Lake of
Genera to Switzerland would not constitute any
guarantee of military importance.

It is not likely that at the Conference the oppo'
sition of the great powers to the annexation of
Savoy would be unanimous. Even if it were,
France having accomplished the annexation, not-
withstanding the opposition of public opinion in
Europe, she would be also not influenced by the
opinion of the Great Powers, more especially an
they have resolved upon acting with moderation,
and without coercion, towards France.

VIENNA, MAY 17.
The Presse publishes the following telegram,
datod Pesth, 16th inst.:—

" An autograph letter of the Emperor is to be
published to-morrow, allowing the constituted
superintendents to assemble in conventions in order
to discuss the question of sending deputies to
general conference, and to make proposals for
synod. Free choice of superintendents and curates
will be granted. The trials pending against Pro-
testants have been suspended."

HANOVER, WEDNESDAY.

The Anglo• Hanoverian Treaty of July, 1844,
respecting the Stade Dues, was prolonged the day'
before yesterday for a further period of six months.