The Sun.
London, England, 1860-03-14 00:00:00

THE WEATIIER.-SUN OFFICE, MARCH 14, MO.

THERMOMETER, IN THE SHADE.
49—highest since noon yesterday.
44 —lowest this morning and during the night g
49—this day at noon.

BAItomETE2h-29.47.
"- WIND, South-Westevly; light and fine.

HIGH WATER AT LONDON BRIDGE.
THIS DAY.—Morning, 6h. 24m.—Afternoon, 6h. 50m,
To-mortßow.-Morning, 7h. 19m.—Afternoon, 7h. 53m.

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gave an account of an interview he had with a
Tuscan agent, whom ho endeavoured to persuade
into an acceptance of the son of the GRAND DUKE
as the future Tuscan Sovereign ; but tl'e agent re-
plied that that personage had so completely iden-
tified himself with the Austrians during the war
as to render his reign impossible. Other combina-
tions were tried, and all in turn rejected in
favour of annexation. When, therefore, he found
that the people of the duchies would neither
take back their Sovereigns nor form a separate
kingdom, and when they heard that the French
EMPEROR had declared over and over again
that no force should be employed against the
Italians, there was no alternative but to recom-
mend that the Italians should have their own
way. Another objection raised to his policy
was, that while he knew, or had reason to
believe, that the annexation of Savoy was con-
templated in the summer, he had made no re-
monstrance until December. But this rested on
a confusion of dates, for an examination of the
despatches would show that his strongest remon-
strance was made in the month of July. The
noble lord also vindicated himself from the charge
of not having informed the other European Courts
that if Tuscany were annexed to Sardinia, Savoy
might be claimed by France, as being entirely
foreign to the business of the English Government.
It was for France to assert her claim if she really
intended it. He contended that, in all her
MAJESTY'S Government had done, they had em-
ployed the influence of Great Britain in securing
the peace of Europe ; but if in doing this they had
contributed to the independence of Italy and to
raise a people of cultivated intellect, who had been
long oppressed, into a great and powerful nation,
far from being ashamed of such a work, it would
be to him a source of pride and satisfaction. And
well it might.

But there was no doubt that in all our dealings
with France the main object was to secure the
Treaty of Commerce. For that we sacrifice much—
and would even sacrifice more rather than that
Manchester should be disappointed in her purpose,
and Mr. COBDEN fail in his first attempt at playing
the Plenipotentiary. Well, now the thing is done,
we must even make the best of a bad bargain.
Lord PALMERSTON entirely agreed in the opi-
nions which had been expressed by Lord JOHN
RUSSELL on this subject, and he approved of every
word contained in the despatches which had been
laid upon the table of the House. He remained of
the same opinion which he had expressed on former
occasions, that it would be a great mistak3 of the
French Government to persist in the annexation
of Savoy. It should, however, be remem-
hered that the ruler of France had promised that
he would not take military possession of Savoy,
and that he would not proceed to annex it without
the consent of the SOVEREIGN and people, or with-
out consulting the great Powers of Europe. He
believed that France would gain more by preserv-
ing the good opinion and confidence of Europe than
by any additional accession of territory on the
slopes of the Alps.

Our only consolation remains that Tuscany as
well as the other small states will be added to
Piedniont, and so consolidate a powerful king•
dom which may bid defiance to Austria, and
eventually enable Venetia to redeem her freedom
likewise, for it is impossible that she can remain
the vassal of Austria.

Much of the success which has hitherto attended
the cause of Italian independence has undoubtedly
been owing to the personal character of the valo-
rous King of SARDINIA. The thorough confidence
which all lovers of their country felt in his devo-
tion to their cause—the admiration excited by his
feats of military prowess—the respect inspired by
his unswerving fidelity to the Constitution through
a time of unexampled difficulty—and the attach-
ment naturally awakened by a generous and chival-
rous nature—have contributed not a little to the
increasing hopefulness of the national prospects.
Had VICTOR EMMANUEL been known as a wily
diplomatist, a cautious time server, or only
an ambitious sovereign, it is difficult to say
what solution of the Italian difficulty could
have been suggested by the advocates of
liberation and independence. The content and
order which reigned in Sardinia were an ever pre-
sent lesson to the rulers of the neighbouring States,
and a perpetual reminder to their subjects that
liberty of thought and constitutional government
were something more than a name. At the time
when Italian prospects were darkest and most un-
certain, when Piedmont was surrounded by foes, the
chivalrous King gave a ready welcome to proscribed
exiles from all parts of the Italian Peninsula. Where
a more timorous and less lofty minded Sovereign
would find a ready excuse for caution in the
vicinity of powerful and unscrupulous enemies, Vic •
TOR EMMANUEL never flinched from his duty. The
proud mission of liberating his country from foreign
subjection, and thus fulfilling the dreams of his noble
and unfortunate father, has been accepted by him,
and he has devoted his life to its achievement. Well
might he say, as he is reported to have done, to a
Frenchman who had dedicated a work to him as
King of Upper Italy, " Tell M. -- I accept the
augury, for I think I have observed it both as a
Prince and as an Italian."

The ardent affection felt for him by the Pied-
naontese is not surprising, since countless anecdotes
of his benevolence and affability to all classes are
constantly reported. To his troops he is especially
accessible, as becomes a military monarch, and the
camp is his favourite home. Numerous instances
of his kindness to the wounded soldiers are told,
and, among others, an interesting anecdote
Pof a young soldier 'named VIGNA, sergeant
of Artillery, who especially distinguished him-
self during the last campaign, and lost
his left arm at San Martino. The KING, while
visiting the wounded the day after the battle,
was struck by his cheerful and intelligent air, and
inquired if he were only slightly Wounded.
"Not
much, Sire," replied:the sergeant, holding up the
injured limb. The KING having made inquiries
promised him a commission. Some months after
a non-commissioned officer approached VIOTOR
EMMANUEL, holding out with an air of reproach
his left sleeve. His MAJESTY recollected the Ar-
tillery sergeant of San Martino, and immediately
inquired of the Minister of War why his promotion
had not been given him. Some official delay was the
excuse, but before a week had elapsed the brave sol-
dier had received his commission. On presenting him-
self before the KING, he was asked if he had a horse
Having replied in the negative, he was desired to
go to the King's stables and choose one for himself.
Returning with a fine charger he expressed his ad-
miration of its beauty-and,temper. " Yes," said the
KING laughing, " I rode him twelve hours at a
stretch at Palestro, and he never flinched. Take
care of him, and good bye." It is by such acts of
condescension and personal kindness that VICTOR.
EMMANUEL endears himself to the hearts of his
people, by mitigating the dangers of overthrown
dynasties and revolutionary States, by inspiring
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principle
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