The Sun.
London, England, 1867-12-03 00:00:00

THE ROMAN QUESTION.

Subjoined are various diplomatic documents
respecting the Roman question, taken from the
Yellow Book just issued by the French Govern-
ment :
The Minister for Foreign Affairs to the French
Charge d'Affaires at Rome.
(Telegram.)

Paris, Oct. 17.—Let the Pontifical Government
continue to defend itself energetically. The assis-
tance of France will not fail it.
The Minister for Foreign Affairs to the French
Charge at Florence.

Paris, Oct. 18.—Monsieur,—In presence of the
attack made by the revolutionary bands upon the
Pontifical territory, I have considered it my duty
to place you immediately in a position to inform
M. Battazzi that the Emperor is greatly concerned
at the inefficacy of the efforts of the Italian Go-
vernment to prevent these attacks, and I forwarded
to you my telegram of the 11th inst. with this
object. I have also communicated to M. Nigra
his Majesty's uneasiness, and I have not concealed
from the Italian Minister that in case the Florence
cabinet should admit itself powerless to maintain
respect for the convention of September, Art. I.
of which has precisely the object of placing the
Pontifical frontier beyond all attack, we should
find ourselves in the painful necessity of supplying
the protection wanting to the Holy See.—MousTlEß.
The Minister for Foreign Affairs to the French
Charge at Florence.
(Telegram.)

Paris, Oct. 19.—The King's Government has
informed us it is determined to carry out the Con-
vention. Let it give proofs of this resolution by
immediately suppressing the enlistment offices, by
dissolving the aid committees, and issuing a pro-
clamation that all volunteers shall be arrested,
disarmed, and interned. See M. Rattazzi, and
reply at once.
The French Charge at Florence to the Minister
for Foreign Affairs.
• (Telegram.)

Florence, Oct. 20.—M. Rattazzi placed his re-
signation in the King's hands this evening. He
will not receive, so he tells me, his Majesty's reply
until to- morrow. Henceforth he considers himself
as having resigned, and cannot enter into any
engagement. He denies the existence of enlistment
offices ; declares it is impossible for him to dissolve
the aid committees, and that a proclamation to
announce the arrest and disarmament of the
volunteers is superfluous, in presence of the loyal
disposition of the Government, and the repressive
measures it does not cease to adopt.
The Minister for Foreign Affairs to the French
Charge at Rome.
(Telegram.)

Paris, Oct. 20.—We have fresh reasons for
hoping that the Italian Government is about at last
to take decisive measures to put an end to the in-
vasion of the Pontifical States. Let them continue
at Rome to give proofs of vigilance and energy.
The French Government, upon its part, is always
ready to act if it should become really necessary.
The Minister for Foreign Affairs to the French
Charge at Florence.
(Telegram.)

Paris, Oct. 22.—The Pontifical authorities upon
the frontier inform M. Armand that a park of
artillery with cavalry and infantry are collecting
in Sabina, towards Magliano and Correse, upon
Italian territory, and that Garibaldians are marching
in the same direction parallel with the royal
troops. Endeavour to ascertain as soon as possible
what accuracy there may be in these statements.
The French Charge at Florence to the Minister
for Foreign Affairs.
(Telegram.)

Florence, Oct. 22.—1 have been to M. Rattazzi,
to whom I warmly and firmly insisted upon Gari-
baldi's arrest. M. Rattazzi, although having sent
in his resignation, appeared perfectly to under-
stand the reasons I thought it my duty to offer in
support of this step. lie went to the King, and
has just told me orders were about to be given to
arrest Garibaldi, who left Florence immediately
after his speech, on the way, it is thought, to
Foligno. The Government explains the concen-
tration of troops, of which your Excellency speaks,
by orders previously given in view of an occu-
pation by the Italians of the States of the Church.
M. Rattazzi assures me that 1,200 volunteers have
repassed the frontier, and that orders have been
sent to disarm them. They are reported to be
discouraged, and to have been beaten in every en-
counter.

The French Charge at Florence to the Minister

for'l'oreign Affairs.
(Telegram.)

Florence, Oct. 21.—The members intended to
form a portion of the new Cabinet have not yet
been able to agree upon several points of their
political programme. General Cialdini has ex-
pressed to me his fear of being unable to subdue
the popular impulse. This apprehension seems to
me to have much influence upon his resolutions.
He hesitates to assume the responsibility of power.
The Ministerial crisis continues. Garibaldi is re-
ported to have succeeded in crossing the frontier,
the orders of arrest having► been evaded, or found
impossible to execute. He is said to be now at the
head of bands stated at about 5,000 strong.

The French Charge at Florence to the Minister
for Foreign Affairs.

Florence, Oct. 25.—M. le Marquis,—M. Rat-
tazzi has chosen to persist up to the last moment in
the policy he has followed since his entry into
power, especially since the prorogation of Parlia-
ment and the avowed preparations of the revolu-
tionists to attack the Holy See. All his efforts have
constantly tended to indulge the advanced party.
'Thus it was only with hesitation, and when
constrained, so to speak, by public opinion, that he
gave the order for Garibaldi's arrest. This step
immediately received the approbation of the majo-
rity of the country. Although to-day it would
have had the important results expected if it had
been frankly executed, and if from weakness or
some other motive the Cabinet had not consented
to leave Garibaldi free at Caprera. Dating from
that day the preparations for invasion were rapidly
resumed; the papers published proclamation after
proclamation, signed by Garibaldi and his chief
officers. Moveable enlistment offices were estab-
lished everywhere, and propaganda was actively
made to excite the public mind, and urge the
young to the frontier. It was thus that the Gari-

baldian volunteers succeeded in organizing them-
selves in bands, in attacking various points of the
Pontifical territory, and in attempting to arouse
the country. Everywhere repulsed, these bands
nevertheless continued to re-form under shelter
of the lines guarded by the Italian army. The fall
of the Rattazzi ministry added to the confusion.
In the midst of these difficulties, and during this
absence of government, we learnt with surprise
Garibaldi's escape, his arrival upon the mainland,
then suddenly his presence in Florence, where he
pronounced one of his most furious harangues be-
fore a considerable crowd. Afterwards this pri-
soner, who was guarded by seven ships of war at
Caprera, was seen to take a special train for Terni,
and arrive there without experiencing the slightest
hindrance from the authorities. The orders of ar-
rest forwarded to the prefects of Foligno and of
Terni remained unexecuted on account, it is pre-
tended, of the rapid march of Garibaldi, who soon
gained the frontier, and put himself at the head
of the united bands of Menotti and some other
chiefs. The Cabinet that has resigned, which still
however continues its functions, and meets every
day several times, under the presidency of M.
Rattazzi, says it has no longer the right to take any
steps, while General Cialdini, having no organized
administration, declares upon his part it is im-
possible for him to act. This abnormal and peril-
ous situation still prevails. The character and
position of General Cialdini might have justified
the hope of prompt and energetic measures of
order. Unfortunately, in two interviews I have
had with him, I am forced to state with regret that
he has not hitherto appeared decided to suppress
the revolutionary movement with energy, and it
;s necessary to know the men who will be called
upon to give him their support before pronouncing
upon the line of conduct he will adopt.—Receive,
Lth. VaLL.SII.I;UZ.