The Sun.
London, England, 1857-03-25 00:00:00

the " freedom of the Press" in Sardinia,
which is very disagreeable to the Austrian
authorities. It springs from the diplomatic
correspondence between Counts Buon and CAVOTJR,
to which we directed public attention at the com-

mencement of the month. It is, however, but a
specious pretext, ingeniously contrived, to curry
favour with France, whose representative at the
Conferences of Paris so injudiciously introduced
the topic of Belgian journalism, and permitted
a similar betiserie through the columns of the
official organ, the Moniteur, in relation to the
Fourth Estate in England. Austria was avail-
ing itself of the blot in the Imperial escutcheon
to carry on a controversy, framed in strict ac-
cordance of the approved precedent in the well-
known case of LUPUS V. AGNUM. It was not
merely the observations of Sardinian journals that
were so keenly felt in Vienna. It was the high
favour in which VICTOR EMMANUEL was held
throughout Italy—the manifestations of approval
of his honest and straightforward policy, and
the spontaneous tribute of approbation bestowed
on the Sardinian army, which had acquired im-
mortal laurels in the Crimea. The conduct of
Piedmont was placed in strong contrast to that of
Austria. The former had nobly pursued the
course which truth and honour demanded in refer-
ence to the Eastern difficulty. It had gained,
the respect and esteem even of its enemies, while
the pettifogging quibbles and paltry equivocation
of Austria were alike condemned by friend
and foe. Its well-merited distinction was " gall
and wormwood" to its rival. Austria would
gladly use its superior power against it.
Could it do so with safety to itself, or without
bringing more equal opponents into the field, it
would gladly kindle the torch of war, and over-
whelm a constitutional Government. But it cannot
do so safely, and Austria " counts the cost" before
it takes a decided step. She can, however, insult
where she is unable to injure, can show spite,
without subjecting herself to chastisement. She
has the inclination to stab, but is deterred by
fear, and hence the present undignified proceed-
. ing.

As Count CAVOUR clearly and distinctly pointed
out, if Austria has just cause of complaint
ample redress can be obtained before th© tribunals
of Piedmont. But she should first " remove the
beam from her own eyes, that she may see clearly
to extract the mote from that of her neighbour."
The Ministerial journals of Vienna have libelled
the Sardinian Government, not only with im-
punity, but without remonstrance or notice—
and these journals have been the creatures of the
Minister, bound to act at his inspiration and to
obey his slightest hints. Austria was, therefore,
really the offender, and, if seeking redress, should
come into court with clean hands. She has skill-
fully set a snare for France, but we cannot think
that the Imperial Government will deliberately
fall into it. FRANCIS JOSEPH may sulk as long as
he thinks proper, but he may be well assured that
he himself will be the chief, if not the only,
sufferer from his undignified and impotent de-
monstration ; and that so long as Sar-
, dinia maintains a straightforward and inde-
pendent course she may laugh to scorn
the manifestations of his petty resentment. The
best thing for Austria is to follow the example of
that French King, who " with all his men marched
up the hill, and—down again."