Alexandria gazette & daily advertiser. [volume] (Alexandria [Va.]) 1817-1822, 1821-04-24
27.9o5
e7,s77
55,ese
1883
a 500
i7,467
i7,467
FROM THE FRANKLIN GAZETTE,

FROM THE FRANKLIN GAZETTE.
A more interesting pectacie than that pre-
sea,ed by the march Of the Austrian armies
upon Naples is rarely exhibited to the
world, but seldom iiIumines the page
of history. 1t is impossible TO contemplate
it without extreme anxiety; without an ar
dent wish for the success OF virtuous and
patriotic struggle tor liberty, and an inward
dread lest the legious OF the imperial con-
spirators should once more beat down the
sacred cause OF human emancipation.
The proclamation of the Austrian govern
ment is the arbitrary denunciaiioh Of mil.
lions, issued by three men. In order to Sc
cure to'two empero.s and one king, two of
whom, in the ordinary course of nature,
would scarcely become decent cobtlers, the
right divine OF sitting upon golden chairs,
of wearing golden garments. and Of perpet-
ually playing abbo'' Of Unreason, a pro-
scription is made Of entire nations; and the
wise, The brave. the good, and The patriotic,
are en- masss delivered over to vengapce and
the bayonel.
Is it folly to hope that Providence may
make the cause Of the Neapolitans its own?
There are some unexpected appearance in
the opennning OF this great tragedy caIcu-
lated to inspire confidence: There are in.
dications of 6rmness, an unanimity of pre-.
psraiion and activity, on the side Of free.
dom, which may ultimately prove trium.
plant.
The Austrians, in three columns, have
approached the confines of Naples. They
contemplate an invasion to the east, in the
Abruzzi; and through Rome, in the west,
they project direct descent upon the seat
Of government. But they have been antici-
pated. The Neapolitans are prepared in
both directions to impede, ifnot to repel
the enemy.
II il be correct that Neapolitan army Of
twenty six thousan nd men had advanced to
VilIetri, the birth place Of .Augu,tus, they
were within twenty miles of Rome; aid a
days march has put them in possession Of
vast resources originally designed for the
Austrans, and Of commanding posts in the
neighborhood of that city. There is some
thing in this early movement, OF so large a
force, for the attainment Of such important
objects, highly auspicious. Generals have
already appeared worthy Of confidence; and
there has been no reluctance 10 the people
10 join the standard of independence.
We are accustomed to think unfavorably
of the people of Naples. The images OF
their Lazaronni rise up to the mind, and
throw a shade over their character. They
are susceptible, however, Of noble en-
thusiasm, and of vigorous exertions. Cou.
rage is a quality which has always been al
lowed them. II the spirit Of their revolu-
ton has called this characteristic into pa
triotic action. We shall be far from despair
ing of their success. An enlightened ira
weller depicts Naples as possessing "a vast
mass of information, great activity of
mind, and a wonderful aptitude to excel
lence in every branch Of science" These
are moral materials capable of producing
vast results, and in so glorious cause may
counterbalance the disparity Of numbers,
and the advantages Of military experience.
But what is the symptom among the SOL
diers of France? Will :hey see neighbor-
ing people crushed, without attempting to
succor them?Will they quietly see the Nea-
politans, for whom they entertain many sym
pathies, overwhelmed by Austrians, whom
they abhor deeply and inveterately? We do
not think they will. The military ranks OF
Naples will be adorned and invigorated by
many a gallant Frenchman: and the heroes
who for twenty years astonished Europe,
but who are now wanderers in all parts OF
the world, will once more rally at the pros
pect of establishing that national freedom,
in the cause of which they commenced and
finished their career. Wherever liberty is
assailed by tyranny. wherever monarchs
are at war with republicans; there We ex-