The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1848-07-17


AS France now gives promise of settled and
a strong government, in which the military ele-
ment must have considerable weight, 1t becomes
important to consider the state of the countries
bordering upon it, and OF those struggles cacula-
ted to tempt or provoke French aggre ssion, or to
extend the circle OF war and the number of belh-
gerents.
Hitherto the war in Lombardy has been favora-
BILE to the Italian cause. Not only was large Aus
TRAN army elected from the Milanese, but that
army. after receiving considerable reintorcements,
was defeated in the open field near Goito by the
army of Piedmont, under the command OF its sove-
reign. Charles Albert however, did not make the
most Of that advantage. He has rather reposed on
his laure!s, than fastened to gather fresh ones
Verona, momentarlly undefended by the Aus TRAN
amy, which had marched to the reduction of Vi
cenZa, almost invited attack; but Charles Albert
shrank from It, and has thereby excited the dIscon-
tent of his soldiers and the murmurs of all Italy.
1t is the character of Charles Albert to act well and
nobly upon impulse, and then to become feeble and
pusillanimons upon reflection. Such relapse at
this critical moment would be fatal to him, to his
nascent power and empire, and by encouraging the
democratic parties opposed to him., may fling
North Italy back into anarchy first and foreign de-
pendenee after, at the very moment when it seem
ed in fair way to attain the very goal of all potl-
cal efforts freedom, unity and independence.
The desire of the Austrian government is deci-
dedy for peace, tor peace upon what 1t considers
fair telms, such terms would leave Marshal Ra-
detsk and his army free to protect the unity of the
German and Sclavonlan dominions of Austria.
The statesmen at bo,h Inaspruck aud Vienna
would consent to abandon all claim to the Mi
lanese, provided that rich duchy took Its fair pro-
portion OF the debt. But they are not prepared
to cede the Venetian territory, OF which they are
at this moment In full possession, including the
formidable forresses which guard it. Marshal
Radetski is at the head of some 40, 900 men, and
reinforce ents are daily pouring in to him, which
will raise his number to $4,000 or $1,000 On the
other side OF the Adige Charles Albert has 60 900
men and Milan and the other towns are making
efforts, which will raise the Italian force to nearly
$4,000. But, as it is incumbent on Charles Albert
TO take the offensive, small disparity of numbers
would be fully compensated to the Austrians by
their strong positions.
In such state of things, 1t is feared, that
Charles Albert might listen 10 the offer of Austria
to cede the Mllanese, on condition that the Vene-
tan territories be lett them. II is reported that
England was applied TO, for Its mediation such
terms, and that our cabinet had consented. We
believe this not 10 be the fact, aud understand that
direct negotiation is gong on between the bel-
gerents, and that Austrian agent has been semitic
Milan and Radetskl ordered To conclude the arms
tice to allow time for the consideration # the pro-
posas. We are very glad TO learn that the Britisn
government has not undertaken mediation, so
unlikely TO lead TO any satisfactory or permanent
result The Italians, 1t is plain, can neye: consent
to the amputatIon of one OF the most glorious and
historic portions of Italy. The Venetian popula-
ton itself could never be recorciled to Austrian
sway even though organized as separate pro-
vince and gifted with "A constitution. Aud treaty
even when concluded would be nothing more than
an armed truce, which requires the same amount
of men, OF precaution, and expenditure, as
AT present on both banks of the Adlge. Venice
would thus cost Austria more than it is worth
At The same time, unless Charles Albert gains
one more striking military advantage, il is not to
be seen how Austria can yield the Venetian terri
tory. The Germans have strong national feel
ing on the subject, and the Frankfort Diet was mad
enough TO propose incursion OF Bavarians into
Italy as revenge for the blockade of Trieste. We
need not say that march OF Bavarian troops
through the Tyrol would assuredly bring the
French over the Rhine Better far that the
quarrel be left between Austria and Lombardy
than swell 1t to rivalry, which ought not to ex-
list between Italians and Germans.
What is most to be hoped is, that the Provisional
Government OF Milan may come Ia some terms
with the Austrian envoy for Lombardys retaining
Verona, Vicenza, and the territory south OF GER
tain lme, ceding to Austria Galore and all that
northern portion OF the Venetian territory winch
intervenes between the Tyrol and Vienna The
conquests Of Venice followed up the course of the
rivers which flowed I<to the Adratc. and their
success .edcccd the whole valley OF the Pave 20