The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1849-06-09


Miss Sarah Margaret Fuller, one of the
European correspondents of that paper,
who is now in Rome.
Undaunted Rome.
Correspondence OF The Tribune.
ROME, 9th May, 1S49.
I write you from barricaded Rome. The
Mother of Nations is now at bay against
them all.
Rome was suffering before. The mis-
fortunes of other regions of Italy, the de-
feat at Novara, preconcerted in hope to
strike the last blow at Italian independence
the surrender and painful condition of Ge-
noa, the money difticulties-insuperable,
unless the government could find conf
dence abroad as well as at home-prevent-
ed her people from finding that toot-hold
for which they were ready. The vacilla-
tons of France agitated them, still they
could not seriously believe she would ever
act the part she has. We must say France,
because, though many honorable men have
washed their hands Of all share in the per-
fidy, the Assembly voted funds to sustain
the expedition to Civita Vecchia, and the
Nation, the Army have remained quies-
cent.
No one was, no one could be, deceived
as to the scope of this expedition. 1t was
intended to restore the Pope to the tempo
raj sovereignty, from which the People, by
the use Of suffrage, had deposed him. No
doubt the French, in case of success, pro-
posed to temper the triumph of Austria and
Naples, and stipulate for conditions that
might soothe the Romans and make their
act less odious. Also they were probably
deceived by the representations of Gaeta,
and believed that large party, which had
been ntimidated by the republicans, would
declare in favor of the Pope when they
found themselves to be sustained. But this
last pretext may in no way avail them.
They landed at Civita Vecchia, and no one
declared for the Pope. They marched on
Rome. Placards were affixed within the
walls by hands unknown, calling upon the
Papal party to rise within the town. Not
soul stirred. The French had no excuse
left for pretending to believe that the pre-
sent Government was not entirely accepta-
Bile to the people. Notwithstanding, they
assail the gates, they fire upon St. Peters,
and their balls pierced the Vatican. They
were repulsed as they deserved, retiring in
quick and shameful defeat, as surely the
brave French soldiery could not, if they
had not been demoralized by sense Of
what an infamous course they were pur-
suing. France, eager to destroy the last
hope of Italian emancipation, France the
alguazil Of Austria, the soldiers of republic
can France, firing upon republican Rome!
If there be angel as well as demon powers
that interfere in the affairs OF men, those
bullets could scarcely fail to be turned back
against their own breasts. Yet Roman
blood has flowed also l saw how it stained
the walls of the Vatican Gardens on the
Both April-the first anniversary of the
appearance of Plus LX'stoo famous encyclic
letter. Shall he, shall any Pope ever again
walk peacefully in these gardens. Impos-
sible. The temporal sovereignty of the
Popes was gone, by their shameless, mer-
CHESS measures taken to restore it. The
spiritual dominion falls too into irrevocable
ruin.
What may be the issue, at this moment
we cannot guess. The French have retir-
ed to Civita Vecchia, but whether to re-
embark or to await reinforcements we know
not. The Neopolitan force has halted
within few miles of the walls; it is not
large, and they are undoubtedly surprised
at the discontinue of the French. Per-
haps they wait for the Austrians, but we
do not yet hear that these have entered
Romano. Meanwhile Rome is strongly
barricaded, and, though she cannot stand
always against world in arms, she means
at least to try. Mazzini is at her head; she
has now guide "who understands his
faith" and all there is of noble spirit will
show itself. We all feel very sad, because
the idea of bombs barbaronsly thrown in,
and street-fght in Rome is peculiarly dread
full. Apart from all the blood and anguish
inevitable at such times, the glories of Art
n,Sy perish, and mankind be forever des-
poiled of the most beautiful inheritance.
Yet I would defend Rome to the last mo-
ment. She must not be false to the high
er hope that has dawned upon her.-She
must not fall back again into servility and
corruption. And no one is willing. The
interference of the French has reused the
weakest to resistance. "From the Austri-
ans, from the NeapQlitans," they cried, "we
expected this; but from the French, it is
too infamous, it cannot be borne," and they
all ran to arms and fought nobly.
The Americans here are not in a pleas
ant situation. Mr.. Cass, the Charge of the
United States, stays here without recog-
nizing the Government. OF course, he
holds no position at the present moment
that a.,all. L., L., 81 e.. Daa:.,