The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1856-06-05
FOREIGN CORRESPONDENCE,
LONDON, May l6, 1856.

10 the E6U0f Or ne National Era:
The news from Sardinia is full of interest.
M. Cavour, the President of the Council, after
interpretations from NJ. Buffa, in the Chamber
of Deputies, gave au account of the doings of
the Peace Congress in Paris. His remarks on
the conditions OF the treaty are not interesting
to us, but the following paragraph is:
:" am now about to treat delicate ques-
ton. The French Plenipotentiary had directed
the attention of the Congress to the excuses
committed by portion of the Belgian press
against the French Government and its chief.
The English Plenipotentiary, after warmly de-
Tending the principle of liberty of the press,
which is one of the bases of the British Consti-
tuition, loudly condemned those excuses.
concurred in his declarations by a simple ad-
hesion. did not think proper to deliver a
speech in favor of liberty of the press, because
l might not have efiicaciously served its cause,
and would have certainly injured that of the
Italian question. Some of the Plenpotentia-
ries, besides, would have been enchanted to di-
vert attention from the Italian question, and fix
it on the press"
Then followed the Italian question. Had
the war continued. the Sandman Plenipoten-
tiary would have expected territorial changes
in Italy; but as it had terminated, he could
make no such demand. England and France
sideration. They expressed their dissatsfac-
ton with the occupation of Italy by foreign
troops. The Austrian Plenipotentiary defend
ed the principle of Intervention, when it was
called for. England opposed that idea in the
Conference. Sardinia suggested that the Ital-
ian Governments be advised to a more mode
rate course, and England and France warm
ly supported the motion. Other countries,
through their representatives, approved of the
motion. but thought not best to advocate it.
Count Cavour concluded as follows:
"Thus the irregular and unfortunate con-
dition of Italy has been denounced to Europe,
not by revolutionary demagogues, not by pas
sionate journals, not by party men, but by the
representatives Of the first Powers of Europe
by men more disposed to listen to the voice of
reason than to the instincts of the heart. The
negotiations of Paris have not improved our
relations with Austria. l must say that the
Sandman and Austrian Plenipotentaries, after
having sat side by side to cooperate in one of
the greatest political works which has been
accomplished for the last forty years, separated,
it is true, without personal anger, for l must
render full Justice to the courteous conduct of
the Austrian representatives. but with the firm
conviction that the political systems of the two
countries are wider apart than ever. This may
give rise, perhaps, to dissensions, and engender
dangers, but it is an inevitable and forced con-
sequence of the system of perfect liberty which
Victor Emmanuel inaugurated on ascending
the throne, and which you have warmly ap-
proved. | do not think that the anticipation of
these dangers should induce the King to change
his policy. At present, the cause of Italy has
been brought before the tribunal of public
opinion, to which it belongs, according to the
noble expression of the Emperor of the French,
IN dar ha Epa Of Tha he
perhaps long one; but feel full confidence
that the de6nitive issue will be in conformity
with the Justice of the cause"
The plan which the Sandman Government
entertained for the reformation of Italy was as
follows: A separate administration, under a
lay PontiGcal Vicar, the Code Napoleon, a Ma
tive Army and Tribute.
1t is not strange that Sardinia dislikes the
conduct of Austria in Italy, for she is conduct
ing herself there as if for permanent occupan-
cy. In one or two cities she is erecting costly
Notifications, as if upon her own soil. Here is
a memorandum note, delivered by Count Cavour
to the English and French plenipotentiaries:
/" AT moment when the Powers of Europe
are assuring to all countries the benefits of
peace, the Roman Legation and the Papal
States call for the attention of the British and
French Governments. The Legations are &C.
state of siege and martial law reign there. An
Austrian General rules; the Pontifcal Governor
exists but in name. There is no knowing when
this is to finish Austria desiring no better
than to render its occupation permanent. 1t is
easy to see that AustrG thus extends her do
minion far beyond what was assigned to her by
the treaties of 1915"
A later note is more full of accusations
against Austria, and paragraph or two con-
tain so much truth, that / will copy them:
"The system of compression and reaction,
inaugurated in lS48 and 1919, and somewhat
justified at that time, continues to the present.
without intermission. One may even say, that
vigor has redoubled. Never were prisons and
bagnios so gorged with political prisoners.
Never were exiles an greater number never,
in fact, was political rule so severe. The state
of Parma proves it. Such system of Govern
ment can have no other result than to keep a
population in continued revolutionary fer
ment. Yet such has been the state of Italy
for now seven years. Latterly, indeed, there
evinced something like calm, when Italians
saw national monarchs coalesced with the great
Western Powers to resist oppression and ambi.
ton in the East. The hope that the results of
such war must bring alienation to their
| troubles kept up their hopes. But when the
| negative results of the Treaty Of Paris became
known, with the refusal of the Conference to
entertain the question of Italy, irritation will
recommence. Having no more to expect from
diplomacy from the great Powers Italians will
again recommence to conspire, and to fall into
the ranks of revolutionists, till some European
so;n notion offers the means of explosion. Such
state OF th4nss cannot but render the Pied.
montese Government ANXIOUS. The resuscita-
ton of their revolutionary passions exposes j:
| to extreme danger, and threatens to compro.
| mise that firm and moderate policy which has
commanded the sympathy and esteem of all
| Europe"
There is & creditable rumor to the effect that
| Count Orion has haa 9u audience with Louis
Napoleon, to ask for explanations on tne sub
! iect of the treaty between France, England,
and Austria. He declared that the treaty I'M
| explained had Leen construed into a want of
faith in Russia. The French Emperor protest
ed against any such Interpretation of the treaty.
1t is said that the Count was very much excl.
ted, ana vas apparently not fully satisfied with
the explanations OF the Emperor. There can
be but little doubt respecting the treaty. 1t
certainly does prove want of confidence in
Russia, and the history of the past justi6es this
want Of confidence in that Power.
The affair of the Belgian press has excited
considerable feeling in the Belgian Chamber
of Representatives. Interpretations were cd
dressed to the Foreign Minister in reference to
Count Walewski's speech on the It'll inst. The
Minister replied, No Power hss ever claimed
any modification of the law on the press of
Belgium, sad never will the country submit to
such pretension--never!
The Independence says:
"The Government has performed .te duty
we are proud and happy to say it. 1t re,
mains for the press to perform what belongs to
& The liberty which Il desires to preserve, it