Thibodaux minerva., 1856-03-01
Familiar Letters from Europe.
NUMBER SEVEN,


NAPLES, 1860.
Dear Il ~ ~: Naples has a population Of
half million; but to look down upon the city, it
seems Incredible 1t is accounted for only i'll this
way: the streets are very narrow-fcw are wide
enough for carriage TO pass through-and the
houses are very high, whilst an immense number
Of people occupy one tenement. There are four
hundred churches-all Roman Catholic-and do
not think the priests could be counted in week ;
indeed they walk the streets in crowds, and every
other person you meet is in robes. They dress
somewhat differently from priests in our country
shave portion of the head and wear very broad
brimed, low crowned beaver hat.
As for beggars, they are too many to be enume-
rated No statement of them has ever been ex-
aggerated; indeed no can imag gine how much
squad misery and utter poverty exists here. You
cannot ride out or visit church or other place of
notice, but you are surrounded by the young and
healthy, crippled and aged, mporuning for aims !;
and without having to push your way through
dense crowds of the most ptable looking objects,
clothed in rags and filth
and the streets literally covered with beggars
sitting and lying on the ground, some asleep, and
all in their filth-a feast for flies Half Of them
never seek shelter night, but perform their
household duties, such as cooking and washing, in
the open street, while on every side the sight is
sightseeing here, unless ones heart can become
callous to witness such universal evidences of pow
erty and misery. The priests having the people
in complete subjugation, compel them to believe
all they tell them and would not hesitate in taking
the last cent from the hand of starving mother
her children crying around her for bread-to
adorn and beautify church, or contribute more to
their own ease and comfort. Oh, what shame
that this lovely country cannot be best with free
government and be inhabited by men and women,
instead of mere creatures. But, alas poor Italy,
with all its natural oveliness, must remain in its
present degradation long as the Church has such
complete sway. Truly, do not exaggerate when
tell you that priests, soldiers beggars monks and
donkeys are the only visible inhabitants of this
beautiful city. But let us leave subject so likely
to foster unpleasant thoughts, at least to one who
has witnessed it ALL
The Botanical Garden here is fine and the
Theatre de San Carlos is large and well fitted up.
Went to the Opera one night and heard La Som
ambula. The music was fine, singing rather good,
and acting very pleasing.
The Artillery Museum, which is portion of
one of the palaces belonging to the King, is situ-
ated on the verge of the bay-midway in the city
arms; also the Kings carriages-one used on state
occasions by himself, one or two by Murat, and
some by His Holiness the Pope. All are fitted up
in fine style.
Visited the most dreary Of dreary pIaces-the
Catacombs. What pictures of the past arose to
mind as followed the dim torch light of the guide
through those chill death chambers In imagina-
tlon l could see the poor Christians, chased bv
cruel persecution into these dark vaults Poor
trail women and delicate children, crying at the
sight Of their damp, dark homes; and day by day,
almost crazed by hunger. Then again, the feel
ngs of the poor mother, as her new born babe
gave signs Of life, or her intense agony as death
snatched from her clingng embrace her precious
offspring, as she consigned it to its last resting
place. And as gazed at the stake to which the
ooor martyrs were tied and whipped to extort
rom them remuneration of their faith, it seemed
hat l could see the poor sufferer writhing in his
lgony, and hear his death groans as he firmly
'lung to truth. But, gaining the bright sunlight
'nce more, my heart grew more cheerful, and
banked my Maker for the sweet privileges of this
Ige in our own beloved country, where all may
exercise freedom OF speech and thought, worship
1od in accordance with the dictates of conscience,
With none to molest.
These Catacombs are said to be three miles in
xtent. The greater portion is now closed, as they
'ecame place of secretion for bands of highway
obbers. 1t is fearful, wandering through these
lark, winding passages, and l did not dare lose
light Of the guide for moment, as one might
asily be lost.
We next visited the Cathedral, magnificent
hurch. The architecture is fine, and it is almost
ntirely built of white marble. There are no seats
rovided in the body Of the church Ia popularity
l all the churches here) but any number of con-
sssonal boxes surround the interior Saw several
RESTS listening earnestly to the heart histories of
he poor penitents. Whilst we were present mass
as said for an archbishop who died two days
nee. Found great difficulty in entering and lcav-
'g the church, actually having to push our way
trough the great crowd Of beggars.
We are to leave to-day for Rome. More anon. {
Yours, CoRR1E.
The LONDON TIMES ON SLAvERY.-The Lon ,
on Times of the 18th has second leader on !
ne Presidents message, in which it lectures :
merican afafpsman md tho Naf;onol Goan.oaa |