The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1859-06-21
THE FUTURE OF THE WAR.


scenes Of the European war, and supposes the
invasion of Piedmont nearly at an end, and the
army of Gyulai for the most part on Austrian
territory and preparing to dispute the passage Of
the frontier rivers with the French Emperor s
army The Austrians extend along the line from
Bufalora to the point opposite the Parmesan
frontier, and are, no doubt, ready to execute a
movement towards Piacenza, should the French
violate the neutrality of Parma. We quote:
1t is probable, however, that Louis Napoleon
will hardly venture such step as yet and only
decisive victory over the Austrians will encourage
the revolutionary party to attempt an overthrow
of the Duchesss authority We may consider
therefore, that the allied army will attempt to cross
one of the two rivers at some point on the line
from Stradella to Vigerano Undoubtedly, they
would prefer forcing the Austrian right, as by such
course they might insure the abandonment OF
Milan produce an immense effect on Europe, and
place the whole of Central Italy under the
influence of revolutionary governments But to
cross the Pc at the present time, In the presence
of great army resting on Pavia and Piacenza,
would be most difficult task, and the operation
is hardly to be expected, as the first essay In
strategy of General who has never been
soldier 1t would seem more likely that the French
will endeavor to force the passage of the Ticino,
and advance by the direct road on the capital
of Lombardy. 1t is on the banks of these rivers
that the real contest VIII 1ue AuSLIldH
invasion of Piedmont has had no military result,
except the exhaustion of the district which the
enemy must occupy. The result. in political
point of view, may satisfy them since the affair
has been brought to crisis, and the Court OF
Vienna is sangune of being able to repel an invader
of its territory. But, perhaps, already there is
hardly an Austrian on Piedmontese ground, and
the raid on Victor Emmanuels villages must be
numbered with the events of history. The
Austrian Emperor and General Hess are, no doubt,
devoting their attention to the defence of the
frontier rivers, and the whole force of the
Austrians will be brought into play to hold
the invaders in check for as long period as
possible.
We have said that it is probable the territory
of Parma will not be violated for the present,
since the French may prefer an entrance into
Lombardy from the West.-But eventually there
can be no doubt that both Parma and Modena will
be forced to follow in the track of Tuscany. The
destination of the 5th Corps under the orders of
Prince Napoleon is no longer a secret On the
Goth, the day of the battle of Montebelo, 35O
men of the corps landed at Leghorn, and Prince
Napoleon was expected yesterday. The neutral
presumption is, that the Prince is DESTROYS to
serve from the first with troops and among
people with whom he may one day be called on
to form a closer connexion. But putting aside
these high considerations of State, may look on
this Tuscan expedition, in its military light. The
conclusion is irresistible that it BODIES good to
tbs little Potentates of the Italian Duchies, and
perhaps threatens the sacred territory of ST. Peter
Tuscany though its army is anal gamated with
that of Victor Emmanuel, is placed geographically
quite out of the way of the campaign. 1t is
entirely divided from the territory both of Piedmont
and Austria, Should the minor Duchies be
allowed to remain neutral the Tuscan troops could
only be brought into service by being sent TO
Gennoa by sea. But the arrival of a French
corps in the country does away with the belief
that such moderation will rule the Imperial
counsels. The Allies will now have large force
in this detached Principally, and may it either
against the Modenese or the Roman Territory
That the despatch of this army rendered necessary
by the position of the Austrians hardly be
believed. All the interests OF Austria are bound
up in the neutrality of Central Italy. Her troops
occupy certain districts of the Roman States, but
they are not in force, and only the perfect
of the Pope as Sovereign protects
them from the fear of an eventual attack from the
French That the Austrians will march from
Ferrara and Bologna against Florence is an event
which the French Emperor may affectto anticipate
but the world will hardly give him credit for
anxiety on that score In the same way, the
territory of Parma and Modena is too valuable to
the Austrians, as neutral ground protecting the
South of Lombardy, for them ever to expose it to
legitimate French invasion by making it the road
to the rebeous Duchy. No sensible man can
have doubt that the presence of French force
in Tuscany has an offensive object and that, should
the Austrians prove more obstinate foes than is
counted upon the two small Dutchies will at once
be crossed by French troops, threatening to turn
the Austrian position.