Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1859-07-05
The Futnre of italy.

The future political condition of Italy, isa
matter of universal interest at this time. Here
tofore the peninsula has been divided into
small and feeble governments, which, having
no powet to protect themselves, have fallen
under the more or less complete control Of
neighboring States. But united Italy under
one national Government, has long been the
dream of her people. The present occasion
seems favorable for the realization OF this PSI
triotic wish, but the decision of the quesafen
rests, to all appearances, with the Emperor OF
France.
On the 9Th of June, Louis Napoleon issued,
from Milan, proclamation to the people of Italy,
fnll of fair professions. He disclaims any in
tention "to aggrandize the French territory,
and seeks moral greatness "by contributing to
render free the most beautiful land in Europe
~ come not here" he says, with pre-ar-
ranged plan to dispossess sovereigns, or to I'M
pose on you my will. My army will have TWO
works to perform-fght your enemies ana Keep
internal order. No obstacle shall be ralsed 10
the free manifestations of your leglmate WISHES.
These are most fattering promises. wiz
thew be kept2 The history of Poland AFFORDS
striking examples of the respect shown by mon
archs to the Legitimate wishes" OF their weak
err neighbors. In 1878, the Polish Diet, on the
Field of VIOLA, declared almost unanlmausly Id
favor of Stanisaus as King. The soverelgns OF
Russia and Austria wished to place August OF
ssxony on the throne, aud sending large bodies
of troops to the vicinity Of Warsaw, under pre-
tence of ''protecting the freedom OF election
accomplished their purpose.
But we need not go so far back for an illustra-
ton. Louis Napoleon himself was elevated to
the throne by popular election, the ballot boxes
being guarded by his soldiers and myrmidons.
1t is due to candor to say, however, that he
rules his people well, and that the French are
contented with his government In his deal
ings with foreign States he has not given equal
satisfaction. He marched his soldiers to Rome,
to "keep internal ORDER" and ended BY fasten'
ing despotism upon the people.
Under these circumstances the world may
well refuse to give implicit credence to bis prom
ises. On the other hand, it is argued that he
will profit by the misfortunes which betel bis
uncle, the first Napoleon, in consequence of hi;
policy of territorial ACKNOWLEDGMENT. This may
be so, but false ambition has too often got the
better of discretion aud the nobler aspiration
after moral greatness, for us to trust fully the
word of an absolute monarch.
In the mean while, rumor says there are al
ready murmurs of discomfort at Milan. The AL
lies, having conquered Lombardy, have virtually
annexed it TO Sardinia. The people, tits said
protest against the act. They ask for confedera
ton, with King Emanuel as their sovereign
but object to the sort of fusion which has beer
practised. If this report be true, an opportu
nifty is even now afforded for testing the French
Emperors sincerity when he said to the LON
bards, mo obstacle shall be raised to the fret
manifestations of your Legitimate wishes" Viii
he allow them to manifest their wishes, ant
then disregard them9 Or perhaps he will no
consider their wishes in this particular 'legiti-
mattel"