The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1859-01-20
Nienacing Relations OF Austria and France
Baron Hubncr Snubbcd by Louis Napo-

Menacing Relations OF Austria and France
Baron Hubncr snubbcd by Louis Napo-
leon.
The volcanic condition of Italy has latterly
given cause for good deal of apprehension to
European statesmen. We do not allude to the
indications observed in Naples, where the pres
sure Of despotism is most felt. There it is natu-
raj that the evidences Of discomfort should be
continually forcing themselves upon our atten-
ton. They are the inevitable results of system
which, having reached its worst climax, can
now only be remedied by the radical changes
which revolution brings in its train. We speak
rather Of those menacing symptoms which,
breaking out simultaneously over the whole of
Italy-in constitutional Piedmont as we'll as in
the Austrian territories that throughout
the entire framework Of Italian society the revo-
lutionary fever is burning with ierceness that
cannot be much longer held in check. Where
as in the case of Ristori and the students
of the University Of Payia, we find the
Italian governments compelled to carry their
restrictive measures into the domains of art and
public instruction, it is evident that political
conyulsion must be near at hand That this
time it will involve in its throes all classes of
Italians, from the highest to the lowest, may be
gathered from the fact that whilst in ls4S the
middle and lower orders in Lombardy remained
Indifferent to the revolutionary movement, they
now share in the irritation and discomfort which
animated at tia. time but one section of
society.
That this state Of things has been brought
about 10y other Influences than those incident to
the policy Of the Italian governments has long
been evident. The exceptional state of things
existing in Naples would not in itself be suAl-
strongly condemned by the other European
Powers that it could hardly furnish a pretext
for the excitement which prevails throughout
the rest Of Italy. In the Lombardo-V enitian
provinces the Austrian government has so mo-
diied its policy that its rule compared with that
which existed previous to the year ls4s. may be
said TO be almost golden one The condition Of
the Roman States is neither better nor worse
than it was before the revolution, and
with the exception of the Mortara case, which is
no unusual incident Of ecclesiastical despotism,
nothing special has occurred to revive the vim
dictiveness Of the Italian republicans against
the Pope To what, then, are we to attribute
the present highly excited state of Italy, tending
as it manifestly does, to an outbreak of the
most general and formidable character.
The coquettings Of France with Piedmont have
been justly viewed with suspicion. The visits
Of Victor Emanuel and Count Cavour to
Paris had apolitical significance which no mere
pretences Of courtesy could explain. We heard,
through our correspondents of long conferences
between the Emperor and the Sandman Premier
on Italian questions, for which no existing
complications seemed to afford a color of ncces-
sity. it occurred to us at the time that Louis
Napoleon was laying the foundation of line of
policy in regard to Italy, which. under the pre-
tence Of furthering the interests Of a separate
Italian nationality, was intended TO carry out
the Cis-Alpnc projects and dynastc views Of his
uncle.
Since that pcrod-now nearly three years
30 fresh events have occurred to stir up the pa
triotic fervor off the Italians Sardinia, it is true
has been endeavoring to provoke Austria to ag-
gressions; but that Power, seeing the trap that
has been laid for her, has prudently avoided all
inducements TO a breach. She has confined her
self to policy strictly defensive, ;ad las relax
ed as much as possible the stringcncy Of her rule
in her Italian pro'iuccs. Still, We End Tue re-