The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1860-06-09

The News ~ the Aff1ca-PRogress Of the
lnsurrection IN Sicily.
From the accounts received by the Africa,
there no longer seems any doubt of the
success of Garibaldi in his movement
against Palermo. The story of his defeat at
Calata6mi turns out, as il was believed to be, a
weak invention of the enemy. The division
under Lande not only gained no advantage
over him at that place, but was itself routed
and driven into Palermo at the point of the
bayonet. Out of the G,OOO men who had been
sent to oppose him, it is stated that 500 had
returned without arms and the rest had either
deserted or been taken prisoners. OF similar
character to the government account of this
affair is the despatch published in the Patrie,
announcing that, on the afternoon of the 2lst,
the troops concentrated under the walls of
Palermo had given battle to the volunteers of
Garibaldi and compelled them to retreat on the
road to Partenico We have now accounts
through the Turin Official Gazette down to the
oath, which represent Garibaldi as menacing
an immediate attack upon Palermo, the heights
round the city being in possession of the insur-
gents. 1t is added that General LAMA had
demanded an armlstice, but that 1t was refused
him. He seems to have adopted every precau-
ton of defence that military experience could
suggest. His army has been concentrated
under the walls, 30 az to enable him to give
battle with his whole force, and redoubs have
been erected at elevated points commanding
the roads. With an insurrectionary committee
actively at work inside the city, the agents of
disafection a. busily employed in his own
ranks, and leader like Garibaldi ready to
dash in and take advantage of every opportu-
nifty that these influences may give him, it can
be seen that the royal force, though numerically
strong, is not to be relied upon, and that the
position Of its chief is one of the most discour-
aging that q commander can be placed In. II
il therefore probable that the next arrival will
bring us the account either of the complete de-
feat Of the government troops under the walls
of the city or of their desertion to the insur-
gents en- mosse, thus compelling the capituls-
ton Of their leader, who, with a disafected
population in bis rear, will find II impossible
TO effect his escape to the government frigates
cruising Off the coast.
As regards the prospects of the insurrec-
ton in the other parts of the island, the news
10 equally satisfactory and inspiriting. Al
though no actual rising had taken place at
Messina, the feeling Of the population of that
city had been manifested in the departure of
large numbers of Its inhabitants and the deser-
ton Of portion Of the garrison to join the In
surgents. Not only were the latter receiving
continual reinforcements from the interior Of
the Island, but large parties of volunteers were
disembarking along that portion of the coast
extending from Cape Boco to the river Girgen-
Ii. They were bringing with them all the stores
arms and ammunition necessary to provide for
fresh levies Of volunteers; 90 that the obstacles
anticipated from the unprepared condition Of
the insurgents would appear to be In measure
obviated.
Asfar as we can CLEAN from the conflicting
accounts published on both sides, the above
statement presents tolerably exact view of
the position Of affairs at the latest dates. The
announcement made in a postscript by the
Opiniom Naiionale, that Garibaldi had
rendered himself complete master of the
island, and had been proclaimed Dicta-
tor, We regard as premature. By this
complished for, once master of Palermo, w.
do not believe that the government troops
could be got to make stand against him any
where. These mercenaries have been kept to-
eether only by large pay and gratuities and
the moment they End the royal cause and
their own privileges seriously endangered, It
will be impossible to count upon their fidelity.
So rapid have been the progress and success
of the insurrection that II carries us on In ad.
vance Of events. Before even Palermo Is cap
tured we are led 10 inquire what will be Tire
next step taken whenever Garibaldi is master
Of the principal seaports. Will he lose time L
giving political effect to his conquests or will
be at once invade the mainland, and take sd.
vantage of the enthusiasm excited there by
them Judging from the impulsive cha
racter Of the man. and his usual tao.
tics. we should say that he will no sooner
have hoisted the national colors on the walls
Of Palermo and Messina than be will make
q dash for the Calsbrian shore and trust to the
same chances that awaited him in his descent
upon Sicily. II Naples is TO be freed, no time
must be left for foreign Intervention to stay the
course Of the insurrection and to confirm the
existing dynasty in the possession Of the re.
naming half Of the fair dominion which they
have 30 shamefully enslaved and oppressed
We perceive that Austria has already sent
Aotilla Of armed steamers 70 the Neapolitau
coast, with what object remains to be seen. II
may be intended merely 10 afford refuge to the
royal family In the event Of their being com.
PEELED to fly from the. impending revolution.
But II may alec be used to defeat the efforts Of
Garibaldi and his volunteers TO effect n land
ing. Matters are now fastening to crisis
which will compel the European governments
10 show their hands. Naples once freed from