The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1860-06-18

Triumph OF the StctIfan InsurrectiOn-
CapftuIation OF General Lama ut Pa
lermo.
We have received by the steamship Ham,
monia at this port and the Bohemian at
Farther Point, the details of the fall of
Palermo and the capituIation Of the gov
eminent troops. The manner in which the
assault was conducted proves that Garibaldi
possesses higher military qualities than those
of mere guerilla leader. Considering the i'm
mense difficulties he had to deal with, the dis
parity of his force as compared with the army
under LAMA, which amounted to about rs, 900
men, and his deficiencies in artillery and bat
tering trains, the capture of Palermo may be
regarded % one Of the boldest and most dashing
achievements recorded in the annals Of warfare.
The facts, as they reach us through Official
sources may be thus briefly stated. By the
26th of May Garibaldi had entirely swept the
country around Palermo Of the adherents Of the
government. General LAMA, as was previously
mentioned, had concentrated his troops in o
position which enabled him at once to cover
the city on the side of the regular approaches
from the interior, and to bring his entire
force into action when the occasion pre-
scented itself. Had any other leader than
Garibaldi been opposed TO him, 1t is
probable that the dispositions he had made
would have proved sufficient for the defence Of
the city. II Is the misfortune Of military tacti-
clans, however, that when they have to deal
with selfeducated warriors like the hero Of
varese, they do not take into account the con-
tempt of the latter for the theories and tradi-
tions of the military schools and the pedantries
of the camp. They prefer rather to be beaten
on strictly correct principles than to guard
against the irregular modes Of warfare prac-
tised by leaders who have not graduated in
military science. 1t will probably be found,
when the facts come 70 be Investigated, that II
was TO this depreciation Of the military genius
of the revolutionary chief that the prompt fall
of the city was mainly owing. How else are we to
account for the fact of rs, 900 disciplined troops
under an experienced general being so imme.
diately and thoroughly whipped by force
which there Is reason 10 believe at no time ex-
ceeded five thousand men.
Caribaldi profted by the advantage which
his opponents strict adherence to precedent
Afforded him. At four O'Clock he made
a sudden attack on the north side oil
the town from the suburb called Pope
rito. which being next the sea, and cover
cd. as IL was supposed, by the government yes
sells In the harbor, had been left comparatively
| unprotected No sooner did he force his way
| into this part Of the city than the people rose
q, nasse and attacked the troops with whatever
weapons they could lay their hands upon, and
| in two or three hours the whole OF Palermo wa,
| In the hands Of the insurgents, with the excep
! ton Of the citadel, into which the government
troops retired. II Is said that during the con
| fct three regiments went over TO the liberals
| and II may have been the fear Of more gene
raj detection that induced General LAMA I,
subsequently, take the step which, 80 far q
Sicily Is concerned, virtually terminates thi
contest. Be that as It may, the Neapolital
commanders, with the savage ferocity whicl
has distinguished them all through the Insured
ton, continued TO lombard the city during tn
whole Of Sunday, and they killed great mum
Der Of the inhabitants, besides destroying man
houses and public buildings. On the followin
day Garibaldi, with the aid Of apark Of artills
ry, which he had succeeded In capturing
stormed the citadel. We have no particular
of the assault, but Il must have been attende
with heavy loss as II was strongly fortified an
well provided with ammunition and provision
General LAMA must however, have becom
aware that his men were not 10 be relied upor
for after few hours siege he made up b
mind to capitulaie, and the articles were arrange
on board her Britannia Msjcsty's ship Hanniba
and the whole force embarked. There Is som
doubt "a 10 the precise character of the tern
agreed upon. IN one despatch II Is stated thu
] the government commander was allowed