Cincinnati daily press. [volume] (Cincinnati [Ohio]) 1860-1862, 1860-07-06


-u0'ldl af Sahtn Greece. tH3N 0dl
The Florence correspondent Of the Boston
Transcript describes solemn funeral cere-
mony in the Church of Santa Croce, to the
memory Of those Italian patriots who fell in
ls4s. It hasbeen determined to yearly com
memorate the 3oth Of May, ls4s, the ami
versary Of Curtalona, including at the same
time prayers for later losses by battle, should
there be any; va ,-o-t ,rsr
Santa Croce really inspires devotional feel
ings az any time, but in its this days phnse
II effected Hn additional impression. Dim
was the light which struggled through the
heavy, dark curtains, thus throwing an air
Of partly-concealed mystery over the vast
church and its thousands Of devotees aud
curiosity-mongers. Beneath every window
were clustered the three colors; pendent
we're the same in great profnsion from the
nave's roof From each principal column,
surrounded by candles, there shone forth ap-
propriate inscriptions, some recording the
names of the victims of 1859, rejoicing that
their blood had been shed on fields whose
harvest gave greater promise than in former
years, while others proclaimed the sacred
ness of patriotism and invincibility of right
In the center of the church was elevated a
lofty and magnificent catafalque. Around
the edge of its broad, black base, the old '4e
guns were stacked, and pyramids of small
rusty cannon balls interviewed. Encircled by
ancient armor, shields, helmets, swords, &c,
arose the white body of the tomb, on the
north and south sides of which were inscribed
'Curtalonan and "Montanara," and on the
west was this long supplication: ~ 1ftDi
70 brothers, who at Curtalona and Monta-
nara sealed your civic faith with blood, you
who are inspired by God, the remuneration Of
generous sacrifces--teach us integrity of
resolution with wisdom of counsel, courage
| in deeds with perseverance in designs, aud
| indissoluble concord of will. Teach us all
the virtues necessary to initiate your mag
unanimous example, and TO render US omnip-
otent in the arena of 1taly's indicators.
And below stood two small cannon, so small
as TO exact smile, and yet they are the same
that won so many laurels those twelve years
back. eu
"Above all was reared the white tomb
draped in black and crowned with flowers
Lighted torches threw their ftful glare upon
IL and the colossal figure of Italy, which
faced the high altar, and occupied the east.
ern portion of the catafalque. This hug,
statue, though made of pasteboard, produced
the same effect as plaster. Erect, with heat
slightly thrown back, Italy, with arms ex
tended, held in one hand a crown of glory
and in the other ihaniortelies. Beneath he
feet was large cross of red and white roses
, surmounted by crown of thorns, and still
/ lower down | read:
"'Beyond and above us the brave are immortal
"From the roof there descended grea
black banner, most singular in its effect
looking as though bit of dark cloud hai
slid through, upon which some fiery han,
, had traced these words of inevitable doom;
"'From the blood Of sons shall be recreated.'
E There was something akin 10 solemnit
t in the quiver of many violins rs CarignonC
e Riscasoli, and thickly studded uniforms ap
preached the altar and left not an inch Q
unoccupied ground, and the voices of hun
: dreds of choristers leach singer holding
taper in handy trembled through the vast oh
security. High mass in Catholic church
impressive or not according to the feelin
and situation. Distance generally lends en-
: chantment, and this latter sensation is nc
difficult of birth when the priestly intonatio
: reaches the ear through smoke of incense an
= musical vibrations-when women in mourn
q ing respond in tears for sous, brothers an'
/ lovers fallen in liberty's defence, and faint
ing from excess OF emotion, are borne fror
I the church insensible. .r.4. s.
: A lengthy oration formed no small porto
e of Santa Croce's ceremonies. Father Ben
D none Bianchi, chief of the liberal clergy, VIII
4 rushed to the rescue whenever naught
priests, in fear of Papal curses, refuses I
f obey the government, read what is said b
q the half dozen persons who heard him to hay
!. been very able production. Occasionally
e caught such sounds as "Italy, Liberty, Unit.
n Hope, Heavens intercessions," and KNOWN
$ by this detachment of words that "all we
. | WELL" II befalls me to declare the sermon "
! very able production" If the music con
i posed for the occasion was not equal {
e Mozarts Requiem, at least it was not bad,
e fact, rather good.
!, AT the close of the mass the Nations
h Guard performed last duty to their falle
Il brothers by marching around the catafalqu
n and kinds friends threw at its base bouque
! and wreaths of flowers, feeting offerings of
a not fieeting remembrance.