The daily exchange. [volume] (Baltimore, Md.) 1858-1861, 1860-03-24

Naples begins TO manifest disposition to take
an active part in the struggle. Heretofore its
position has been apparently that of spectator,
who had nothing to gain or lose by the conten-
tons in which all the other States of the PENN
sula have been involved. The government was
not strong enough to render effective aid to Aus
tria in the late war with France and the oppress-
ed and disconnected people were too weak to make
any d monsrations of sympathy with the insur-
gents of Tuscany and the Romagna Thus situ-
ated, the kingdom of Naples occupied an attitude
of listless neutrality, while between its frontiers
and the Alps the country was in the throes of
convulson While the Papal government main
tanned its ground, its southern neighbor could
afford to stand aloof, for the latter was secure so
long as the States of the Church interposed
firm barrier between the revolution that swept
over Central Italy and the despotism that was en-
trenched at Naples. But the Roman bulwark is
shaken to its foundations, and the terrified mon
arch, who thought himself safe a few months
ago, is preparing to stand on his defence He
knows, or his advisers do, that public opinion in
Europe upholds the cause of constitutional mon
archy in Italy The tide is running in favor of
suffered wis OF obstruction to reach his domin-
IONS he must he overwhelmed in its surges The
foolish inhabitants of Venetia refuse to remain
contented, although the Austrian relieves them of
the trouble of attending 10 political affairs, whc-
Their relating to the police or the finances of the
province; and the stupid people of the Romagna
have failed 10 learn obedience, notwithstand-
ing the fathery chastsement which was in
tlicted by the hands of the Swiss on their
brethren of Perugia. The better class of Nea-
pOli'ans have shown decided SYMPTOMS
of dissatisfaction with their rulers, and under
these circumstances there is clearly no time to be
lost in taking active measures to re-establish
matters on the old footing. To accomplish this
the KING has resorted to the old methods. Had
he done otherwise he would have beed his
BOURBON descent. The two customary stems
OF strengthening the army, and imprisoning
every man who is likely to complain of the gov
eminent, have, therefore, been promptly taken
Foreigners are being enlisted in considerable
numbers that the troops may be in proper con-
dlton to march, if need be, to the assistance of
the Pope and the prisons, and the lazza-
rom, who can be bought for few cents each
per day, are relied on to check disaffecton at
home In Rome, also, similar measures have
been adopted, and the mercenary soldiers of other
nations are pouring in to fill up the compliments
OF the various regiments, for Italian recruits are
not forthcoming, nor could they be trusted, even
II they were willing TO be enrolled. Thus the
TWO Old allies are making ready for battle These
governments are worthy counterparts of the relics
OF the darker ages which overshadow their terri
tories. Like the ruinous fortresses or temples
around them, they afford neither shelter nor pro-
lection, and their foundations are as insecure as
those of the buildings beneath which the subter-
ranean fires of Vesuvius are continually olovinn
Utterly unable to adapt themselves r. tho
changes of a progressive age, or even to conn
prehend them, they cling to the routine
and maxms OF government which were
in vogue two hundred years ago. They have
done about as little to advance the interests of hu-
manity, or 10 promote the prosperity of Southern
Italy, as the Pacha of Egypt. An eminent writer,
speaking of the Italian princpalies of the fifteenth
century, thus sums up the results of which the in
dustry and energy of the people were alone pro-
ductive: 'The whole power and all the resources
court is prince finally them the ultimate pro
"duct ofa this gathered life is the self suficency
of the sovereign - This description is applicable
to Naples at the present hour. The life and infu-
ence of the kingdom is centered in the sovereign.
Scarcely any other individual in his dominions
has made himsefa name, in or beyond Them except
where engaged by the Kings command in noting
volcanic phenomena, ORR cropping for and explain
ing the antiquities of Pompeii and Herculaneum
The Neapolitans lounge through life pleasantly
enough perhaps, but they constitute that portion OF
its population upon which civilized Europe looks
down with most contempt Nor do the modern
Romans stand much higher in general estimation.
The people and their princes are alike de-
void of character and influence, and all their
power would be insufficient to turn the scale
II political events on the Continent were even
ly poised That the subjects of the PopE and
of FRANCIS would be what they are undar n diff
ferent system it is impossible to believe. MANY of
the Italian exiles, who were banished because Of
their participation in the revolution of ls4s have
already, in freer chimes, produced works which
rank with the noblest contributions to current lit
erature; and lattery men have started forth in
Sardinia, Tuscany and Modena who have demon
strated their capacity to teach and lead their coun
trymen. Under happier auspices the land of
DANTE and MACHIAvELLI, of CALLED and CoLrw-
BUS, may once more be foremost in every intellec-
tual movement of the age, and its children give
promise of emulating in the future their past re-
nown- - -s-
That which they have done, but of the things
that they shall do" h .
IfLoUIs NAPOLEON lakes no backward step, the
regeneration of Italy may be confidently predict
ed. Even if he declines to interfere the liberal
cause will inevitably succeed if France will hold
Austria in check Before the advance of Sardinia
ana Tuscany the armies of Rome and Naples will
recon- or perish. Never were the chances fairer
lor 'ne establishment of constitutional and ma
uonal government in Italy. If The people fail
now 1t WIN be hoping against hope to look for
year to come. -