New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1864-11-24
THE ROMAN QUESTION.


II was to be expected that the FrancO-Italian
Convention Of the 18th of September, which
provides for the evacuation of Rome by the
French troops and the transfer Of the italian
capital to Florence, would produce fresh ex.
citement in Italy, and Il new complication in
Europe. Both effects already begin to he seen,
and to cloud again the horizon Of European
politics.
In a former article OIL the Convention, we
surmised rightly that the italian Government
and that portion of the National party which
would accept the Convention, would look upon
it as step toward the solution Of the roman
question and the incorporation OF Rome with
italy, This Convention pledged the Italian
Govelnmcn, not TO use force itself, nor to sane
ton force to be used for tic overthrow OF the
Papal Government; but it did rot provide Tor
tie case of an instruction "a The Romans
against the Pspal Government. The general
impression produced by the Convention was
taat The Italian Government prcsupposed anG
wished that the population OF the Papal States
would soon after the evacuation Of Rome by the
French be able to put an end to the Papsl rule
and to annex themselves TO Italy; Willie France
was supposed to DO in favor Of demanding at
least some kind OF territorial Independence for
the Pope.
This view of the n:entionSo Of the two Govern
,nents has been fully confirmed By the dipyo-
matte notes whchhay been recently exchanged
between them The French Minister OF Foreign
Affairs has found it necessary 70 demonstrate
against Some views expressed about the Convcn-
ton in official Italian documents, and there
have been, in consequence, renewed DISCUSSIONS,
which. however, left the main question,
whether the people Of Rome should be at
liberty to settle tho Roman question IN their
own way, as undecided as it was before. Both
Governments we're agreed thatN was best not
to make any Mention Of such a contingency I'D
the Convention itself, but to reserve in such
case entire freedom of action upon either side.
Since tic exchange ~ the last notes, the
Italian Government has hintcd more strongly
than ever that after the departure OF the French
troops from Italy, "civihzation and progress
Will soon solve The Roman question in accord
ance with the wishes OF all Italy.
Sill more explicit is the report on the trans
fer oi the Capital which was made to the Italian
Chamber OF Deputies by Mr.. Mosca, in the
name of the Committee charged with the exam
nation of the subject The report, which de-
clares in favor Of tho transfer, is free from sll re-
serve and cquivocation az 20 the extent OF obD'
CATION which the Italian nation consents to con-
tract By the adoption Of the Convention.
THESE obligations" says the report, "are too
clearly expressed and 200 accurately defined t.
authorize the conclusion, or even the suspicion
,aat Italy rcnounces her aspirations toward
Bone. No, We DO not renounee Rome. nor 10
We renouncc the purpose TO go there ~ some
future time; we simply abandon the intention
% 20 tnere by force" And, passing TO the
Question Of the transfer Of tie Capital, the re-
port romarks that "if, OIL tho ono hand, It is no
where expressly stated that the sea; OF the Gov
ernmcnt is prorisionoily transferred TO another
city, nothing. Oh the other baud, indicates tnat
the new Capital has deem definitely chosen"
The rurport Of all this is cear.. Italy regards
Tie Convention OILY as 0imeaus 20 procure III
withdrawal Of the French troops from Rome
Then, i; Is expected By the whole nation, the
Roman question would ct once 20 solved by the
Romans themselves.