Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1866-11-12
THE EVACUATION OF VENICE.

tuC ndllOW paoouEC bOoioO hNhNs -
O. clock this morning. AS the footballs
grew fainter and fainter, there was
horse word of command, and hurrying
forward of the rearmost files. Then there
was dead silence again, and we had the
last of the Austrians in Venice. At 5
O. clock l found the National Guard IN
possession of st. Marks, the field pieces
at the corner of the ducal palace had
been taken away, and a group of shiver-
ing spectators had collected under the
colonade, where not sign of the iron
ratings could now be detected 1t was
very cod-cold even for an October
night in England, but there was clear,
starlight overhead, and promise OF fine
weather during the festival. How well
that promise was fulfilled, and how the
first day of freedom was as bright and
cheerful as the most sanguine could have
hoped, Venice will long remember. By
8 O'clock the city was partially decked
with tri-color flags, for public impatience
would not be restrained, and by $50
there was an immense concourse
of people assembled on the place of st.
Mark, with every eye bent upon the tall
red fagstaffs of the old republic. A
space had been cleared Immediately
around their pedestals, and hollw square
formed by the national guard kept open
this space. At the foot of each flagstaff
was large tricolor bearing the cross of
Savoy and royal crown upon its centre,
and ready bent for hosting. More and
more people came; the minutes were
oor ~ted with breathless eagerness. Now
there was d murmur and clappiug OF
hands The first stroke of 9-the sec
ond In the name of United Italy, hoist
away. Bravo bravol thank God
cry the people near me. Our martyrs
are with us this morning" said White
haired gentleman, turning aside to con-
ceal his sobs, whilst the boys throw up
their caps and shout +" Long live the
Kinpr AS al Verona, it is the old folks
vho are most affected. Wave out upon
the breeze, stately flag, and assure them
that it is not a dream. But ihey need
NO assurance. An exultant thunder Of
human voices has drowned the sound OF
the music. and presently those antique
PALACES which are awaking to renewed
i;fe echo back the still londer thunder
of artillery. | may be fancifui, ,bpt l
seem to see the winged lion with less OF
ouaint grimness about his aspect as he
watches the arrival of an Italian heet
and the departure of the last remaining
barbarian keels.
An Italian fleet is steaminG up. the
barbor right gallantly. Flash after Hash
Issues from the dark sides of the vessels,
and white smoke goes curling up TO
their gay caparison of streamers. Could
ANYTHING be better timed than this arrl-
vai9 1t raises the popular enthusiasm
to a frenzy of delight, and promises
ample protection to the commerce OF the
city. Every one betakes himself to the
water front. cheers ring long and loud
when the cannon has ceased to fire, and
flags are dipped in token of salute. One
by one the vessels cast anchor, and gon-
dolas decked with tri-color bunting glide
round them as SO many spirits OF the
lagoon welcoming the mightier spirits OF
the sea. My gondolier is very happy
He surveys the vessels critically from
stem to stern, and mods has satisfaction;
They will do, they are fine craft, and
there is no lack of brave fellows on board
them. He ought to know something
about that, for he had fought against the
Italian feet "Ag gainst them" said L.
nWere you then at Lissa p "Yes, sig
more, unhappily l was" My gondolier
looks grave for moment, but continues
with a pleasant smile to tell how he was
messed into the Austrian service, and
how little be liked it The Venetian
eonscripts were sorry to see their coun-
trvmeu beateu, but It was the case of a
bullet through the head for any one who
faltered There were military erea.
tures on board, who knew nothing, OF
salt water, or of any water at all Tor that
matter, and they kept guard over the
sailor men" He was glad to be safe y
out of such a service, and hoped that his
brother would soon get home. Seven
years in an enemys ship was no sHgnl
penance.
The Grand Canal, at one o'clock this
afternoon, presented a scene which you
might search over the world in vain "a
eoual The varied architecture OF the
palaces on either side, with flags, carpets
and tapestry hung out from the windows
enhanced the effect of the processloE
which passed between them. Gondols:
of every size, darting forward in a many
colored squadron, led the way. There
were crews in carnival costume-red and
blue and green--with straw hats, laced
Jackets and white pantaloOns. There
were red sashes and blue sashes, velvet
cans and silken streamers, tri-colol
scarfs, tri-color cOckadss, and velve'