Belmont chronicle. [volume] (St. Clairsville, Ohio) 1855-1973, 1867-10-31
The Betrayal of Italy.
Fron, the New York Tribune. 23d inst.

FROM the New York Tribune, I'D Inst.
The power which crushes revolution
In Rome will organize one in Italy. TO
trample out this flame is to scatter the
sparks Of war, and kindle new fires
throughout Europe. Essentially, the
Roman question is a local one what the
Government of Rome shall be concerns
merely the people Of the Papal States
Tyranny from which they could not
escape made it national question for
Italy, and the interference of France has
now converted IL into continental uues-
tion in which all Europe il involved
Such an issue as this is not to be deter
mined by an obsolete treaty between the
Governments of France and Italy. Other
elements will settle it. Since the Com
vention of 1864 was formed, the people
Of Italy have demanded Rome as their
right since then, Prussia has won the
battle of Sadowa; since then, France
has ceased to be the ar5iter Of Western
Europe. The situation has been revolu-
tionized, and the Unity of Italy is ne
cessary result of the Unity of Germany.
The Emperor Napoleon will find Rome
more than Mexico to himself, and per-
haps what Moscow was to his uncle. It
was easy for him to sustain the Papal
rule when Italy was weak and dependent
on his friendship. a few years ago
Austria overhung Italy like thunder
cloud. The Austrian occupation of Ven
eta was perpetual threat and danger.
But now there is no nation in Europe
from which Italy has less to fear than
from Austria. Not n solitary soldier of
the House of Hapsburg stands on Italian
soil, and any advance which Austria may
make toward the South will inevitably
be followed by a Southwark advance of
Prussia. Napoleon cannot now proceed,
as in 1864 he could, upon the assumption
that Italy needs his protection there is
no enemy that she has cause to fear, and
there is no power but France that has
the least intention to contest her right TO
Rome. The natural result of French in
tervention must be to turn the friend
ship of Italy into resentment. Shylock
may exact his pound of flesh, but had
better tear the bond to pieces. There are
some treaties upon which it is madness
to insist, and the September Convention
is one of them. We believe that in this
recent step Louis Napoleon has advanced
to his own defeat. All that he has done
to strengthen his power by alliances, is,
so far as Italy is concerned, undone. 1t
is one thing to make compact with a
King and Cabinet, but no compact will
endure that is not made with the People
also. This Roman question might be
eclliGu li4t lIlltItstS VI nEbDDli5lll, II IL
were possible to partition out Italy as the
great powers divided Poland, but in 10
other way. The Emperor may send his
troops to Rome, but if he keeps them
there ne must send them to Italy clio,
and to the Rhine. IN the end, if he IS
resolved to oppose Italy, he must be pre-
pared to oppose Prussia also.
The italian Government has shown it
self pitifully weak in yielding to the
| French demand. italy hes been bet-ay-
ed t,y iies.iSit'lss, Z, 4n1 the King will finu
that his own people are stronger than a
French army. We fOresee revolution in
Italy, which may repeat on grander
scale The recent Instructions in the
great cities, or may be merely moral
but which, in eitherShape, must accom-
plish its end. Finally, and at no distant
period, the italian Government must
execute the national will, and means
will be found to compel its obedience
Garibaidi is master of the situation, and
the September treaty has been already
cut in half by his sword. 1t is not the
tresty which keeps Rome in slavery, but
| the cowardice Of the Government. In
| the eyes of Europe it is but waste pager,
which France chooses to hold sacred
though all other nations hold it in con-
tempt and repudiate its obligations.
There ID but one honorable explana-
ton CT The policy of the italian Govern
ment, sud that deserves to be considered
with respect. 1t is impossible TO believe
that Victor Emmanuel took any step in
this matter without consultation with
Prussia. The alliance of the two coun-
tries is not formal but it is virtually the
strongest alliance of any two nations in
Europe, and is destined to have an i'm
portant influence in the approaching war.
If Prussia is not ready for war, her Gov
ernment would naturally counsel a post
ponement of the Roman question, and
it is possible that Bismarck, who is as
prudent as he is bold, may have secret
understanding with the Italian Gov
ernment. The elements of great war
exists in Europe, and there is no nation
now feady to hasten struggle which is
drawing nearer month by month.