The New York herald., 1871-09-09
France and Is.ly.

According TO our special despatch from
Versailles yesterday, stating that Chevalier
Nigra, the Italian Ambassador, and the Presi-
dent OF the French republic, have had another
lengthy interview, it is evident that the diff
culies existing between the two countries are
in course Of satisfactory settlement. France,
always sensitive and fearful of the machina-
tions of her neighbors, imagined that she had
received an insult from Italy, which, despite
her present prostrated condition, she felt in
compatible with her honor to leave unex-
planned. But the representative of Victor
Emmanuel at Versailles has distinctly told Pre-
sident Theirs that so far from seeking to QUAR- ell
with France, his government had forwarded
him the most concise and clearly defined in
structions to the contrary, and that all his
negotiations are to be based on those grounds.
In reality the offence is of the most trivial
character, and its recital as put forward in
the despatch, will be the easiest method of
explanation. Some weeks ago some of the
surveying ENJOYS of the Vatican were
Roman convent. Some of the dele
gates of the French Legation interfered,
if not loudly denounced the ENJOYS, avowing
that it was a violation of the treaty between
the two nations, and tina. it might be inferred
they were sketching French territory and max
ing maps of the roads, to serve in case of war.
Atthe time the surveyors felt aggrieved at the
attitude of the French officers, and omitted to
state, whether intentionally or otherwise,
that they were not attaches of the
Italian government. Hence the diff
Guilty between the two countries, and,
but for the timely elucidation of the mat
ter, simple as it may appear, war might have
been the result. The Executive at Rome
doubtless received somewhat colored ac-
count of the rencontre and were prejudiced
thereby against France. France, on the other
hand, proud, excitable and jealous of the least
rivalry, sent hasty despatch to Rome de-
manding immediate and full explanation of
the affair, leaving the unpleasant inference
that if Italy could not satisfactorily clear up
the mishap she would appeal to force. It was
highly probable that the Italians would
resent a note 80 hasty and unwarranted. but
that they intended in the first place TO create
rupture has been denied in the most unquali-
fed terms. France cannot, however, expect
to overrun her smaller neighbor, notwithstand-
ing that the occupation Of Rome might be still
the smouldering spark employed to bring
about the explosion Of friendly relations. She
must yield little in behalf of Italy-she will
have to do so. She can afford to be magnani-
NOUS in this at least. After the manner in
which President Theirs has received the Italian
representative. listened to the recital Of his in
structions and the overtures of peace from
Rome, 1t cannot be doubted that the GOODNESS
between the two governments will soon SUBJ
side, and in short time the stream Of events
will flow more pleasantly. France would re-
ceive no sympathy If she took Italy to task
too severely under such pretext, and it is to
be hoped that, after the bitter lessons taught
her at Sedan and Paris, she will seek just
cause before she again throws down the gaunt-
let of defiance.