Worcester daily spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1850-1888, 1872-08-09
Political Excitement in Italy.

We take the following from letter in the
New York Evening Post dated at Florence,
July 18th. The writer states that the "clercals"
in Italy, who have, for the last twelve years,
rigidly adstained from voting at elections, have
now, "to the utter astonishment and agitation
of all Italy" resolved to take an active part in
the elections near at hand He then goes on as
follows:
"The importance of this recent resolution of
the clericals can scarcely be over-estimated. Its
object is evidently TO secure the preponderance
of their own ideas through the success of their
candidates in the local as well as the general
elections. The latter they hope to win, reckon
ing upon the indifference and apathy of many
liberals. The effect of their resolution has been
already to arouse strong public feeling through
out all Italy. For as many as ten days il has
been, as it is now, almost the only topic OF dis
cusSion in the press; and last Monday the prime
minister and minister of the interior, Slgnore
Giovanni LAMA, issued circular addressed to
the prefetto of each province calling special at
tention to it. The premier declares that the OBJ.
lect of the clericalS, in entering the political
field, is to work the ruin of free institutions
and of the state that their purpose is 'evi-
IDENTIFY Hberticiddl and anti-national' He,
therefore, eXhorts all citizens to vote, and, in
strong language, denounces the neglect to do
as inimical to the interests of the country and
subversive of free principles.
HOW THE EXCITEMENT WAS INCREASED.
"rhe agitation created by the pastoral of the
Neapoitan archbishop and sustained by the
nervous articles of H0piniouo ministerial
organ), has been increased tenfold by the circu-
lar of Sgnore LAMA. With regard to this circu
lar the leading journals are much at variance
by some it is regarded as opportune and by
Others as undignified because manifesting an
unworthy fear. The majority, however, are
in a mi N Dnnr @ TO ut
the election. The excitement seems now to be
somewhat on the decrease, though various news
papers still express the fear that the clericals
will triumph in certain districts in consequence
of apathy and diSsensionS among the liberal. In
decd, at Rome, the former are now making the
most efficient preparations, whereas the mod
crates and radicals, Notwithstanding much me-
gotiation, have as yet been unable to unite upon
mutual candidates. The clericals are well or
ganized and under perfect discipline. They have,
moreover, a powerful instrument in a very eX-
tenSiVe league, known as LA SOcieta degli In
terressi Cattollci." This association has of late
become widely celebrated; it has numerous
branches not merely throughout Italy, but
alsos abroad. Indeed, so great is its influence
and so strong its antagonsm to the govern
ment, that the idea OF its suppression by the
authorities has been already discussed in the
press, and, there is every reason TO believe, has
been seriously entertained by the kings minis
tiers. That the ciericalS, however, will ever Sc
c1ze control of the government, is an event not
anticipated even by themselves.
WHAT WILL BE THE RESULT?
"Ihe utmost that they expect to achieve is an
influence strong enough to counterbalance in
certain degree that of the administration, thus
obtaining the ameliOraton of their own political
condition and paving the way for an eventual
restoration of the temporal power. That they
will succeed in this purpose is feared only by
comparatively small part of their opponents.
Nevertheless, the government is anxious to
demonstrate before Europe that its position is
firm and intact. Hence the following strong
language in Signore Lanza's circular Of Monday
last:
"It is, however, theIsacred duty of every free
citizen to approach the urn las the Italians name
the ballot box not merely to secure a victory
over the adversaries of Italian unity and liberty,
but to show to civilized Europe that in front OF
these adversaries stands the immense majority
of Italians, ready at any sacrifice to defend the
rights of the nation and to render futile The
endeavors of party that, under pretence of
sustaining religion, would in reality regain the
temporal power-lost forever, to the great gain
OF Italy, of civilization and of religion itself
THE DIFFERENT PARTIES.
Previous to the occupation of Rome a great
majority Of the various factions into which pub
lie opinion was divided, was held together in
one great national or liberal party, looking to-
ward the complete unifcation of Italy-a party
strong enough easily to resist all anti-national
tendencies, whether republican or reactonary.
When, however, in 1870, the unity of Italy was
definitely realized, these coaleSced factions be-
gan gradually TO disintegrate, and as a con-
sequence, we have now conservatives, moder-
ates, liberals and radicals. But all, without
doubt, will be found again united should the
recent rising of the cerlcas" threaten to as
sumo formidable proportions"