Litchfield enquirer., 1875-04-29
New italy.

We presume that most of our readers will share our interest in the progress of reform in Italy. That progress is being made, the Pope takes good care to inform us, from time to time, in his roundabout way; but the following extract from pri- vate letter written by gentleman now in Florence, gives as clear an idea, in few words, of the changed and hopeful condi- tion of Italian affairs as anything we recol- lect to have seen published on that sub- ject: ........... - .#
 FLORENCE, April 8, 1875.
 We have been quietly spending the win ter~ months at Sorrento, one of the oldest towns of Italy, and have taken consider able interest in trying to ascertain whether the people are materially benefited by the consolidation of the Italian States or not. They certainly seem contented, if not happy, and although Victor Emman- uel is not perhaps in great favor at Rome, still he is very popular all over the rest of Italy. The contrast between the present condition of the country and what it was twenty odd years ago, when I was here before, is very great. The press is free, and Jew and Gentle enjoy equal privi- leges, social and religious. The Catholic clergy do all they can to keep the people in ignorance, and although public schools, both day and evening, are amply provid- ed by the municipal authorities. the priests have still such hold over the parents that they have succeeded in keeping three fourths of the children from school. But their power cannot last long, and many parents who see improvement made by the children of more sensible neighbors, are turning deaf ear to the priests and beginning to send their children to the schools.
 In former years all kinds of restrictions were put upon travel. but now railroads are almost as universal as with us and the people are free to come and go as they please. Standing armies age usually sup posed to be the ruin of States, yet here in Italy, the army is the strongest bond of unity and living spring of good morals. All the young men of Q certain age, with out distinction, are obliged to enter the army-rich and poor share the same fa- tigues and dangers; members of different provinces fraternize together, and all re' turn to their homes disciplined. courteous,
  Art, industry, and commerce, have made ! no little progress, the expectations are constantly increasing and financial matters amelioratlng. Paper is the circulating medium, but gold which was worth 1Ol per cent. premium, three months ago, is now selling for barely per cent. Con. vents and monasteries have been abolish ed and their estates, now no longer ir ''dead hands," but in the possession oi private individuals are producing more than double what they formerly did. The best proof of the good sense of the Italian people IS that they are in no way moved by the spoliation of the temporal power oi the Pope, who curses Italy every day calls himself the Prisoner of the Va tican," and will not accept the seven hun dred thousand dollars year allowed hin by the government.
 l attended meeting last week (the last 1 of a series) at which the speaker, Profes- sor of the Waldensian Theological Semi nary, presented contrast between the | Primitive Christian Church and the pres l ent Church of Rome, and I was much sur prised to hear such bold remarks and such strong denunciations in 6 city like this. There were many Catholics present but the meeting was perfectly quiet anG orderly. and the speaker was listened tt with deep attention.
 | Victor Emmanuel and his family art now in this city, on their way to meet tn, Emperor of Austria at Venice, next Mon day. There are to be three days of fes tiyity and l would gladly be on hand bu cannot we'll leave. There are some wh, think they see some political meaning il this meeting. but I cannot think it is fo any other purpose than to express thei mutual good will. One of the delegates sent from Venice to meet the Emperor o Austria, was among the prisoners of Kuf stein in the year 1S48. - ,. 's1'1EF I This city is very gay and beautiful. ani is fast filling with strangers. We are liy ing outside the walls and almost in fh, real country. We are surrounded bv vine yards and fields of grass and grain. Th, almond trees are covered with snow.vhit, blossoms and everywhere one may gatheI most. beautiful wild flowers of every ' Lue :. We have had steady sunshine fo l the past three weeks, and occasionall,