The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1876-05-21

scum at Palermo II one Of the most vniu-
able In Europe, and the work OF expiora-
ton and restoration Is prosecuting Mt nu-
merous points with intelligence and ener-
gy, The finest models extant OF Dorio ar
chiteoture are TO be seen ut SeRcsta and
selinonte. and the dimensions OF some OF
the temples are astonishing. One pillar
measured by NJ. RkNAN was ten feot in d.
ameter, and Ia the case OF another column,
he verified statement of DIoDoRUs that
its flutes or grooves would hold the body
of a man. The curious vitality of antique
traditions in Sicily seems to be intensified
at Girgenti q city built on the ruins OF the
Acropolis Of ARrigentum. Here, after
lapse Of twenty three centuries, EMPEDo-
Giles Is still the popular idol. NJ RENAN
saw his statue on the quay beside that or
VICTOR EMANUEL; his busts and portraits
were encountered everywhere. aud his
name was as frequent in mems mouths rs
GARrBALpTs.
The material prosperity Of the island has
been conspicuously augmented since the
overthrow OF the Bourbons, by an eQuita-
BILE system of taxation, and by opening new
avenues Of communication which give in
"
IL constantly increasing demand through
out Europe for Sicilian wines, which are
recommended by delicacy and variety OF
flavor. Another profitable staple Is sui
phur, which is exported in immense guam
titles, although the processes employed IN
its extraction are extremely primitive.
The railways which already skirt the east
| ern coast have proved notable stimulus
to production in that quarter. and their
extension westward should recover to TIL
lage those broad plains which once consti-
tuted the granary of Italy. II is true that
the wholesale destruction of forests, affect
| ing both the quantity and the distribution
of the rainfall, had depressed agriculture
| in Sicily even before the fall OF the West
ern Empire. The Saracens, however, con-
trived to supplement the deficient rain
fall with an elaborate system OF irrigation,
and restoration of their works would
probably give back fertility to wide area.
1t cannot be denied that the detestable
Government which had stified Sicily from
the beginning of the century provoked a
state of local insubordination which, in
the western provinces, took the form OF
brignndage. 1t will require time to infuse
u reverence for order aud law III people
taught during three generations TO con-
found the terms with surveillance and in
EQUITY. The vendetta was n main source OF
outlawry, and where the state abdicates the
function OF protection, private vengeance
may well appear a kind of duty. Another
fruitful cause OF offences 10 the transition
state of the feudal relations, landed pro-
| prietors exacting the letter Of their rights
while repudiating reciprocal obligations.
The vocation of bailif or rent collector is
no more perilous in western Sicily than in
parts Of Ireland; and those mobiles who
continue to treat their tenants according
to ancient usage command their respect
and sympathy. The installation Of modern
institutions Is naturally attended with con
siderable friction, but the next generation
will adjust itself with little difficulty tC
the new social and political environment