The New York herald., 1879-12-08
ST. MARKS, VENICE.

POET MORRIS oUTcRY AGAINST THE VANDALISM
OF THE ITALIANS REFUTED BY STATE
PAPER.
The Italian Ministry of Public Instruction has
made report to the Minister OF Foreign Affiirs
on the subject OF the alleged vandalism of
OF. Mark's at Venice. From this document
IL appears that the recent excitement in
England was founded false The
English meetings. says tho Italian Minister 'had no
rdison ee. inasmuch the necessary instructions
to secure the integrity of that Basica had already
been given Some time ago. 1t is true that was in.
tendedto rebuild the principal facade in the same
way in which the northern front had been recon.
structed under the Austrian government and tho
southern under the Italian government. following
the plan prepared by Austria. and perhaps il thu
administration Of the Basilca had remained in the
hands Of the Ministry of Grace and Justice that in
tention would have been carried out. inasmuch as
works had already been commenced at the principal
doorway and at the southwest angle according to
the old system. But it is also true that when
the Ministry ot Public Instruction became aware of
the danger which thus threatened the magnificent.
facade OF that monument and perceived that il it
did not claim to itself the administration 1t would
not obtain the fulflment of its intent of seeing it
restored in proper manner, it hastened to demand
that the funds assigned to that monument should
be transferred to it's estimates This done at the
beginning of this year, and my Ministry. having
been legally authorized to provide directly let no
time be lost but wrote III the month OF May last
to the Prefect OF Veu1co to summon the Commission
for the Preservation of Ancient Monuments to ex-
anime what had been done up the present time
and determine clearly what might be necessary,
studying we'll tho questions OF preservation and
restoration and laying down exact regulations to
the course to be followed for the future The COM
mission has already commenced its work, and this
Ministry awaits its resolutions to examine and
init them to the Superior Council OF Fine Arts.
Aud further this Ministry, to guard against any pos
sible mistake, also ordered thorough inspection OF
the Basica, and the result having been
hrmation OF the statements as to the many
committed in the restoratons, categorc order
given, which was instantly obeyed and is still in
force. that no further works should be executed by
the dbbrceria, either in the reconstruction of the
mosaics in any part Of the decorative parts the
Basilica. From this Your Excellency will perceive
that not only have the English meetings no raison
Gee, but it Is demonstrated that tile memorial they
would mako to our government is, to soy more,
superfuous." 1t is hoped that this document will
allay the fears existing in England about Italian
vandalism. "It is rather curious. though" says
Italian writer. that the present Italian govern
ment should be blamed simply because they have
decided to stop the rebuilding Of St. Marks which
has gone unheeded for considerable number Of
years. Et r0iid ecrit rhtstoire! I trust,
however, that when the matter is made known the
injudicious and hasty verdict pronounced against
will be withdrawn. hope still further that the
will be recognized and that people in England
will in fairness have the good grace to exonerate the
Italians from the violent accusations heaped upon
them with bitterness not excused by the utter
ignorance OF the leaders Of ST. Marks movement a.
to the real state of the question:"