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Leader (1850-1860), 17th September 1859, Edition 1 of 3, Page 1060, Untitled Article

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      Untitled Article

      TUSCANY AND PIEDMONT . [ tai . y has never offered so hopeful and encouraging a spectacle since the Lonibardian League of sight centuries ago as at the present moment , however bold and paradoxical the assertion may 3 ound when the actual difficulties and perplexities of the Peninsula are considered . The Italians have reason for self-gratulation and thankfulness to Providence that their country is at length submissive to the laws of national attraction , and that her provinces are disposed spontaneously to

      hold out the hand to each other . How many of her wisest and most talented sons have counselled , urged , and foretold such union , yet have to their dying day suffered the pain of seeing municipal egotism reject all association , and dissipate the most powerful and valuable forces of Italy . ^ In vain was the home of the Italian family definitely indicated and circumscribed by nature : in vain was the striking resemblance of a single family impressed upon their countenances , marking them distinctly as brothers . The brothers disputed

      with each other for mastery at the domestic hearth , and each thought only of pleasing himself . Well would it have been if they had gone no fiirther ; but domestic discord produced rivalry and the lust of gain . Each sought to enrich himself at the expense of his brother , and the stranger stepped in to enjoy a share of the spoils . Happily , however , this state of things may be looked upon as departed . The brothers have repented of their unfraternal conduct , and are willing to

      share the domestic patrimony in common . The family reunions now include Xiombardy , Piedmont , Tuscany , and the Duchies , and there is no doubt , will , in time , embrace all the other branches of the family tree . What joy and festivity should mark these indications of sociality which were denied to the longing desires of Dante , Petrarch , Macchiavelh , and Alfieri . How gladly ^ would they have made any sacrifice to witness it in their times !

      Europe , which has for some months past looked upon the noble conduct of Central Italy with admiration , must now be convinced that the Peninsula ardently . desires union . The reception of the Tuscan deputation by the Piedmontese Government and people proves that the desire is equally strong in northern Italy as elsewhere . It has been clearly demonstrated that what the Tuscans desire , the Piedmontese , the Genoese , the Lombardians , the Modenese , and the Romagnoli also desire . Italian union is already unanimously

      demanded from the Alps to the Appenines , and its realisation is only a question of time ; whether today or to-morrow , matters not ; sooner or later , we doubt not it will take place . During the weeks which have elapsed since the peace of Villafranca the situation of Italy has decidedly improved . Piedmont , by her moral influence alone , has made a far larger conquest than that she made by her arms united with those of France . Though this conquest redounds highly to the honour and good sense of Italian patriotism ,

      and though a certain portion of credit may be due to the present Piedmontese Government , yet it ought in all fairness to be looked upon as the work of the late Minister , Cavoui " , who had led the way for it . To him chiefly must be ascribed the maintenance of those enlightened and liberal institutions which render Piedmont the object of jealousy and dread to despotic sovereigns , and of hope ana desire to their oppressed subjects . It will be

      confessed that Italy * s path to unity and independence lies through briars and thorns , and can only be traversed at great cost and effort . It is very doubtful if the jealousy of other nations will suffer them to stand quietlv by and voluntarily submit to her becoming the important power which the union of her various States would make * her . Then it seems hardly possible to believe otherwise than that both Emperors are in reality bent upon keeping her in subjection—at all events , to such an extent that

      her condition shall arouse no envious repinings , and awaken no lofty aspirations after political ^ and social freedom among their own people . Agrain , it is little likely that her deposed princes will resignedly shut themselves up like monks of La Trappe , leave others in peaceable enjoyment of their thrones , and moke no sign of regaining their lost dominions . The French and Austrian powers , no lees than the deposed dynasties , Jrusfc much to time 5 : and it is on that ground , Wk doubt , that things are permitted to remain uHIecided week after week aa is the case at present . They

      obviously hope the delay will develope dissatisfaction , mistrust and disunion among those who now manifest so harmonious and fraternal a desire for combination ; and they indefinitely prolong the tedious formalities connected with the settlement of the treaty of Villafranca that party divisions and agitations may reduce the country to such a state of anarchy , or at least of disorder , as may justify foreign intervention . Much political tact energy , and . experience are demanded on the part of the Piedmontese Minister for Foreign Affairs in making the necessary

      arrangements to maintain order in the newly -acquired , possessions of Victor Emmanuel , and to defend , if need be , the territory unconditionally offered to Sardinia and provisionally accepted by the king . The Sardinian Government has acted in the wisest and most prudent manner ; the Tuscan Assembly has shown equal prudence and moderation in not voting for immediate annexation with Piedmont , but only establishing the principle and ^ empowering its Government to take the initiative diplomatic steps for its realisation . A somewhat more in

      decided attitude may , perhaps , be necessary , order that Tuscany may realise her wishes . As far as she is concerned , a dashing win-all or loseall policy would seem the one' best adapted to present circumstances . Were her own territory alone concerned , her wise , brave , and devoted Lajaticos , Ridolfis , Capponis , Peruzzis , Salvagnolis , and Matteuccis would little hesitate to strike the decisive blow which should either make them free of foreign interference or replace them beneath the yoke of tyranny . alone whom would

      But it is not Tuscany on recoil the penalty of unsuccessful rashness . and daring ; and in the new era of fraternity and unity now begun , she feels no step must voluntarily be taken which might comprpmiise the safety of those with whom she so ardenttljr desires to become connected . The situation of piedmont between the Austrian and the French powers is of so perilous a nature , that it would not dp to compromise her by impatiently urging on affairs to a crisis for which she would be held responsible ..

      Piedmont , as the nucleus of liberty in Italy , is the point around which are centred the dearest hopes and aspirations of Italians , and the Tuscans would deserve ill of their Modenese , Parmesan , Romagnoli , and other Italian brethren , were they to do anything to compromise her safety and prosperity . While the great question of the adjustment of the Italian States is pending , and it is uncertain if it will be effected by means of the present conferences , by a congress , or by another war , the position of the rulers in Italy is anything but enviable . Hitherto the Provisional

      Governments have been conducted in a way to command respect and admiration ; each day that they exist adds to the proof of the ripeness of Italy for liberal institutions , and developes the capacity and energy of her diplomatists and the order and self-control of her people . Whatever may be the issue of the present situation of affairs , the Italian family will have made no inconsiderable progress towards the ultimate attainment of their natural and holy wish for friendly and fraternal alliance and unity .

      Untitled Article

      _*» GERMANY . Sbp-t . 14 th , 1859 . —The agitation in favour of unity and centralisation , viewed through the columns of the journals , would appear to be gaining intensity and widening its circle from day to day . Town after town is proclaiming its adhesion to the programme of Eisenach , the list of signatures testifying to the universality of the desire , for they include the names of all ranks and classes of the town populations . A casual observer might , from this circumstance , be led to the belief that there really was a universal agitation afoot , and that a strong public opinion . existed which must bo listened to , but a

      closer examination would show that the peasantry , who form so large a portion of the German population , raise no voice in the matter at all , and that with the exception of Hanover the town ' s loudest in thoir declarations are but of second rate importance . The movement , as far as I can see , is confined entirely to the towns j the agricultural population is quite silent and passive . Indeed , an attempt to agitate the peasantry of any part of Germany would be fruitless ; for debarred , as the entire people are , from public discussion , they can only obtain a Govejnraental view of political questions through the shackled press and their licensed teacher * . So long

      as taxes are moderate , markets good , and weath er seasonable , patriotic politicians will never succeed in exciting their attention to abstract subjects . The towns may rave and even revolt , but peasantry will at the command of the authorities , put themselves in uniform and most phlegmatically proceed * to shoot the citizens down . I presume it is the instinctive feeling if not the certain knowledge of this which enables the princes to watch the present agitation with such perfect equanimity . Only on e soverei gn has considered it worth while to break the silence and raise a , warning finger . On the 26 th ult . a

      deputation from Emden waited upon his Majesty , King of Hanover , at Norderney , where the Court ia staying at present for sea-bathing , to present an address of gratulation . His Majesty replied as follows : —J . thank the magistrate of Emden for the loyal sentiments expressed in this address . It has ever been my endeavour to promote the happiness of all my subjects as far as lay in my power ; more especially have I directed my attention to the welfare of the town of Emden . I have therefore a

      right to expect that the burgesses and their representatives assist me in my exertions , and not oppose me and my Government as they have lately done , by joining in that declaration lately put forth by some of my subjects , and by proclaiming their adhesion to the sentiments contained therein . If this conduct be persisted in 1 shall be forced , however painful it may be to my feelings , to withdraw iny attention from the measures I have had in view for the promotion of the mercantile and other interests of the town .

      This reply has produced a burst of indignation on the part of some journals which have no circulation in Hanover , and consequently not exposed to any loss by the free expression of their sentiments . The king has , however , some reason to complain , for his government has done very much for the Frisians , that is in a material point of view . A railway has been laid down connecting Emden with the interior , the receipts from which hardly pay for the coals , the object being to transfer the little hamlet of Emden into a great commercial depot . The attempt has proved a failure , but it tends to prove that the good intentions of the king are in advance of the capacity of his subjects .

      Although the King of Hanover is the only sovereign who has uttered his opinion upon the matter , the Berlin journals published yesterdaj- a reply given by Count V on Schwerin to an address , presented to the Prince Regent last month , by twenty-one of the chief burgeisses of the town of Stettin , being an echo of the declaration of Eisenach , and beseeching his Highness to lend an ear to the cry sent up from all quarters of Germany . The Count ' answer is as follows : — " In obedience to the commands of his Royal Highness the Regent , I have first to thank you for the expression of loyalty and confidence addressed to him , and to" assure you that the love and devotion which you testify towards Prussia tham

      and Germany in general , is highly gratifying o . As to the position which Prussia feels bound to take with reference to the demand for a reform of the German federal constitution , I have to make the following observations : Prussia fully acknowledges the justness of the conviction which has become so widely and deeply rooted , in spite of the divergency of opinions upon other subjects , that the independence and influence of Germany abroad , and tne development of her mental and material powers ac home depend upon a firm and energetic combination of those powers , and such a reform of the Jferman federal constitution as will tend to this result . But while Prussia admits the absolute necessity of eucn an alteration she cannot allow herself to De ieu

      away from that course which is dictated by a conscientipus respect for the' rights of others , ana py the consideration of what is possible and oftainaDW at the present period . She will bo guided by her own conviction of what , in itself , may appear tne most salutary , notwithstanding the manifestations which this sentiment of nationality has called tortn . The same respect for right and law , which ru «» our internal affairs , must regulate our conduot towards Germany and our allies . Prussia will better promote the interests of all Germany by P . " ^ objects which hold out hopes of practical results by strengthening the defences of the whole country , Wv Aflfrahiishino- a uniform svstem of lttW K > r UU ww

      confederated States , than by making V ™™*™™ proposals for ah alteration in the federal oo » fltHjL tion . Resolved , to devote herself unswervingly ¦ w these objects , Prussia may justly claim from ainvuy have the healthy development of things in Germany at heart , the belief and confidence that she ; w jjLtfl the proper time , find the way in which the wfeng £ of Prussia and Germany may bo united wltu w claims of duty and conscience , _ . . « The Minister of the Interior , Berlin , Sept . 19 th . Grajt Von ScmvmuN Last week there was a report that the centra States of Germany had addressed a note tc w » Cabinet pf Berlin , respecting the attitude l rusw *

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      Untitled Article

      • 060 THE LEADER [ No . 495 . Sept . 17 , 1859

  • Citation
    • Leader (1850-1860), Sept. 17, 1859, page 1060, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse-os.kdl.kcl.ac.uk/periodicals/l/issues/vm2-ncseproduct2312/page/16/