16 SEPTEMBER 1848, Page 2

While the negotiations of Austria respecting the Anglo-Galli- c= mediation

are almost as much in the dark as ever, untoward events have happened to the South of Lombardy. Messina, its garrison reinforced by a large body of King Ferdinand's soldiers, has been bombarded, and has surrendered: the old jealousies between Sicily and Naples keeping the Neapolitans quiet while their King coerces the islanders. The bombardment was a cruel step : it does not follow that it will be effectual. Messina is not Sicily. The insurrectionary movement at Leghorn is scarcely less untoward : it corroborates the reproach that Italy is not yet una- nimous, and favours the reaction on which Austria reckons. But Leghorn is no more Tuscany than Portsmouth is England.