23 MAY 1868, Page 2

Rome has had a severe blow in Sicily. The islanders

are very superstitious, and it was supposed that they would decline to bid for the confiscated Church property. On the contrary, they buy it most readily, opening their hoards, and giving often double the

mpset price. It was the same in Spain and in Mexico, among a still more bigoted people, the land-hunger proving stronger than the fear of the priests. The land is sold in very small parcels, an excellent arrangement, as it greatly increases the number of those whose interest it is to keep the priesthood down.