On the question of the Italian Regency the French Govern-
ment has avowedly modified its opinions in a manner the most important ; an explanation of the frankest kind has been put ibrtli through the Moniteur and other journals, expressing the sentiments of the Government in Paris, though not strictly officially recognized as its organs. At first, it is avowed, the de-
1207 signation of M. Buoncompagni by the Prince de Carignan, as a statesman who might accept the proffered Regency of Central Italy, seemed likely to be attended by serious inconveniences. It was supposed to prejudge the question of the Regency, but the explanations of the Sardinian Government have been so straightforward as to remove every obscurity which hung over its intentions. The reserve exercised in the ease of General Garibaldi was accepted as a testimony to the loyalty of the Go- vernment. M. Buoncompagni had already held an office in Tuscany ; he acquitted himself with firmness, discretion, and moderation ; his present appointment does but extend the sphere of that previous office, and it is manifestly conducive to the maintenance of order in Central Italy. There are several cir- cumstances which give to this expression of opinion an unusual significance. Of course it is far more positive than a silent acquiescence of the Government could have been. After all the doubts which have been expressed with regard to the cordiality of feeling between the Governments of Turin and Paris, this avowed modification of an opinion originally held by the French Government is a proof of the deference which the Emperor Napoleon is prepared to show towards his ally. But there is a still more remarkable circumstance attending the vir- tual acceptance of M. Buoncompagni. It will be remembered that the Regency was proffered by the provinces of Tuscany, Modena, Parma, and Romagna. Our readers will probably re- member that in last week's Postscript we reported the conversa- tion which a traveller was said to have had with Count Cavonr. We avowed our inability to vouch for the report, as we have done in other cases, but we know that it was considered by the best judges to wear an aspect of great probability. Many acts on the part of the Emperor Napoleon lately have shown that he is not prepared to submit to dictation from a certain class of ecclesiastics who arrogate to themselves the right to step beyond the limits of the clerical function ; there are, indeed, even in the eyes of the most sincere Roman Catholics, distinctions between spiritual jurisdiction and an administrative jurisdiction in tem- poral affairs, and so practical a man as the Emperor Napoleon is not likely to lose sight of that distinction, particularly when it had been inopportunely forgotten by certain ecclesiastics out of
bounds. Nothing which the Emperor Napoleon has done has pledged him to maintain the temporal authority of the Pope, should that authority prove impracticable in its tenure or in-
compatible with the best interests of Italy and of Europe. The recognition of M. Buoncompagni elected to the temporal ad-
ministration of Central Italy very remarkably illustrates the present independent position of the French Government towards the Pontificate.
We need but point to the diplomatic circulars of General da Bormida as confirming what we have already stated, not only this week but last week, respecting the designation of the Com- mendatore Buoncompagni and the relation of King Victor Em- manuel's Government to that transaction.
It is impossible to read without sympathy the letter of Giuseppe Garibaldi. That he should be disappointed at having for the time to abstain from action is natural ; it is obvious, however, that nothing has abated his confidence in King Victor Emmanuel, and he is acting in the closest accord with that pa- triotic King. However naturally impatient Garibaldi may have been to bring the Italian question to an issue from the Alps to Cape Spartivento, all stories as to progress on the part of any extreme party in Italy tending to disturb the National party which ,looks to King Victor Emmanuel as its leader are, we have the very best reason to know, without a shadow of foundation.
