The politicians of Rome have been startled by an official
act, which scarcely looks consistent with the generous policy that Pius the Ninth has thus far pursued—an edict establishing a heavy tax on newspapers and a stringent censorship. The back- sliding is presumed to be a concession to Austria ; whose Am- bassador had threatened to leave Rome with very hostile abrupt- ness. We can imagine that the Pope may find it difficult to avoid some concession to Austria; but the greatest difficulty is to discover any concession to her that would not carry in it seeds fatal to his own policy, to the regeneration of Rome, and to his high fame. He cannot do without a free press ; because none but a free press could do real justice to him if he proceed as he has begun—none but a free press can exercise sufficient influence with the people to antagonize hostile powers. In truth, however, information on the subject is very imperfect ; and we must not jump to rash conclusions because one act of a great career seems inconsistent with the rest—even with those that are simultaneous. With the very news of this event we hear of more reforms tend- ing to social freedom and happiness.
