A report was circulated early in the week, that the
Austrians had entered Bologna on the 20th ult. It has been contradicted by letters of that date. The Bolognese journals of the 17th speak in a very high tone of the extent of the insurrection, and of the re- sources of the insurgents. It has a number of proclamations, and promises a sturdy resistance to the enemy should he attempt to violate the Papal territories. Paper pellets are not the stuff by which such aggressions as those of the Emperor are must success- fully resisted. The Italians are certainly roused ; and the higher orders, who are worthy ill many respects of their fair country, are decided ; but their countrymen have never responded to them in any former struggle. Will they do it in this ? The insurgents com- plain, we understand, that SEHASTIANI has deceived lien. Whom has that old intriguer not deceived? The French people, however, will not deceive the Italians, unless the conduct of the latter be such as would render their interposition ridiculous. Austria has, it seems, acknowledged the neutrality of Switzer- land ; and it is said that Russia will do the same. We live in a world where acts of the most common justice are hardly to be wrung from the powerful. Had Austria insisted, or should Russia (for her consent is not so certain) insist on Switzerland going to war with her or for her, Switzerland must of course make up her maid to the alternative without grumbling. A band of peasants, proca• ling to break a thrashing-machine, sweep along with them half-a-dezen of peaceable labourers, whom they happen to light on,—and all men cry shame on their doings, and count hanging too good for their leader. Convert the peasants into soldiers, their leader into a king, the object of their sack a free people instead of a farm- yard,—and they may compel every power that comes in their way to aid them in their injustice, without censure and without question.
Previous page
