NEWS OF THE WEEK.
THE most important intelligence of the week, perhaps, is the re- sult of the Italian elections. The returns are not quite complete, but enough is known to render it certain that Count Cavour will have a majority of two-thirds in the first Parliament of Italy. Even in Naples and Sicily, where the name of Garibaldi is all powerful, and where a strong prejudice in favour of Federalism still exists, the returns are most satisfactory. Even the moderate opposition loses instead of gaining strength, and the Mazzinians are utterly crushed. Bertani, the soul of the faction, is defeated at Milan, and Crispi, formerly all powerful in Sicily, at Palermo. Even the name of Garibaldi has not shielded his followers when
tainted with Republican opinions. His generals have been elected, but his administrators are left to plot outside the walls of Parliament. The Italians never gave a more convincing proof of their capacity for self-government. Sympathizing deeply with the sufferings of Venice, heated by promises to rescue Rome, de- testing the policy which surrendered Savoy, and eager above all things to do honour to Garibaldi, they might well haire been excused for refusing to support the Government, which delays the struggle for Venetia, despairs of a struggle for Rome, surrendered Savoy to France, and is detested by the Liberator of the South. That Cavour and his policy are alike political necessities, is an argument which would weigh only with a nation equal in the calmness of its judgment to any degree of freedom. It has weighed to the exclusion of all feebler considerations, and every absolutist Court in Europe has re- ceived a blow from Italian moderation. It is to be observed, also, that the great cities, always the strength of the democratic party, have sent up invariably their greatest men. Turin elects Cavour ; Florence, Ricasoli ; Naples, Garibaldi and Poerio.
In the presence of this result, the doubtful news from Gaeta loses its gloominess. It seems certain, however, that the fortress can and will hold out. The seaward defences have been strengthened during the enforced silence of the Sardinian fleet, and a combined attack on the 23d produced but little result. Four of the Powers are still represented at Gaeta, and the King shows no symptom of either flight or surrender. According to the last accounts, the besiegers are in want of materiel, and their fire has perceptibly slackened. Even if this report be a mere invention, it is certain that little progress has been made towards the capture of the fort.
