France, England apparently concurring, has taken up a new position
between the King of Naples and his Sicilian subjects : the Sicilians are to be shielded from any vindictive measures on the part of the King, but the reunion of the island to Naples will not be impeded. It is not to be supposed that Naples will refuse to accept tile terms thus suggested ; and Sicily will regain the constitution of 1812, ratified by a Bourbon oath. But this settlement can hardly be deemed final. It seems im- possible to expect either that Sicily should settle down to content on the faith of a Bourbon pledge, or that a Bourbon should per- severe in earning the confidence of his subjects by straightforward and honest conduct. The ultimate fate of Naples will be go- verned by the ultimate fate of the Austrian rule in Northern Italy. The Bourbon family of Naples will never forget its trick of leaning on the support of Austria, and must continue to rule its subjects as the voluntary vassal of the Empire. If the luxurious natives of the Vesuvian bay, therefore, do continue to accept Ferdinand and his policy, the Calabrians and Sicilians will not cease to consult their own lot in the eventful horoscope of Upper Italy.
