Among the subjects on which the Ministers in Paris have
been catechized, is their position in Italy. M. Ledru-Rollin tried, by dint of insidious questions and taunts, to force them into a de- cidedly belligerent policy of attack on Austria. Ministers persisted in maintaining a diplomatic reserve; and the resolution to pass to the order of the day implies that the Assembly was content to leave the matter in the hands of the Executive.
The published correspondence, however, between the repre- sentatives of France and Great Britain on the one side and Naples on the other, throws light on the state of the affair. It appears that the French and English representatives in Naples had called upon Prince Cariati, the Minister for Foreign Affairs, to accept the mediation of their Governments. He put them of with general professions of peace. The English and French naval commanders subsequently called upon the Neapolitan Admiral to suspend hostilities ; and it is to be observed that they take some credit for not demanding the restoration of Messina to the Sici- lians. He sent home for instructions. It is reported that King Ferdinand has finally refused mediation between himself and his revolted subjects. But the English and French representatives
had taken up a position which would not permit them to leave the matter on that footing. Their professed object was, to restore "general peace ' ,'• but it did not appear to be very near attainment. The King had sent for Code, the confessor whose advice formerly made him so ob- stinate against concessions : so that Naples appears more com- mitted than ever to a [reactionary policy. The jealous Neapo- litans will once more undergo bitter retribution for serving the King, with a passive assistance, in his attacks on Sicily.
