Italy. 10 August 1848

Italy.
No. 71, 10 August 1848
Neue Rheinische Zeitung.
[...] * Verona, 4 August. We have communicated that furious manifesto of Radetzky’s to the Lombards; today we are obliged to transmit one that is, if possible, even more impudent and shameless. It is addressed to the Roman Legations. The Lombards were, at least for many years, even if under compulsion, under Austrian rule; but that the inhabitants of the Papal States are treated in an even more brutal fashion is only comprehensible when one considers that the authors of these proclamations are sinners grown grey in the Metternich system and the chief cocks of the reaction in Europe. The following manifesto has been issued by Welden and is dated Bonden, 3 August:
“For the second time I am crossing the Po with my troops in order to disperse the bands which are disturbing the peace and public order. Thirty years ago Austria conquered the Legations and willingly returned them to their lord; had Austria had intentions of conquest, it could with full right have kept the Legations thirty years ago: but intentions of conquest are as alien to it now as they were then. It wishes only to protect the peaceful inhabitants and to preserve for their government the rule that is contested by a faction. It is time to put a stop to the disorders of those who, out of abominable fanaticism, lust for power, and mania for enrichment, have formed an ever restless party that covers your land with war and misery. The Holy Father has repeatedly declared that he wishes no war. Nevertheless, papal troops and the Swiss in his pay have fought against Austria. Defeated at Treviso and Vicenza, they have undertaken not to take up arms against the Empire for three months. Woe to them if they break their treaties. I have recorded their names and, if they fall into my hands, they must expect the deserved punishment. My movements are directed against the bands calling themselves Crociati, against the factious ones who, to the shame of their own government, labour to deceive the good people and instil in them a stupid and unjust hatred against an ever friendly power. Woe to those who remain deaf to my voice and dare to offer resistance. Cast your eyes upon the smoking remains of Sermide. The place was destroyed because the inhabitants fired on my soldiers.”
* Rome, 29 July. Mamiani is reconstituting the ministry. The Pope has been compelled to give him a completely free hand and has promised that an alliance for common defence will be concluded with the other princes of Italy and that a contingent of troops will be sent immediately to Lombardy.