Italy. June 4, 1848
Italy.
* In all Northern Italy, intriguing is now going on, on one side to bring about the union of the smaller states with Sardinia, on the other to prevent it. They are intrigues quite similar to those in Germany over the hegemony. Charles Albert is seeking to bring into existence an Italian Prussia “on the broadest basis”, from Nice to Trieste. The matter is not at all a national interest; on both sides it is a question of local interests, of the satisfaction of provincial vanities, which can only be eliminated by the establishment of a single, indivisible Italy. Until then, only immediate expediency can decide, and that is certainly in favour of the union, since it would at least to some extent concentrate the forces for the struggle against Austria.
– In Naples, the French ships are said to be bringing the refugees to Calabria, where they will assemble and call on the population to revolt.
– In Tuscany, it was only now (the 15th) that the freedom of the press was proclaimed and a press law issued.
Milan, May 26. Details of the attack on Vicenza according to the official bulletin: The Austrians, about 15,000 strong, advanced from Verona; Colonel Belluzi commanded the town, towards which Durando also moved with his corps. At midnight (the evening of the 23rd) the Austrians attacked Vicenza; from 4 to 9 o'clock the town had to endure a vandalistic fire. Over 600 bombs, incendiary rockets and cannon-balls were thrown into the town. In addition, continuous musket fire. But the barricaded town, occupied by 10,000 Italians, held out bravely, and Durando in particular fought very well. After five hours of bombardment the Austrians withdrew, probably in order to...