Italy. 8 September 1848
Italy.
* Florence, 29 August. Although many Italians earlier abandoned themselves to the hope of a French intervention, they have now become clear on the matter. “L’Alba” says quite rightly: “Armed intervention is an impossibility so long as the government of France remains in the hands of those who now steer the destinies of France. Cavaignac has left no doubt as to his intentions, and the National Assembly has endorsed his policy. Intervention can now take place only as the result of a revolution. If the government and the representatives of France want ‘peace at any price’, like Guizot and Duchâtel, the people must necessarily come to feel the disgrace and the disadvantage of such political conduct. France must realise that it stands on the eve of new days of revolution. ...” Of the National Assembly at Frankfurt the same paper says: “The aristocratic and Metternich party is again raising its head. The Assembly grows more reactionary by the day; it casts aside the principles of the independence, solidarity and fraternity of the peoples. Will the democratic, the true Germany of the 19th century, suffer its name to be covered with indelible disgrace by the reactionary party in Frankfurt, Vienna and Berlin? etc.” According to the latest reports Leghorn is completely calm, but the gates are still closed. Of the 20,000 muskets that were taken from the arsenal and the fort, the people are bringing many back. Yesterday evening at 6 o’clock a popular assembly, on Father Melloni’s proposal, resolved to remain united with Tuscany, but only under the following conditions: 1) Continuation of the war against Austria; 2) Dissolution of the civic guard and its reconstitution on a democratic basis; 3) Re-

Italy. 8 September 1848
duction of the salaries of the officials; 4) Lowering of the price of salt; 5) Fixing of the costs for advocates and courts of law; 6) Reform and increase of the navy. A deputation was sent with these demands to Florence. Should the government resort to force, serious disturbances would still ensue.
* On 31 August a telegraphic despatch arrived in Turin, according to which a great movement took place among the Austrian troops in Piacenza early on the 29th. All the officers assembled with Field Marshal Lieutenant Thurn; during the night a number of couriers arrived and others left the city. – The Austrians now have 48 batteries in the field against the Italians, and the influx continues. In Milan martial law is enforced with the utmost severity. Wimpffen has been appointed governor of Milan in place of Schwarzenberg. The Lombard Consulta has already arrived in Turin. It is said the Amnesty Duke of Modena has left his residence and entrusted the reins of government to Prince Lichtenstein.