On this page
-
Text (5)
-
Untitled Article
-
Untitled Article
-
Untitled Article
-
Untitled Article
-
Untitled Article
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software. The text has not been manually corrected and should not be relied on to be an accurate representation of the item.
-
-
Transcript
-
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software. The text has not been manually corrected and should not be relied on to be an accurate representation of the item.
Additionally, when viewing full transcripts, extracted text may not be in the same order as the original document.
Untitled Article
which can be conferred on a relative or a countryman without risk of a public danger from lack of fitness in the recipient , be sure that it is reserved for an Abbafcucci , a Gavini , an Arrighi , an Ornano , or a Casabianca . What , then , is that little island , whose sons arc only prevented b > their paucity , or their want of individual capacity , from constituting the entire administrative hierarchy of France ? Corsica , as everybody knows , is a , French department . It lias a Prefect and . Sub-Prefects . It enjoys a Court of Appeal , a Court of First Instance , a Court of
Assize , arid < a s . itisfaefary number of Jugcs de Paix . it possesses a national guard and a gendarmerie . Yet , be neath all this bristling- exterior of French governmental mechanism , Corsica is not French . It is Italian ; and beyond this , it is more Italian than Italy itself . It is infinitely more strange , savage , and primitive than the most backward portions of the peninsula to which it belongs by geographical contiguity and affinity of race . All the singularities which , at any period of our lives , have made up our conception of Italian society—all the social rlisjirmnp-eiiionts which have at an v time borne witness , like
i \ running sore , to the diseased organization of the Italian communities—may bo seen existing , side by side , in that Imperial island . l ) o you wish to make a closer acquaintance with those banditti wlio , in our fathers' eyes , formed the staple product of Italian soil , and lent , its chief interest to Italian travel ? The whole surface of Corsica is parcelled out among some two hundred robber-chieftains , each of whom confines himself to his particular district , drawing from it a comfortable revenue of irregular imposts and permanent blackmail ; nay , indeed , he will sometimes reside , like an Irish absentee landlord , on the neighbouring coast of Sardinia , and exact , on occasional visits , or by deputy , the proceeds of his patrimonial pillage . Do you wish to create for yourself a belief in Udolpho , and in the tortuous crimes of which that memorable fortress was the
theatre ? There are fifty Udolphos hi Corsica , and each of them has its " mysteries , " as dark and as labyrinthine as any which ever unfolded themselves in the brain of Mrs . lladcliffc . Or would you understand that hopeless blending of family quarrels with the heats of faction which bewilders the student of early Italian politics P livery village in Corsica , like the cities of mediaeval Italy , is distracted by a schism of immemorial date between the members and retainers of its two principal families ; while modern political distinctions arc absorbed by , and lend intensity to , the original feud . Even the private wars which , proceeding on the letter of the 7 ex ta / ionis , decimated Europe in the eleventh and twelfth centuries with alternate , and therefore infinite , revenge , have their counterpart in a perpetual play of sanguinary outrages , liveryman In Corsica walks iirmecl in broad
great House , and calls himself a C ' apulet or Montagueevery man is ready at- all times to pistol an opponent on much smaller provocation than the biting of a thumb —• while political decs ions are regarded , as a inatler of course , in ( lie light of legitimate occasions for a downright Battle . And the Corsicari law of honour inexorably demands that every wound , received in any kind of rencounter , must be reinrii' -d ( o the oU ' emling party or a relative , down to tho fourth generation . You have the vciih'l li ' . in Corsica , and you might have at any moment the Sicilian Vespers , it the island did not exercise a profitable sovereignty over its foreign masters . . Romance , melodrama , and ancient story , arc all realized together in a province of ( lie mo . sl sternly governed Kmpire in all . Europe . We have not in the least c : ; a"" !> "erufed ( he result of the
accounts winch have just been received irom Corsica . Hie polil ical disturbances of t he last lour years have given such licence , and communicated such a character of ferocity to < he chronic dist rac ! ions of I he island , I hat I he French . K \ eciitivc has been at last compelled to institute an inquiry , and to promise one ;\<> -elic suppression . Our readers will ini'iii their own opinion on sonic of the fads which have I ) cen ascertained . In A . ' av , 1 S IS , the . Kilippi and I'efrignii'rni ihe ( wo (/ real , families of Vcnzolasco , which is dis-( antlml a . Ifw miles from JJasda encountered each other , with their re .- ]> oclive c ! iei : ls , at ( ho elections for the JVa-IioiimI Assembly . A regular engagement ensued , in which two persons were lulled and a large number wounded . The rule of relalial ion for t he injuries then received has , in ( ho
interval between IS ! ., s a nd the present I ime , caused about ; Icn persons lo be laken oil'by private ai- 'sa .- 'siiint ion . One ( if Ihi'se whs Ihe priest ( 'ln ;;\ cldiin , a partisan of Ihe Kihppi , who was shot while descending ( he steps of I ho nilisr . It should he observed thai , Ihe conlcnding parlies generally reside logellier in Ihe same village or district ; for example , the Uiansion-houi-es of the Kili ppi and l'etrignagni , regularly fortified and sentinelled , nrc immediately opposite each other , in Ihe si reel of Venzolnsvo . < ) ne exception , however , is noted in the case of I'iela . and Canale , near Apiccio , which are respectively the exclusive r <( ronghol < ln of a parl icular faction . The inhabila . 'i ! , -i of Ihe two villages arc generall y careful lo meet only al church , where I hey scrupulously confine themselves to Iheir respective Inilws of I be building ; I ml . i [ ' n \ i linger of I'ieln . has lo pass through Canale , he lane Ins ride a : ; a , mailer of course level .: if at Ihe windows of each house he passes and tires
if ho perceives I . ho least nio \ en : enl , which indeed is only loo lilielv to itri . se from Ihe prepanil n ins of a gentleman . so equipped . The feud , however , which is coiinneinoraled as of oldest dale , and as inal . ni'f Ihe nearest appoach lo regular war , is lhal of Ihe < i ius , l unani and I'orcioli nl ( 'irbel-Inrn . 'Ihe ( own i . s built on a lull . The castle of the ! 'drc . ioli in n ( , Ihe bo ! lorn , and Mini of Ibe ( i iusl iniani nl I he Miinmil . The latler consists of four circles or courts , one wit bin another , Urn family residing for hhlei , y in Ibe innermost circle . Itut ime . much its this con . sl ruction in unfavourable for Keeping watch on the enemy below , an iiiiiii / Ciiselv hig h lower has been added ( o I lie mansion . 'l'Jii : t liiic ' cr I / , is liccii / null -ivilliin / , ' ir /< i . sf Jim- _ i / r , trx , itwl in proi'iiti'd with vi-i / iiIkr niittntmires / ' or nmiioii . If in noticed , loo , ns n . hislorieal fnct- connected with the [ V \ u \ in «| uculioii , lhal , idler the scales of warfare bad long Ireinbled between Ihe two fainilicH , Hie ( superiority bus recently been uceured by tho ( iiuiitiniiuii . ' whotfo greater wealth hu «
enabled them to enter into a treaty of formal alliance with one or two famous captains of banditti in the immediate neighbourhood . ' But perhaps the incident , or series of incidents , which most strongly illustrates the whole condition of manners in Corsica , is presented by the case of Signor Malaspina de Lunio , with which we will close our selection of examples . The son of M . Malaspina had demanded in marriage the daughter of an old gentleman belonging to the opposite local faction . He was refused point-blank—an insult which he shortly revenged by shooting the father of the lady whom he " hacl intended to wed . The relatives of the murdered man were instantly on the alert , but they were anticipated by the police . M . Malaspina the younger was
arrested , tried , and condemned to six years imprisonment . Afterwards , however , through the influence of the Bonapartcs , the term of his confinement was abridged to three years—an act of grace which his enemies very reasonably considered as materially altering the state of accounts between themselves and the ' Malaspinas . A balance having been struck , it was determined that some act of aggression was absolutely necessary , but what was it to be ? The actual offender had still a part of his sentence to expiate , and he was safe from them , for the time , within the walls of a prison . Incredible as it may seem , their final resolution Avas to murder his father . An ambuscade was planned , and the elder Malaspina was assassinated in one of the government diligences .
It is remarkable that the completest administrative machinery which the wit of man ever devised for producing uniformity in the external habits of a people , should have failed to bring down this singular exception to the common level . It is still more remarkable that the exceptional province should be supplying the empire with a new aristocracy . There are some who persuade themselves that the eclipse of letters , the discouragement of education , the superstition of the priesthood , and the oppressiveness of the Executive , are not necessarily brutalizing the intellect of France . What sort of influence do they suppose will be exerted by a system which is gradually filling her high places with needy immigrants from a nest of barbarians ?
Untitled Article
OPERATIC ASSOCIATION . { From the Horning Chronicle . ) Towards the close of the last season of Her Majesty ' s Theatre , it was reported that steps were being taken to remove , for the future , certain disadvantages under which the establishment had laboured , and to introduce and inaugurate a new era of administrative energy : uul ability . These rumours have now , we rejoice to learn , taken form and consistency .. The programme of the proposed scheme has been matured and decided upon ; and everything now bids fair for its immediate pvac . tical realization . The Association , which is in the course of being organized , comprises , as its leading members , not a few of the most , distinguished patrons of operatic art of the day . The . trustees will be the Duke of Leinster , the Marquis of Clanrieardo , Mr . Frederick Mildred , and Mr . Benjamin Olivcira , M . l \ The Marquis of Clanricarde i . s also to be the president of the committee , which at present includes the Earl of Harrington , Major-General Cavendish , Sir John Bayley , and Mr . Harry llaldivin . The prospectus published gives a brief , but clear and most encouraging outline of the proposed arrangements . It dilates upon the peculiar advantages of ( he situation of Her Majesty ' s Theatre , sis near the Palaces of the Sovereign , the Houses of
Parliament , and the clubs : and it , justly : ul verts to the beauty of the interior of the theatre , the harmony of its proportions , and its unrivalled acoustic construction , : ik admirably fitting it for the production of the masterpieces oi the grciilest musicians -not forg (! tting to hint al , its old-established habils iind associations , and at its having been the scene of the triumphs of nil ihe leading artists o { " Europe . It is next announced that the present lease is being purchased for a . sum of money represented by 20 , 000 paid-up shares—each share amounting to 5 A , which sum is to form the only liability of e ; ich shareholder . There will be 40 , 000 shareholders , representing a total capital of 200 , 000 / . This . sum will be invested as follows : — -in the lease ; of the theatre and concert room , whicli has nearly forty years to run , 100 . 000 / . ; in the purchase of the properties , Ac ., 25 , 000 / . ; leaving sin available ready capital to the amount of / ' 5 , 000 / . With this handsome sum to start upon , : i managing director will be appointed , who will act under Ihe control of the committee tin' latter undertaking tin ; entire responsibility of the receipts and expenditure . Wo name has yet been officially announced for the position in question ; Imt it seeinw impossible to doubt that the commit fee will use every exertion to obtain the co operation of I lie late manager , Mr . Luinloy -whose unrivalled / . cal , energy , and tact , have done so much to carry the theatre through stupendous dillicullies , while his admirable judgment and taste , have most powerfully contributed to promote ! flits interests of ( he Lyric drama in this country . The appoint . incut of ( hat , gentleman would , on every ground , afford the most , lively satisfaction both to the Imliiliu ' s of the bouse , and to the public at large . Such , then , is the general outline of the projected Kchomo . The porKonul privileges to be roBerved to tho
shareholders are to be denned and settled by the com mittee—a delicate and important matter , in which tb . " committee will do well to come to no hasty conclusion ^ and the prospectus closes by expressing a hope that , with the theatre freed from many old trammels , and greatl improved in administration , an establishment will be realized which will prove the most distinguished * union of science , art , and fashion hitherto known , in Europe .
Untitled Article
PADDLE , SCREW , AND SATL . ( From the Shipping and Mercantile Gazette !) Delighted as we are to notice the rapidl y increasing use of screw propellers in our Mercantile Marine , as auxiliary to the sail , and in hopeful anticipation that b y this aid peculiarly at hand to British Shipowners , they may be tho better enabled to compete with foreigners , we cannot avoid correcting an impression , which apparently prevails , that the screw will supersede the paddle-wheel . For high velocities , as well as for shallow water , the wheel , we think must continue to be preferred ; whilst the experiment about to be tried , of uniting the propelling action of the screw and the wheel , for fast passenger steamers , wo uld appear to us very likely to succeed . Indeed , constructive science owes too much to the ability of men so eminent as Mr , Brunei and Mr . Scott Russel , to throw any doubt upon the result of such a mechanical co-operation ; and hence although the ratio of increased appliance of the screw will ' for a time at least , he the greater of the two , yet the building of paddle-wheel steamers , all circumstances considered , will be as progressively great as before . By the Custom-house returns of registered steam-vessels , made by order of the House of Commons , up to Jan . 1 , 1852 , we observe that there then belonged to the United Kingdom 1218 commercial steamers of various capacities , of which 11 G 4 < were propelled by wheels , and 54 by screws , and whose gross burthen , exclusive of their engine-rooms , amounted to 185 , 366 tons ; so that , if paddle-wheel steamers only increase in the ratio of 20 per cent ., with
the vastly extending demand for their exclusive use , and those propelled by screws should be annually doubled , it would take many years to bring the latter to an equality . It does not , therefore , surprise , but rather pleases us , to find that the patented improvement of Mr . Lee Stevens , whicli is practically proved to be , on the whole , the lightest , strongest , cheapest , and most effective paddle-wheel invented , has been taken up by gentlemen of influence and enterprise , for immediate , and , we feel assured , successful and extensive application . The continued use of these wheels for upwards of nine months in the Thames , and elsewhere for about half that period , and their undeniable
success—for instance , on board the Tivilight and Atalanta —satisfactorily prove all that we ventured to say of their value , in the competitive trials to which they were subjected early in the year ; avoidance of vibration , additional speed , economy of fuel , and reduced wear and tear of engines and vessels , being also very important matters of consideration ; and for the inventor ' s sake , and still more so as promoting the improvement and extension of steam navigation throughout the world , we heartily wish prosperity to the Patent Paddle Wheel Company at home , without feeling any jealousy at their success under foreign patents baroad .
Untitled Article
The Order of the Black Eagle has been presented by the King of Prussia to the Duke of Cambridge . Mr . John Bright has gono to Ireland with tho view of studying in detail the land question . Tho reformers ol Belt ant have invited him to that , city . The Scottish J ' ress reports that Mr . Macaulay is improved in health , and likely to take his seat next JMovem-Mr . John Twizell Wawn , late member for South Shiol'H wa . s entertained at dinner by liin old constituentH on Thursday week . Mr . Inghani , M . I ' ., and Mr . BhiekoU , M . I ' ., were present ,. Mr . Disraeli did not dine with tho Itoyal Bucks Agricultural Association , on Wednesday . Absorbed in 1 >^ - parutioiiH for the coining session , he pleads that aa an t . - cuse for his absence . The Dudley ( Jnllery ol" pictures and Sculpture , <' j !' ' ing the celebrated ufatue of tho ( ireck Slave , by - "" . Power , also a Venus by Cnnova , is wtill open to tho puni ( free ) , at , the Kgypl , iun-hall , Piccadilly , without order * cards , every day ' but , Monday * . Visitors are only rcqim « to wrile Iheir names in a book kept for that
purpono-It has just been determined ( o build h new piling ' the Queen at ISalmoral . It in to bo built on n Kitxi , Jm im ¦ ( he river and the present ensile ., fronting tho hoiiMi , « estimated to coal , iron , H 0 , <) 00 / . lo 100 , 000 / . A new hi ^ i . s to be thrown hci-ohh the Deo ; and tho public road w now lends through tho forest of Hnlloehbinn ih <<> ' > ' ' up , and a better road provided along the south bunt ^ river . The old pulnco is lo bo entirely removed . J " paluco is already staked out . . .. j . At the dinner of the , Koynl North Lancashire A gncul ' ^ Soeicfvat Preston ichael ! in hw ¦»»*• ¦¦¦ ¦
. , one , Mr . M * .., J ,, rSooicty , at JtchI . oii , ono lvir . jviiciiiu'imou , •••• v ( . ,, | , <) | , bespeiik a good reception for a ( oast , to Karl D «> rl > y , < . , () ( he .,. ark , und hit his patron :- " When ho w « h •« ;' propose the health of tlio Marl ( l . nsnii'iuloUH <¦¦«<•» jj [ |( be Mioiiflil , it wns an honour Hint no i «'"'» W "t | . . ( . . ) ha ' p'orth ol" pluck .. bout him would rcliiHc . i < ^ Amon / rMl , them worn persons of dilleront > " «"' * . w | ng politic- ); hut < hoy could mui'l . together , a "" * il )(() politic nn « l religion ( o tho wimln , could ircdy " ^ ^^ ( liacuHuion upon agricultural intoronta . It waa
Untitled Article
894 THE LEADER . [ Saturday ,
Untitled Article
MISCELLANEOUS . In our last number we erroneously stated that Mr . P . O . Ward was present at tho Tottenham Sanitary celebration .
-
-
Citation
-
Leader (1850-1860), Sept. 18, 1852, page 894, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse.ac.uk/periodicals/l/issues/vm2-ncseproduct1952/page/10/
-