ft no doubt upon the mind of his excellency
that her majesty's government take a deep and sincere interest in
the affairs of Italy, and are desirous of doing everything which can
properly be done by them with a view to ameliorate the condition of the
Italian people.

"No fresh assurances could add weight to those already given to Count
Cavour, and I did not, therefore, think it necessary to send an answer
in writing to the note of the Sardinian plenipotentiaries; but as it
has come to the knowledge of her majesty's government that it would
be agreeable to the Sardinian government to receive one, they cannot
hesitate to declare their opinion that the occupation of the Papal
territory by foreign troops constitutes an irregular state of things,
which disturbs the equilibrium, and may endanger the peace of Europe;
and that, by indirectly affording sanction to misgovernment, it promotes
discontent and a tendency to revolution among the people.

"Her majesty's government are aware that as this state of things has
now, unfortunately, for some years been established, it may be possible
that it could not suddenly be brought to a close without some danger to
public order, and the risk of producing events that all would deplore;
but her majesty's government are convinced that the evacuation of the
Papal territory may be rendered safe at an early period by a policy of
wisdom and justice, and they entertain a hope that the measures agreed
upon by the governments of France and Austria will lead to a gradual
withdrawal of their respective forces, and to bettering the condition of
the subjects of the Pope.

"You will read and give a copy of this despatch to Count Cavour.

"I am, &c,

"[Signed] Clarendon."

_Naples_.--The state of Naples was at this time appalling, the king was
the most unruly man in his kingdom. Oppressions the most barbarous were
wrought by his sanguinary and faithless hand. The governments of France
and England advised, remonstrated, protested in vain. His majesty
adopted the principle of doing what he pleased with his own, to the ruin
of his kingdom, the sufferings of his people, and the disgrace of his
reign. Various English subjects were injured, but no effectual measures
were taken by either England or France to put a stop to the insult
and defiance they received. Austria professed to offer the Neapolitan
monarch advice in the interests of moderation and good government--it
was even alleged that Russia d