No. 277.

Mr. George P. Marsh to Mr. Fish.

No. 300.]

Sir: The intelligence of the overthrow of the Napoleonic dynasty, and of the proclamation of the republic in France, has thus far produced no general excitement in Italy. These events have been expected for weeks, and of course do not come in the form of a surprise. They will, however, exert a powerful influence on Italian politics, and their effects are not the less likely to be great and lasting, because they do not immediately manifest themselves in popular agitation.

The news put an immediate end to the hesitation of the cabinet on the Roman question, and it was decided yesterday evening, in a ministerial [Page 449] council, to proceed immediately to the occupation of the Pontifical territory. Negotiations with foreign powers, and informally with the Papacy on this subject are understood to have been in progress for some days, and though the Pope has not yet given his consent to the entrance of the Italian troops, it does not seem probable that an armed resistance to so overwhelming a superiority of force will be attempted.

All minds are now occupied with the solution of the difficult question of the future relations between the kingdom and the Papacy; and the fate not only of the present administration, but of interests far more important than the continuance or the retirement of a cabinet will depend much on the terms which the government shall offer to the Church.

I have the honor to be, sir, your obedient servant,

GEORGE P. MARSH.