Page:Life in the Old World - Vol. II.djvu/17

Rh socialistic theories, the community acknowledges a warm interest in the liberation of Italy, and believes that it will be arrived at through a religious regeneration. And in this respect it is probably right. It waits for a definite inspiration, or an inner call, before its dogmas can be clearly defined. And in this respect it is also certainly right.

November 1st.—The rumor of a Mazzinian outbreak in Genoa, in consequence of some political prisoners being brought hither from Naples, prevented me from going to Signor Mazarella's church. M. Delarue, the banker,—who has shown me much kindness and attention,—strongly advised me to go out at this side of the city. Every thing, however, remained quiet, and I saw neither an Italian outbreak, nor heard an Italian sermon in the Italian Evangelical Congregation, and what is worse, shall not at a future time, because I am leaving Genoa on the morrow.

Many old families here, are dissatisfied with the annexation of Genoa to Piedmont, and dream of yet making the city and its territory an independent republic; dream of the grandeur of ancient times, without comprehending that of the present age, and without comprehending—like the English aristocracy—how to become great by actively taking part in its development. The Genoese princes built up their palaces and marble villas, and look with displeased glance on the decreased obeisance of the working class and the peasants, to their excellencies. Nevertheless, people are beginning even here, to do something for the education of the people; and a few years ago, a National Institute was opened under the