The New Hampshire Gazette

Particulars of the late Insurrections in ITALY.

ROME. Feb. 28.

The high price of provisions has produced a commotion in several towns of Italy, above all at Vicence, where more than 90 persons have perished. For several days past, commotions have prevailed here, and have had a most alarming appearance. The cause of them was as follows; It is well known, that no where are the pleasures of the Carnival followed with so much eagerness as in Italy. For three years past, however, the evils which afflict humanity and religion have induced the government to prohibit balls and masquerades during that season. Unhappily, however, this prohibition bore only on the common people; for the nobility did not make a sacrifice of their pleasures, and they thereby furnished a pretence for the troubles which broke out. On Thursday the Trans-Tiberians, and the inhabitants, of the quarter called La Porta del Popolo, traversed the streets of Rome in masks, and throwing out menaces, which, however, were not followed up by acts of violence, on account of the numerous patrols which pervaded the town.

On the Monday following, they appeared in greater numbers still in masks, rioting in the streets, and dancing to popular tunes. The guards attempted to disperse them, which was resisted by the populace, and several were taken into custody: This was a signal for a riot, bordering on an insurrection, which continued the succeeding night and next day. Above a thousand men, armed with knives, bludgeons, and stones, attacked the patrol and the body guard, which were presently obliged to take to flight. The soldiers wished to fire upon the mob, but, to avoid a general insurrection, the government prevailed on them to desist, and retire to their quarters. The people remained masters of the field, and last night extended the tumult to various parts of the metropolis. In the squares and other places where they collected in crowds, a number of torches and bonfires were displayed, and attempts were made to scale the walls of the palaces. They proceeded at first to the Borghese palace, where there was a ball and supper of 180 covers; The Trans-Tiberians attempted to force the gates: a large sum of money was distributed to them from the windows, which induced them to retire. They next proceeded to the Duc de Bracciano's palace, which they forced, and even penetrated to the Duchess's apartments, who was confined from indisposition. This outrage had such an effect upon her, that she fell into convulsions, and was apparently dead. In consequence of solicitations, and a judicious distribution of money, the insurgents at last dispersed. From thence they went to the Prince Pompeo and Prince Chigi's residence: but after a fruitless effort to break into it, they went to several inns, where they put the travellers under contribution, regaled themselves with victuals and wine, without payment, and ended their frolic in pillaging and robbing several houses of distinction. In their progress, their language to the nobility was such as might be expected from men under a paroxysm of inebriety and licentiousness.

The government appeared paralyzed, and are exceedingly cautious in resorting to coercive means, to check the fury of the populace, who are supposed to be instigated by persons of rank and influence, for the purpose of effecting a revolution. So great is the alarm and consternation of the peaceable inhabitants, that a number have resolved to leave the metropolis, should not the disturbance be speedily suppressed. At present, it is the general opinion that the troubles will subside, and terminate with the Carnival.

February 27.

An edict has been published by his holiness, through the medium of the Secretary of State, with respect to the late disturbances in this city. It contains an amnesty for what has hitherto occurred, with an admonition to the people henceforward to respect the public tranquility. It is declared a crime against the State to insult or maltreat any soldier. All the other points relative to the late affair are referred to the Secretary of State, who has offered a reward of 500 Scudi to whoever shall inform against the assassins of the two soldiers who were killed in the riot of the 17th inst.