We are not accustomed to study the clap-traps of the day, but the
following observations, on our first reading of them, came so forcibly
on our imagination, that we then resolved to insert them in our columns
whenever an opportunity should offer; and as the public are now alive on
the subject, none can be better than the present. We should add, they
are taken from the third edition of a valuable work on Home, written by
a lady:--
"I think," says our authoress, "we are quite mistaken in our estimate of
the Italian character, in one respect. Murder is generally committed in
the sudden impulse of ungovernable passion, not with the slow
premeditation of deliberate revenge. That it is too common a termination
of Italian quarrels, it would be vain to deny; and it is equally true,
that however Englishmen may fall out, or however angry they may be,
drunk or sober, they never think of stabbing, but are always content
with beating each other. But in England murders are generally committed
in cold blood, and for the sake of plunder. In Italy they are more
frequently perpetrated in the moment of exasperation, and for the
gratification of the passions. An Italian will pilfer or steal, cheat or
defraud you, in any way he can. He would rob you if he had courage; but
he seldom murders for the sake of gain. In proof of this, almost all the
murders in Italy are committed amongst the lower orders. One man murders
another who is as much a beggar as himself. Whereas, our countrymen walk
about the unlighted streets of Rome or Naples, at all hours, in perfect
safety. I never heard of one having been attacked, although the riches
of _Milor' Inglese_ are proverbial. Amongst the immense number of
English who have lately travelled through Italy, though all have been
cheated, a few only have been robbed; and of these, not one has either
been murdered or hurt. I am far, however, from thinking that murders are
more frequent in England than in Italy. In England they are held in far
more abhorrence; they are punished, not only with the terrors of the
law, but the execrations of the people. Every murder resounds through
the land--it is canvassed in every club, and told by every village
fireside; and inquests, trials, and newspapers proclaim the lengthened
tale to the world. But in Italy, it is unpublished, unnamed, and
unheeded. The murderer sometimes escapes wholly unpunished. Sometimes he
compounds for it by paying money, if he has any--and sometimes he is
condemned to the gallies, but he is rarely executed."
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