Publisher's Synopsis
This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1855 edition. Excerpt: ... CHAPTER VI. Connexion of Sicily with Spain -- Ancient Feudal Constitution -- The Bourbons retire from Naples, and take refuge at Palermo--English protection--The King levies taxes without consent of Parliament-- Eemonstrance--Imprisonment of the five Barons--The Queen's secret understanding with Napoleon--Measures of Lord William Bentinck-- Subsequent difficulties--Lord William leaves the Island--Suspension of the constitution--Conduct of the British Government--Bestoration of King Ferdinand at Naples--Increase of the Carbonari--The Spanish constitution proclaimed--The King goes to the Congress of Laybach-- His conduct--Regency of the Dukes of Calabria--Approach of the Austrian forces--Defeat and flight of Pepe--Suppression of the Spanish constitution--The death of Ferdinand--Corruption of the Government under Francis the First--Accession of Ferdinand the Second--Dal Carrotto--The King's marriages--Ravages of the cholera --The Scientific Congress at Naples -- Insurrection of Palermo -- Popular demonstration at Naples--The King grants a constitution-- Pepe is appointed to command the army sent against Austria--The insurrection of the 13th May--The land and sea forces are recalled. Protected against invasion by their insular position, and the alliance of England, the Sicilians were but little affected by the events and excitements of the French revolutionary war. So limited had been the progress of education in the island, that the whole number of the inhabitants who could read and write was estimated at about 1500.* There was no middle * Paper on the state of Sicily, published in the eighth volume of Lord Castlereagh's Letters and Despatches. class, and the disproportion of fortunes was very great, but the passion for national...
