It Appears That The Theatre Of San Carlo Is Principally Kept Up By Gaming;
That Is To Say, The Managers
And proprietors would not undertake the
direction of it without the Gaming Bank being annexed to it; for otherwise
they
Would lose money, the expence of the Opera on account of the
magnificent decorations of the Ballets being very great, which the receipts
of the theatre are insufficient to meet; but the profits of the Casino
cover all and amply reimburse the proprietors.
With regard to political opinions here there is a great stagnation. It
costs the Neapolitans too much trouble to think and reflect. M - - -, the
principal minister, is however no favourite; neither is N - - -, who has
quitted the Austrian service, and is nominated Captain-General of the
Neapolitan army.[109]
There is a great talk about the increase of Carbonarism. You will probably
ask me what Carbonarism means. I am not initiated in the secret of the
Carbonari; but as far as I can understand, this sect or secret society has
its mysteries like modern Free-masonry or like the Orphics of old, and
several progressive degrees of initiation are required. Its secret object
is said to be the emancipation of Italy from a foreign despotism and the
forming of a government purely national. This is the reason why this sect
is regarded with as much jealousy by the different governments of Italy as
the early Christians used to be by the Pagan Emperors. Great proofs of
courage, constancy and self denial are required from the initiated; and
very many fail, or do not rise beyond the lower degrees of initiation, for
it is very difficult for an Italian to withstand sensuality.
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