The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1858-04-13
SACRIFICING A CHILD TO THE DEVIL

A correspondent of the Daily News, writing
from Rome gives horrible relation Il is almost
beyond belief that even in the benighted Roman
States such revolving cruelty and superstition is
still eStant. He says:
Although the science of demonology and the
practice of witchcraft nearly abolished In coun
tries boasting of Christian civilization, but faint
ly represented by the modern accomplishment OF
table-turnng and spirit-rapping, some lingering
remains of the black art in its legitimate medieval
darkness, are occasionally brought before the no.
tice of the ecclesiastical authorities of this
try, more especially those appointed to take cogn-
sance of such mysterious matters, by whom their
authors are vigorously prosecuted. striking and
most incredible example Of the invocation of dla-
bolical aid, under circumstances which betray a
great degree of avarice and cruelty, has recently
occurred on the shores of Adriatic in the province
Of La Marca. A lady of some property residing
generally at Acqua Santa, in the Iapal domnions,
but bordering on the Neapolitan territory, in
which she also has property, has become possessed
with the strongest conviction that in part of
her estates there is hidden treasure Of enormous
value; but that all her attempts at Its discovery
are systematically opposed by evil spirits. Hav
ing been informed by some trustworthy old wo-
man. who bears the reputation of being strega,
or WITCH that nothing allay the spite of these
spirits and lead to plain and full discovery OF
male child of good parentage and under six years Of
age, the treasure seeking signora has been for
some months in quest of a child adapted for her
purpose and rot too clearly guarded for her kid
mapping intentions. About month ago she cast
her evil eye upon fine looking little boy belong
ing to an English lady residing at Porto di Fermo,
and skilfully watching her opportunity contrivcd
to entice the child away while rambling with its
mother and playing about on the sea-shore. The
3d. II, 4bo III
pearance may be easily imagined Her husband
being absent from home at the time, she sent
young man, her son-n-law, in quest of the child,
and of the treasure-seeker who had nveigled him
away. Towards night the young man succeeded
in tracing the fugitive to solitary house at con-
siderable distance, into which he endeavored to
obtain admttance, but was repulsed by the hostile
demonstrations Of body of armed retainers. He
then proceeded to the neighboring town of Ascoli,
to procure the assistance Of the police, with suf
cient force of whom he returned to the solitary
house, but too late to arrest the kidnappers, who
had dccamped with their victim. Meanwhile, the
father Of the child returned to his home, and hay
ing learnt the catastrophe out likewise in hot
pursuit which resulted, after several days search
in the discovery of the hiding place Of the lady and
child, at curate's house in the Ncapolitan donn-
ions. During this interval the lady house at Ac-
qua Santa was subjected to judicial search, and
cN WIS ODtdIlCu THAT Inc CIl1i was 10 nave
been sacrificed there Christmas day. An altar
had been prepared, with wax torches and all kinds
OF accessories, to immediate the boy to Satan An
established around the dwelling in
Of this horrible revelation and par
ty kept constantly on the watch, in case the
lady should return to her habitual residence. Tn
the meantime the father, having come up with the
fugitives, demanded his child from the accurate who
harborcd them; but the priest refused to comply,
except on condition of full pardon to the lady
Unwilling to pass henous transact ton, the
Infatuated father appealed without delay to the
bishop OF the diocese, who took instant measures
to rescue the child and to arrest the lady, who is
undergoing trial for $trcgonerio, or witchcrsft,
and will most likely be punished accordingly-
The Pope takes great interest in the proceedings,
and is punctually informed of every point of in
1ercst developed by the examination. The child
was absent from home about five days, during
which time the mother nearly lost her senses. and
has hardly yet recovered her tranquility. She is |
he sister of an English gentleman, who has been
or many years engaged i'll one of the banking
of Romc.-London Dispatch.