Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1858-03-03
Roman superstition and Cruelty.

The following is from the correspondence OF
the London Daily news, dated Rome, January
23rd:
a striking and almost incredible example Of
the invocation of dabolc aid, under circum'
stances which betray great degree of avarlce
and cruelty, has recently occurred on the shores
of the Adriatic, in the province of La Marca.
A lady of some property, residing generally at
Aqua Santa, in the Papal dominlons, but Dor
dering on the Neapolitan territory, in which
she also has property, has become possessed with
the strongest conviction that in some part OF
her estates there is hidden treasure of enor-
nous value; but that all her attempts at its dis
covery are Systematically opposed by evil splr-
its. Having been informed by some trust-wor-
thy old woman, who bears the reputation OF be-
ing strega, or witch, that nothing can allay the
spite of these hostile spirits, and lead to the dis
coyery of the treasure except sacrificing to them
male child of good parentage and under six
years of age, this treasure seeking signora has
been for some months in quest of child adapt
ed for her purpose, and not too closely guarded
for her kidnapping intentions. About month
ago she cast her evil eye upon fine little boy
belonging to an English lady residing at Porto
Fermo, and skilfully watching her opportunity
contrived to entice the child away whilst ramb
ling with its mother, and playing about on the
sea shore. The CONSERVATION of the mother
at the child's disappearance may be easily i'm
agined Her husband being absent from home
at the time, she sent young man, her sonin-
law, in quest of the child, and of the treasure
seeker who had nveged him away. Towards
night the young man succeeded in tracing the the
fugitive to solitary house at a considerable
80 ha doc
admttance, but was repulsed by the demonstra-
tons of body of armed retainers. He then
proceeded to the neighboring town of Ascoli, to
procure the assistance of the police, with sui
6cient force of whom he returned to the sollta
ry house, but too late to arrest the kidnappers,
who had decamped with their victim. Mean
while, the father Of the child returned to his
home, and having learnt the catastrophe, came
out likewise in hot pursuit, which resulted, al
ter several days research in the discovery OF
the hiding place of the lady and child + at Gu
rates house in the Neapolitan dominois.
During the interval the ladv's house at Aqua
Santa was subjected to judicial search, and
evidence was obtained that the child was TO
have been sacrificed there on Christmas day
An altar had been prepared, with wax torches
and all kinds of accessories, to mlnolate the ooy
TO SataIl. All dtHDuSCduS was estaolioHSu ="
round the dwelling in consequence of this hor-
rible revelation, and party kept constantly on
the watch in case the lady should return to her
habitual residence.
In the meantime, the father having come up
with the fugitives, demanded his child from the
curate who harbored them but the priest refus.
ed to comply, except on condition of full par
don to the lady. Unwilling to pass over so hei-
nous transaction, the infuriated father appeal
ed without delay to the bishop of the diocese,
who took instant measures to rescue the
child, and arrest the lady who is now undergo.
ing trial for stregoneria, or witchcratt, and
will most likely be punished accordingly,
The Pope takes the greatest interest in the
proceedings, and is punctualiy informed of eve
ry point of interest developed by the examina-
tion. 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 the sister of an English
gentleman, who has been for many years en-.
gagged in one Of the banking establishments OF
Rome.