The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1891-04-09

most heavily srmored, though the two Italian
shi ps are superior 20 the Inhexible in armR-
ment and speed. The Italia and Lepanto have
a draught Of 30 feet, which would Of itself
make il very dangerous for them TO fool around
New York Harbor. Italy has also so ocean
going torpedo boats and seven torpedo cruisers.
The naval reserve Of Italy is large and most Of
her maritime population are enrolled in IL.
Upon mentioning the probable cause Of war
between the United States aud Italy. the Spec
tatOr, an English journal Of considerable i'm
nortance, ridiculed the idea Of a war, aud gave
the following good reasons, saying, in the first
place that the United States is one Of the
greatest powers on the earth, and is a power
capable within six mouths Of buying and
building feet that would block every port in
Italy. American ingenuity would be SO stimu-
lated to Guido itself that il would turn every
steamer that could hoat into an improyised
ironcad"
The Marquis Rudini evidently acted upon
tins question without consultation with wiser
heads than his for the comments made by
every nation show that his haste in calling this
Government 10 task was ill-advised.
il would seem that Mr.. Blaiues last comma
nication 10 the Marquis lmperali placed Min
lister Rudni IN the light Of one who had acted
with school boy impetuosity. without realizing
what his demands siGniGod, and IS ithOut taking
cognizance Of our laws in regard TO the punish
mont OF criminals. Mr.. Baiues letter shows
our position as most diguiied aud reasonable.
The Minister Rudini evidently felt this. As
result, on April he sent another cable mes
sage 70 the Marquis lmpeIiali The message is
IN reply 10 Mr.. Baines last letter. and In IL the
Marquis Id kudini says that Italy has asked
nothing but prompt institution OF the regular
judicial proceedings against the guilty parties
az New Orleans. lie adds that il would have
been absurd 10 claim punishment for the
arg 4.,.ll
regular trial, The diplomatic incident, tie
Marquis continues, can be considered closed
only when the Federal Government has de-
cared In precise terms that the prosecutions
VIII be commenced. in the meantime the
Italian Government takes cognizance Of the
Federal Governments declaration acknowl-
edgng the fact that compensation is due 10 the
families OF the victims by virtue Of the treaty
existing between the two Nations.
This holds the dispute in allegiance. The
war scare is over. There is no reason 10 be-
heye that the matter viii not be amicably
settled. Baron Faya will return 90 Italy on
April III. The officers Of the Department of
Justice are at present engaged in an inyestiga-
tion bearing on the views which the two Gov
ernments will take Of the affair, aud il is
likely that Mr. Blaine desires 10 have the
result Of that inquiry before him before he
proceeds.
The Department Of Justice will ascertain the
nationality, character aud life Of each OF the
men killed, and tho facts developed may
modify materially the international aspect TO
be taken OF the lyuching Meanwhile the
Louisiana courts will show what course viii
be pursued there, and the matter Of indemnity
must of course remain practically in allegiance
until Congress meets the Secretary not having
any appropriation 0n which 10 draw, if il
should be fully admitted that the families of
any OF the men lynched were entitled TO
pecuHiary ToC0mpcnse.