The aegis & intelligencer. [volume] (Bel Air, Md.) 1864-1923, 1891-04-03
The italian Minister Recalled

The trouble with Italy growing out of the
killing of the Malta murderers at New Or
leans has assumed new phase. On Tues
day the Italian minister at Washington, Baron
de Fava, informed the State Department that
he had been recalled to Rome by his govern
ment. This hasty action is said to
have been taken because the United
States had failed to give the Italian
government any assurances that the
persons who took part in killing the eleven
Italian murderers at New Orleans on March
18th would be punished.
The grand jury at New Orleans is engaged
in investigating the matter and has not con-
cluded its work.
Tue precipitate action by the Italian gov
eminent, in advance of any knowledge of the
result of the action of the State OF Louisiana,
is regarded as an impeachment of the integri
ty of the United States, but we can afford to
overlook this breach of national etiquette.
The administration at Washington thinks
it has done all it could possibly have done
under the circumstances and has no apologies
to make to Italy. We can get along very
well without diplomatic relations with that
country, which has more to lose than we
have by the separation.
1t is not believed that Italy will go to war
with us. Her navy is said to be the finest in
the world, but in approaching our seacoast
cities the Italian vessels would encounter SUBJ
marine mines and torpedo boats, which with
the shore batteries would doubtless inflict so
to get back to their own country, if they
could.
Whatever may happen we have nothing to
regret. The United States government had
nothing whatever to do with the affair at
New Orleans and can be held responsible for
it no more than the Italian government could
for the robbery and murder of Americans in
that country. When Italian assassins band
together for the purpose of murder they take
their lives in their hands, and neither they
nor the government which claims them as
its citizens, ought to complain if they are
dealt with in a summary manner.
The official correspondence on the subject
has been made public. Secretary Blaine, in
reply to Baron de Favas note, points out
that the United States is utterably unable to
give the assurance to any foreign power that
men shall be punished in advance of a trial
and verdict of guilty, because the constitution
guarantees to every accused person speedy
and public trial.
Mr.. A. ]. Porter, the United States minis
ter in Rome, had an interview, on Wednes-
day, with the Italian Secretary of Foreign
Affairs, in which he attempted to explain to
the Secretary the relations between our Fed
eral and State governments, as fixed by the
Constitution. The Secretary insolently re-
Piled "We have nothing to do with your
Constitution. If 1t is found wanting you
must mend it." The United States, however,
is not likely to change its system of govern
ment to accommodate Italy or any other for
eign power.
Our high tariff friends have been telling
us that reduction in tariff duties would not
cause any reduction in price to consumers.
vi mouudy Iuo taiin III ihPoitou sugars
ceased and at once the retail price in the
stores for granulated sugar fell from to 5
cents pound. 1t will puzzle our protection
friends to explain away the teaching of this
object lesson. 1t is true gigantic trust may
be formed to control the market and raise
prices again, but the people will see, in the
meantime, that lower tariff means lower
prices for what they must buy, and nothing
else will satisfy them hereafter. Down with
the high tariff.