The record-union., 1891-03-18
THE NEW ORLEANS RIOT.

TIE NEW ORLEANS RIOT.
1t may be considered as established
killed by the mob at New Orleans were
subjects of the King of Italy. They were,
of course, entitled to the protection of
this Government. But no law or custom
demands of any country that it shall
maintain constant guard to protect
aliens residing in this country. 1t is suf-
ficient discharge of obligation that the
usual orderly methods of doing justice
and maintaining the peace are provided.
This, in the New Orleans case, the Gov
ernment of the United States had pro-
vided by requiring of the State of Louisi-
ana that it should maintain a republican
form of government, and provide for the
punishment of crime by law, and for the
enforcement of the law by sufficient
body of officers. When, therefore, sud-
den and temporary uprising takes place,
though it assumes the form of mob, the
United States Government cannot be held
responsible, nor has it ever confessed
responsibility in such cases, except
where the lawlessness occurred within
the territory of the Government over
which no State authority was established.
Whatever the United States has con-
ceded in these matters of violence to-
wards aliens has been granted upon moral
obligation. Whatever claim of right the
King of Italy may have in this New Or
leans matter, under the international
code, is against the State of Louisiana, but
at the same time his avenue of communi-
cation must be the United States Govern
ment, since no nation can deal directly in
such matter with one of the units of the
Federal Government. We have no idea
that there is to be any international COM
plication because of the New Orleans
massacre. The Government of Italy has
itself frequently had to deal with mobs,
and has experienced the embarrassment
of having its authority set at defiance by
the suddenly inflamed masses of its peo-
pie. 1t knows that against such upris-
ings as that at New Orleans precautions
can seldom, if ever, be taken, and that no
matter how well policed city may be,
and however vigilant the officers of a
community, mobs frequently do triumph
in their aims. and successfully defy au-
thority.
1t is, therefore, altogether probable that
Italy will be satisfied with whatever ac-
ton the United States Government may
voluntarily take in this matter, and that
1t will not undertake to specify any given
line of procedure for the Federal or the
State Government beyond insisting upon
the punishment of the rioters. That,
however, every one realizes is wholly un-
likely to be accomplished. If an Ameri-
can jury could not be secured in New
Orleans to convict the agents of the Malta,
neither can one be impaneled in that city
that will convict any of the people who
visited swift vengeance upon those be-
heved to have been the murderers or the
instigators of the murder of Chief Hen
messy. So much we might as well recog-
nize as fact now. So, too, it is unlikely
that juries in Louisiana will render ver-
diets allowing damages to the families O,
the victims of the mob. There is behind
the law and the courts in such matters as
this sentiment that is irresistible, anc
in no nation is it so pronounced, sterr
and unfaltering as in our own. The hol
clamor of Italian journals, and the erie:
of Italian assemblies for satisfaction ,
will not tend to soften that sentiment OF
to render the American people more gra
cious. On the contrary, if the threats
Italians in some quarters are now indulg
ing in are continued for any considerable
time, excessive bitterness will be en-
gendered, and the people may shape &
policy for the Government that will
make the estate of an alien in this coun.
try most undesirable.
We look forward, however, to the re-
turn of reason and the cooling of ho
blood. The Government will tender it.
apologies to Italy, it will demand O
Louisiana the punishment of the rioter.
and allowance in money for the familie.
of the murdered subjects of King Hum
bert; the State will fail to comply il
either case, and Congress, to maintain
friendly relations with tho italian Gov