The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1891-05-06


A question Of veracity has sprung up be-
tween the American and Italian premiers'
Messrs. Blaine and Rudni. The latter in his
ultimatum TO Marquis Imperial. published
last Sunday. accuses the United States Oh
being false to their treaty obligation in not
making reparation TO the families OF the
slaughtered members of the Italian secret
oath-bound association of murdc rers IN New
Orleans. and declares that as it is time 70
break off the "bootless controversy he VIII
have nothing more 10 do with the Federal
Government until Italy's claims are recog-
nized He therefore refuses 10 resume diplo-
matte relations with the United States, and
instruc.s Marquis Imperial to hereafter con-
fine his attention solely to the current routine
of his Office.
But the Italian Premier does not stop here.
He accuses NJ Blaine Of direct breach OF per-
sonal faith with him in having made public
norton Of confidential " telegram trans
n,itted by him to the Secretary of Stare,
which he says was sent lin order 10 get rid OF
a question clearly defined in an official docu-
ment. which alone possesses a diplomatic
value"
As 10 the first charge of the italian Premier,
the United States should not be held respon-
sible for his ignorance of the fundamental
principles Of this Federal Republic. II he
does not know that the General Government
cannot control popular uprising IN a soyer-
eien State Of this Union, and cannot act
even under the provisions of a regular treaty
until such uprising has been investigated
and reported upon by the courts OF The state
in which the trouble occurred 1t IS not Mr..
Blaine's fault He should have studied our Con-
stitutioa and methods of government before
acting with the undue haste which controlled
his course in the New Orleans matter, ana ne
would not.then have foolishly gotten himself
complicated In tie difficulties with which he
now finds himself involved. Evidently lie
was in such anxiety 10 make an impression
upon the Italian populace for the purpose OF
propping mp his shaky political position that
he did not take time to carefully consider his
movements, and now if, as the result OF his
precepitancy, he has been led into breaking
on diplomatic relations with the United
States. all that can he said to him is that II
Regarding the second charge OF Premier
Rudini, that Mr. Blaine betrayed his con-
fdence. it seems 10 be absolutely foundation
less. OF. as Mr. Blaine automatically expresses
il. "atotal error" The Secretary says what IS
certainly apparent on its face, that as the
alleged confidential telegram, which Rudin
charges was unwarrantably made public,
expressed the demands Of the Italian Govern
ment. it was impossible that 1t could have
been transmitted in strict confidence. 1t was
on purely public matter, and related to
treaty obligations of the two countries, and
therefore could. in no sense. have been Of
private and confidential nature. Further
than this. Mr.. Blaine says it was transcribed
in English in Baron Fava's own hand, aud
handed to him by the Italian Minister MN
self. The charge OF breach of confidence on
the part of Mr.. Blaine, therefore, Is manliestly
untenable.
Evidently Premier Rudni has gotten HIM
self involved in a diplomatic snarl, and IS try
ing TO put as bold a face on Ii as possible Tor
effect at home. He made false start, and
has been foundering about ever since. Ii,
however. he il really no solicitous as he pre-
tends to be about the welfare of the scum of
Italy. who taking advantage of our benef-
cent immigration laws. have sought an
asylum here, but have abused the freedom
guaranteed them by orr laws, and endeavored
TO carry out in this country the neianous
practices which have placed them under the
ban Of Justice IN their own, he had better
hereafter see 20 it that they are kept at home.
Then he will not again have cause 10 express
indignation, either actual or feigned, when
self-protection demands that they shall no
longer be permitted to exist in State Of this
Union whose laws they defy and whose civil
ization they threaten.