Los Angeles herald., 1891-04-01

occurred. lie TeHlalHeQ dn uOuF ulS-
cussing the situation, then returned
home and was not accessible.
The state department officials decline
to discuss the matter. None OF the Off
cials cared to bequoted in their opinions,
as precedents were to be looked up be-
fore they could venture to say anything.
There was, however, O general disposi-
tion to belittle the matter, and no idea
that the dogs OF war would be unloosed.
Fava has not demanded his passport,
a. at first reported. There are many
steps in diplomacy, and though slight
distinctions and small formalities APP
pear trivial in the public view, they
are really full Of Significance to the
trained diplomat. A demand for
passports is an extreme measure. 1t is
taken when the war feeling runs high,
and person is in danger at the hands
of the populace. 1t is also in a degree,
suggestive OF a menace.
SERIOUS MATTER.
A recall under the circumstances ol
this case is a serious matter. There
could be no attempt to disguise the fact,
but it does not signify that mutual ex-
plantations and diplomacy cannot restore
The charge de affaires, sthe Marquis
ImperIale, has been left in charge OF the
Italian legation, SO the severance of dip
lomatic relations cannot be regarded as
complete. Just what the status ol
this official is will not be known
except through his official acts. II
is stated that he is in charge
of current affairs. If any serious sig
nifcance attaches to the minister's 6
recall, this means that the charge
de affaires is to be limited in his functions
to issuing passports, instructing con-
sular officers and other small matters.
In this case, further correspondence be-
tween the governments of the United
States and Italy must take place di-
rectly between Washington and Rome.
ERRONEOUS REPORTS.
Late this afternoon erroneous reports
were in circulation, respecting an alleged
outrage on American citizens in Italy.
A careful inquiry at the department OF
state, fails to disclose more than two
complaints of this character during the
past six months. In one case an Amer
lean citizen, in the habit OF crossing the
Piedmont boundery line, was suspected
of smuggling, and when he re-
fused to allow the Italian GUS
toms officers to search his carriage
for contraband articles, he was arrested
and he made bitter complaint. In the
other casesan Italian, returned from the
United States, was arrested for being an
alleged brigand in 1886. 1t appeared
from consulting the records that he had
beer. included in the amnesty proclama-
ton, so he was released, just as the state
department discovered that he had been
fraudulently naturalized in this country.
THE ADMINISTRATIONS VIEW
1t can be stated positively that unless
events take an unforeseen and improb-
able turn, there Will be no call issued
for an extra session of congress. One OF
the most serious ill-effects of the Incl
dent will be the probable postponement
an indefinite time, of the presidents
osed southern and western trip.
h7 W taken by the administration,
1erstood, is that the govern
M ne all that could be done in
wen if it had complete
lle,. 10 the case, it could only
tm government that it
qsse the persons guilty Of
"a She Italians at New Or
Juld not assure the Italian
& that it would punish them
az : 4esired--that would be for the
gran = petit jUries todetermine. The
lsalie. y1> lment has been told that
the pfe dem deplores the abhorrent
occurrence, 2. that the government
has taken steps - investigate the mat
ter. Part of his lvsstigation was the
ascertainment OF tne nationality of the
Italians killed, and this has not yet been
learned. There is no proof whatever be-
fore the president or secretary Of state
that single Italian citizen was among
the victims, and such proof is an
absolutely necessary preliminary to a
fair demand for reparation. The officers
OF the department of justice are still
inquiring into this and other branches
of the case.
g THE REAL ANIMUS OF THE ROW.
1t is suspected,in administration cir
cles that the recent changes in the
italian cabinet may have much to do
with the present state of affairs. The
Marquis di Rudini is supposed to be
open to the influence OF popular clamor,
and to desire to achieve a reputa-
ton with the masses by cater
ing to the demand of the hot
headed element of Italy. AT any rate
it is felt that the present state of affairs
is only temporary, and there is no dis
position or intention to take any hasty
action on the part of this government.
Certainly Mr.. Porter, United States min
lister to Italy, will not be recalled, and
this government will maintain pacific
attitude and abide by the developments
Of the future.
1t is said by gentleman who has had
large experience in the diplomatic
affairs Of our government, that a declar-
alton Of war did not necessarily follow
such action as that of the I6alian govern
ment. There were many precedents for
it, nearly all of which, however, were
among European nations. Through a
better understanding of the differences
that may exist, or through friendly in
tercessions of third power, these diff.
hculties are often adjusted without re-
course to arms.
| FEW PRECEDENTs.
So far as is recalled there have been
only few instances where foreign min
listers to the United States have beer
recalled at the request of the govern
ment, or been given their passports
The first was the French minister, Citi
zen Jenet, who was recalled by the
French government at the request O
the United States, because he was per
| sonally offensive to this country. An