The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1891-05-07
THE VALUE OF MAFIOsI.

THE VALUE Ot MAEloSIs
We may have two Italian gentlemen
to pay for, After six weeks earnest in
vestigation, the grand jury at New Or
leans has proved to its entire satisfac-
ton that Of the eleven individuals, who
went amissing on a recent stormy day
in the southern city, no less thar
eight were American citizens. One
other, by reason of his declaration of in
tention, had renowned his allegiance to
his native country Of Italy, and his fate
need not trouble the patriotic dreams of
the Marquis di Rudini. We cannot in
any fairness say that the people of this
country are shedding very bitter tears
over the loss of the nine individuals,
who condescended for a time to honor
this country with their presence. We
should like to propitiate the noble
marquis, and we know that he controls
some very powerful ships OF war, but
the truth is the truth. We do not regret
their absence. They were not credit to
their adopted country. 1t may be that we
are still sufficiently sunk in u%nknightly
barbarism to be unable to relish the
midnight dagger and the assassin's
knife. We manage things differently
over here, and we are even foolish
enough to be proud of the difference.
But the noble marquis can rely upon
the findings Of this American grand
jury. 1t had not, like n Of it's petit
predecessors, 50 far forgotten what is
due to American citizenship as to &C
cept brides to shelter murderers from
their we'll merited fate. 1t entered
upon it's sessions with a determination
to get at the truth. 1t has got at the
truth. It has found that two Of the
SUBJECTS Of the king Of Italy were asso-
ciated with an organized band Of cut
threats in the city Of New Orleans, that
they and their fellows had created a
reign Of terror, which would be a dis
grace even to an Italian city, and that a
certain number OF American citizens,
who make the law, when they found the
law was being openly set at naught,
took it into their hands, and dealt
out what, IL not fully legal, was still
strictest justice.
As to the price we may have to pay,
we must protest in all fairness against
any extravaganza valuations. There are
certain notable considerations that must
be taken into account before any
acceptable bargain can be- struck. We
might eve suggest that it is possible
we have saved the italian government
the cost of a few rounds Of ammunition
and q rough and ready burial. The
men VINO disappeared were the associ-
ates Of a gang of outlawed convicts from
Italy and Sicily. In their W country
they are not appreciated very highly.
In fact, if all stories be true, the italian
soldiery are in the habit of using them
for target practice whenever they get
an opportunity. How much are they
worth? And we protest most solemnly
to the noble marquis that the
matter cannot rest there. Two Of
the subjects of the king of Italy
have come to this free country, have
accepted it's freely proffered hospitality
and have done to death a gallant Ameri
can citizen, a man who was worth
score Of the Italians who disappeared
Is it to count for nothing that a either
of the United States has been killed il
the performance of his duty, and tina
the doors Of the foul deed were italian
subjects? If there is to be a question o
damages, nc American, no honest MAJ
can doubt against which side the balanc
falls.