The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1891-04-16


when it was announced that Baron
Faya, the Italian Minister resident at
Washington, had notified the Depart
| ment of State that ne would at once,
under instructions Of the King Of Italy,
leave Washington, committing the dips
lomatic affairs OF his country to the
Secretary OF Legation for that nation.
The correspondence which we give be-
low sufficiently explains itself. 1t will
be seen by it that Secretary Blaine has
| il with dignity and courtesy, yet with
decided iifinness Nothing less than
/ this could have been expected. He has
| always measured MP TO every situation
which lie has been called upon to con-
trout, aud in this Instance has vindica-
| ted the confidence II his countrymen in
his ability, his self-poise and intimate
knowledge Of the duty of this country
| towards foreign nations.
The unexpected disturbance of the
relations between the United States and
Italy, and the excitement growing out
Of it, present several questions prolni-
nently which will command very serious
attention from the people of the United
States.
First, it will impress the necessity for
the modification of our naturalization
laws, so as to iniibit in future the mmi~
grafton to this country of the thieves
and lnurderers Of Europe, and all who
do not carry along with them the evil
dencas Of good intentions, good citizen
ship and respect for our institutions.
Second, it will convince the people Of
this country of the necessity Of 4 com
petent navy and efficient coast iefences.
other powers, and protect the persons
and property of the United. States. If the
result shall be q comprehensive and de
cisive consideration Of these points, the
| sensation growing out Of the action of
the Italian Minister, under instructions
from his government, will have served a
good purpose and prove blessing in
Disguise.
II will further prove instructive to
italy itself. in that the government there
will learn directly what they do not
seem to know, OF the dual character of
our government. and the processes
through which crimes are punished and
wrongs righted. So far as the Italians,
who were assassinated in prison in New
Orleans, but were citizens of the Uni
ted States, were concerned, the Italian
government has nothing to do with
the question. Sc far as those who
still maintained their allegiance to the
italian government were concerned,
there will be no hesitation on the part
of the United States to make all the
PREPARATION that can be made, in keeping
withFthe dignity and self-respect of this
country.
The hasty action Of the italian gov
eminent is severely criticised by all
American statesmen, as well as Europe>
an, where an impartial opinion has
been expressed But whether the views
OF foreign countries correspond with
taose of our country or not, it is mat
ter of small concern The United States
will take care of the honor and the in
terests of the Republic The suggestion
of the Italian premier that we should
ssamend our constitution, so as to cons
port with Italian notions, is a stretch of
impudence that, from our standpoint is
amusing. When King Humhert and
premier Rudini are asked to interpose
their advice as to our internal affairs,
it will be time enough for either Of them
to tender it. Until then, it is sheer inn
pudence to project counsel which is nei-
ther requested nor viii be respected
When the character Of the subjects of
Italy, numbered among the killed in the
New Orleans fracas, is considered, the
wonder is that the Italian authorities
should have acted with such precipi-
fancy. There is no question but what
seven of the eleven killed were citizens,
| by naturalization, of the United States.
| With these Italy has nothing to do, no
more than she would have had cause to
! interfere in Furnishing the assassins Of
| Presidents Lincoln aud Garfield. The
| four others, whom Consul Corte claims
| as entitled to the protection of the ltal>
| ian government, are Trahina, Bagnetto,
| Monasterio and Comitez. The first
| named is found to have been a voter in
the parish of st. Charles. Begnetto is
| proved to have been a fugitive murderer
| FROM Palermo and a member of the Elk
posito band of highwaymen. Marchesl
was veteran of Garabaldi's army, but
fled from Palermo while charged with
numbering female. Trahina was also
"a robber III Sicily.
/ They belonged toa band of assassins
which terrorized their own country. he~
| fore they were driven out, and who have
carried on their dastardly and bloody
work of murder since they came to this
country. Italy could hardly afford to
assume the responsibility Of defending
| them nor would she have assumed the
/ attitude that she now does, had it not
! been for fear of the threats OF the Malta
| and the clamor OF the popuiace at home.
/ No one in this country entertains
| apprehension OF any more disturbance
accruing than has already taken
place If there should be any hostile
action by the Italian government it will
be promptly met and the dignity of this
government properly respected.
The following is the letter addressed
! by Baron Fava to Secretary Blaine and
the latter,s reply, communicated to the
/ Saorotary of Iauatjon
/ ROYAL LEGATION OF ITALY.
WASHINGTON, March 81, is91.i
| Mr.. SECRETARY Of State
/ BY my two notes on the 18TH and 18th instant
had honor to cali your exceiIeDcy's serious at
! teGLion to occurrences OF exceptional gravity
/ which; took place at New Di eals Oh the 18th,
whereby four subjects OF tsia King of Italy, who
were confined i'll prison Of tiiat city were mas
sacred by TIE crowd under the leadership of
! two American citizens.
] After having formally protested against the
unjustitiaiie conduct OF tie local authorities
which were evidently recfeant to all their
duties on that occasion, | reserved to the gov
ernIileiit OF his majesty the right TO DEMAND
sitcil satisfaction rs it night bhnk rrJ since
the occurrence II, Guest, n cpiasb tuJed patent
/ violation Oh the strul ttions OF treaty in force
between our two Countries, Which secures to tai
! ian subjects re ;Glrg tile Il. same