The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1891-03-18
TIE DIP. oMArIc SIDE.
A Question Which Puzzles the Oldest
Members OF the Corps.

Members OF the Corps
WASHINGTON, March l6. No further
action will be taken by the federal author
tiles at Washington in regard to the shoot
ing of the Italians at New Orleans
until after the receipt of Gov
ernor Nichols reply to Secretary
Blaine's telegram stating the position
of the government in the matter. 1t was
stated by officials Of the department OF
justice and the war department in ex-
PLANTATION of why the government had
taken no steps TO prevent mob violence
that the federal authorities are powerless
to act in cases of disorders in the
states, except when called upon for aid by
the state authorities or when necessary
for the special protection Of governments
property. Ne ther of these contingencies
arose at New Orleans. The governor did
not ask for assistance and the public
buildings at New Orleans were
at no time in any danger
from the mob. These statements indicate
clearly that up 10 the time OF the killing
of the suspected murderers the case was
wholly beyond the scope OF federal action.
The fact, however, that several of the men
killed were subjects OF Italy and the
further fact that the Italian government
has made formal demand for an investiga-
ton has given the case an aspect calling
for diplomatic negotiations. State depart
ment officials find some difficulty
in acting on this case for the rea.
son that it is entirely with.
out precedent in the diplomatic annals
of the country. 1t is settled, however.
that no further steps will be taken until
Ill 81 -. ,cso 20
rounding the case shall have been officially
communicated. Secretary Blaine refuses
absolutely to discuss the matter. He has
received number of kilograms from Ital-
ian organizations in different parts of the
country protesting against what they term
"an outrage" and demanding that al
Italian citizens of the United States be-
properly protected against violence and
prejudice.
The matter is almost the sole topic Of
conversation in diplomatic circles and so
far as can be ascertained the general opin,
ion is that the state Of Louisiana and
not the United States must be
held responsible. A demand for in
demnity would, OF course, come from the
Italian government through its minister
resident and transmitted by the secretary
of state TO the government of Louisiana,
and if repudiated by that state would be
submitted TO congress for such action "a
might be deemed advisable.
An official of the state department in
speaking of the occurrence today, said
that the government would have TO do
all in its power to satisfy Italy, that the
rights of her citizens in this country
would be protected. The action
of the president in communicating with
the governor of Louisiana asking for In
Il.
thing to be done until reply from the
governor had been received. A thorough
investigation of the matter would, of
course, be made and after that congress
would have to be called upon
for action, the state depart
ment having no money to pay
indemnities or anything Of that sort.
Whether it is a case for money indemnity
would be for congress and not the state de-
partment to decide. Whatever in.
demnity there should be for
those of the killed who were
citizens of the United States, Louisiana
would be responsible for TO their families,
but any responsibility for those who were
citizens OF foreign country that there
might be would fall upon the United
States.
Representative McCreary, formerly
chairman OF the foreign affairs committee
of the house, said that the state de-
partment had no money it could spend
in the case, aud that it was difficult to tell
Just what it could do. The department
would have TO await the reply of Governor
Nichols to the communication from the
secretary and make such further investi-
cation OF the matter as it could. Then
the secretary would have to report TO con-
gress for such action as that body thought
proper.