New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1891-04-03
MIR. BLAINpS NOTE TO ITALY.

MR. BLAINES MUTE ~ l1ALf.
Foreigners, not to speak of foreign profess
sional criminals such as those for whom Italy
is so unduy solicitous, come to this country pre-
sumably knowing the extent of the protection
afforded by our laws. That it is sufficient is
proved by the fact that they do come, and in
numbers unknown in any other nation OF the
world The United States annually absorb
500, 900 Europeans, persons who leave their
native countries and settle here because they
like this land better than the land to which they
owe natural allegiance. 1t contains also body
of alien residents three or four times greater
than any similar body in any European State.
These people are here of their own volitiOn, and
in coming they place themselves in we'll
defined degree under our laws. We give to
their persons and property the same protection
that we give to ourselves. IL this isn't enough
they are at liberty to stay at home.
If the expressions of European newspapers
applauding ltaly's demand upon our Govern
ment for the punishment of the New-Orleans
lynchers are fair indication of European senti-
ment it is evident that this fact needs to be
impressed upon our alien friends If they don't
consider the laws we give ourselves as good
enough for them, they should not come among
us and if they are content to come they must
put up with our constitutional arrangements.
Undoubtedly, the Fourteenth Amendment con-
siderably enlarged the supervisory powers OF the
Federal Government over the dealings OF States
with citizens of other States and consequently
over their dealings with aliens, but as yet Con-
gress has not passed any legislation enabling
the Government to proceed in the enforcement
of these new functions Such legislation may
be desirable, but that is purely domestic ques-
ton. and we shall settle it in our own way and
at our own pleasure.
But, as Mr.. Blaine so clearly pointed ont in
his admirable note acknowledging Baron FayaS
letter of recall. if the Federal Government pos
sessed the largest authority, if it had all the
police powers in New-Orleans that the Govern
ment of King Humbert has in Rome or Naples,
it could not comply with the Marquis Rudini's
demand. 1t could give as Rudini could, no
other assurance. than that the persons accused
of the lynchings should be brought into court
nor would any other promise be consistent with
civilized practice. And it is not yet at all clear
whether this assurance is called for, or whether
if it is, the President will not be able to fur
nish it.
1t is plain either that the European papers
are making of this incident an opportunity Tor
indicating that queer kind Of jealousy which
every now and then animates them In CONSIDER
ing American affairs, or that they do not under
stand what Italy is asking. In the latter event
we shall look now for an entirely different tone
of comment. Mr. Blaine'S letter, which, with
a disregard as sagacious as it is amusing OF
Baron Faya's remark that the Legation here is
La FOr +bo tpon n
ness" only, he addresses to the Charge. makes
our position SO clear and justfeS it so complete
ly that nothing can be said in reply that does
not attack the rectitude of our purposes. Mr.
Blaine proves that Baron Faya has misStated
this position in his note presenting his recall
If he is so audacious OF 50 mentally Opaque as
to misstate it TO us, the presumption may 1Mrly
be entertained that he has done the same thing
to his own Government. In that event Premier
Rudini has the opportunity to retire gracefully
and 10 send us Minister capable OF understand
ing what is said to him and OF reporting it faith
fully. But if Baron Fava has permitted his
Government to know the actual position of the
President. Italy must get down from her high
horse as hest she can. The closing sentence OF
MIR. Blaines letter wherein he quietly observes
that our Government twill not permit itself
to be unduly hurried" nor answer any demand
until it has obtained full understanding of all
the facts necessary to correct judgment meets
with the hearty approval of 60, 100000 Ameri-
can citizens 1t should convince Italy OF the
utter folly of any more theatricals, as his other
statements should convince her that she will
obtain with all reasonable promptness every
satisfaction and PREPARATION she can rightfully
reQure