The record-union. [volume] (Sacramento, Calif.) 1891-1903, 1891-04-01
TIE ITALIAN BLUsrER.


TIE ITALIAN BLUSTER.
We yesterday said, referring to the adj
vices from Rome, that the Italian Gov
eminent would not, in all probability,
make any demands upon the United
States concerning the New Orleans trag-
edy that the United States would not con-
cede.
That expression was based upon the
well-known procedure had when one
civilized government asks another one to
inquire into alleged wrong done subject
or citizen of the first in the country of the
second. The dispatches this morning
indicate that such procedure has in the
case of Italy been rudely interrupted.
Though at first unwilling to believe that
the ruler Of Italy has made such an ex-
hibition of himself as present advices
declare. we are now compelled to accept
it as verify.
at Washington has been recalled sum
marily because Italy is dissatisfied with
the, action of orr own Government in the
New Orleans case.
As to this recall of the Italian Minister,
it is said that he may be taking only his
usual annual trip home, or that he is re-
called because of a certain scandal. But
opposed to these explanations are the
very circumstantial statements that the
Baron is recalled because of the New
Orleans affair; that Italy has deliberately
broken off friendly diplomatic relations
with the United States because a sud
denly evoked mob outraged law and order
in a city of the United States.
There is such precision and detail in the
recital, and such positive statement as
to the cause of the recall, that we must
accept it as truth that Italy has, then, in
hot blood, done that which in cooler
moments she will regret, and that will
make her the laughing stock of the world
The recall. under the circumstances, is
more than discourtesy, it is an insult (;
but it by no means follows that 1t means
war. We can cease to have friendly re-
lations with Government without going
to war with it. The recall of represent
alive is not in itself an overt act OF
belligerency. 1t may lead up to it. but it
does not of necessity mean an assault in
arms.
Assuming that Italy has made such an
ass of itself as TO insult us with HOSTILE
ties In view, the American people can
afford to smile in contempt and wait.
Unless King Humbert is the fool we do
not believe him to be, he knows that the
burden of proof is upon his Government
to establish that its subjects have been
wronged in America. When he does
that, and we refuse to do him Justice.
he win have cause to break off friendly
relations with us and to demand repara-
ton at the mouth of cannon.
The Italian Government must know
that under our system there cannot be
the haste possible under monarchy: that
we cannot arrest, try and execute by ex-
ecutive command; that the orderly and
established processes of law must be fol-
lowed; that If Grand Jury fails to in
dict and officers neglect to prefer charges,
the Government of the United States is
powerless TO seize upon persons sus-
pected of implication in mob violence. It
ought to know that the authorities at
Washington have moved with due celebrity
by addressing sovereign State letter
demanding inquiry into the affair, and
the prosecution of offenders; that, in
deed, they did not wait for the foreign
Government to prefer a demand or re-
guest, but Immediately upon the receipt
of the news, set on foot investigation into
the New Orleans tragedy. It is az yet
but little over two weeks since the mob
murdered the prisoners, but thus early
Italy has lost patience and openly insulted
the Government of the United States, be-
caise q Italian Judgment that it has not
ssallz.s.aetorily. replied to inquiry by the
italian Minister.
We apprehend that it win turn out that
this same Italian Minister has misled his
Government; that he has been carried
sway by the resolutions and infiammatory
declarations of meetings Of Italians in
the United States, and has represented to
his King state of affairs that does not in
reality exist. But if not, if King Hum
bert's blood boils SO furiously because
some one has not been strung up, and be-