Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1891-05-04

1t does not appear in the Judgment Of State
Department people that the note Of the Marquis
Rudini to Marquis Imperial, who lie now the
representative Of Italy in the United States,
published this morning. has changed the situa-
ton either for better or worse. An Associated
Press reporter this morning asked the Marquis
imperiali to define his position he
understood it The marquis was polite and
obliging, but evidently felt himself bound to
observe the diplomatic proprieties closely and
declined to discuss the matter. "You must LET
the communication speak for ITSELF" said he.
II can only say what the letter SAYS am
in charge Of the current business of the lega-
ton"
So about the only result of the interview was
the tacit acknowledgment from the marquis
that he had received the note.
NO PARTICULAR IMPORTANCE
As has been the case in every step Of the
Italian negotiations the State Department Of
ficials decline to allow themselves to be quoted
as expressing any opinions. But privately
importance to the last note. In
the first place. that note was not
addressed to Secretary Blaine. and il is safe to
say that its tenor would have been entirely diff
ferent if it had been. Nor was il intended to be
shown to him. 1t is regarded here as intended
solely for domestic consumption" being rather
cleverly calculated to inspire the Italian
people with the idea that their government is
pursuing a vigorous and resentful policy while
taking advantage of diplomatic vagueness of
expression anu form to prevent the United
States government from having any official
ground for resentment, for, of course, Score
tary Blaine can take no notice OF a communica-
tion which, as is expressly stated, was not in
tended for his perusal.
No RESULTS VISIBLE.
As to the practical results OF the last note
there are none visible. The Marquis Imperiali
is in charge of the current business of the
Italian legation. That has been his precise
status since Baron Fava quilted Washing
ton, SO that it cannot be said that diplo-
matte relations between the United States
and Italy are severed. The Italian govern
ment appears to be awaiting the action
of our judicial authorities. There has been no
correspondence between the two governments
since Secretary Blaines note of April IA TO I'm
periali. and it may be recalled that in that note
the Secretary stated that the United States
government was investigating the subject Of the
New Orleans tragedy. The next step
will be taken by this government and will prob
ably be an addition to the correspondence in
the shape of an epistle founded upon the re-
port OF District Attorney Grant at New Orleans
in regard to the nationality and character of
the dead Italians
MINISTER PoRTERs POSITION.
Touching the position of Mr.. Porter, our
minister to Rome, nothing has yet been done
by Secretary Blaine. There is a lack Of prece-
dents to fit this case. II the legation had been
entirely withdrawn the matter would have been
| in line with other cases.
In the complication between Austria and the
United States, growing out of the rejection by
Austria of United States Minister Kelly, the
| United States in a fit Of pioue refrained
from sending another minister In his
place. After waiting reasonable
length Of time the Austrian minister here was
! granted an indefinite leave of absence and be
stayed away until the United States saw al
to replace Mr.. Kelly with another minister
| when all went on before. Possibly this
case, although different in detail, may serve AZ
an indication of the course that will be pursued
| by the United States government respecting
Mr.. Porter if the situation does not in a reason
| able time show signs of amelioration.
| There is a certain amount of humor that
seems to be drawn out of the situatian by the
State Department folks, said one Of them this
morning, discussing the question of the rela.
tions now existing between the two govern.
| ments and the effect of Rudini's note.
This puts the two nations on the basis of q
mere speaking acquaintance. 1t looks to me
As if Italy is trying to shake hands with one
| finger.