The Roanoke times. (Roanoke, Va.) 1897-1977, 1897-10-13

Rome. Oct. IA monster procession
OF on, 600 merchants and shopkeepers pa
raded the streets of Rome to-day MS a
protest against the proposed income tax.
A reputation representing the protesters
waited upon the prime minister, the
Marquis Iii Rudini, and formally present
ed II petition. The prem Ter promised that
justice should be done
After the procession had marched over
its prescribed route, anarchists took ad-
vantage of the occasion to start !, riot.
which assumed n very serious character
before 1T was quelled. The rioters were
armed with sticks, stones and revolvers
ana used these weapons effectively.
Troops were called out to put down the
disturbances, but the rioters turned upon
the soldiers and fought them desper-
ateiy. Several Of the troops were wound
ed and one W orklng:nan was killed. Or
der was finally restored and number Of
arrests were made.
1t has been learned that three persons
were Killed. Probably fifty were severely
injured, While large number were
slightly hurt
The scene OF the fiercest fighting was
In the Plaza Navona, outside the minis
try of the interior, the windows of which
were wrecked. Troops patrolled the CT ty
during the night. Every thing is quiet
now
In consequence OF the riot the project
has ordered.that the Roman Socialist I'm
lou he dissolved
The city this afternoon presented re.
markable aspect. All the shops and evea
the cafes were closed, prin,ed notices on
the shutters stating that they hal been
closed for fiscal reasons The streets
leading to the capitol were tAronged with
M
headed the procession included the
mayor and the president of the board of
trade. Having regard for the respecta-
bility of the demonstration the Marquis
oil -Rudini, prime minister, and the minis
ter OF the interior had not ordered any
special police precautions.
Doubtless the organizers Of the demon
stration intended to he orderly and digni.
fled and did not foresee the presence Of
the professional agitators and riot mon
gers. Immediately after the procession
started the latter raised cries of Clown
with taxes, "Down with the ministry"
The excitement, which was great, cul-
minated while the committee was inter
viewing the prime minister. The police,
who numbered only forty, received rein
forcements
squad of pendarmes arriving with
fixed bayonets incensed the crowd, which
1t is estimated numbered II, 900 The
shouts changed to down with the bay-
onets," and stones were torn from The
streets and hCrled at the gendarmes, who
were also struck with fists.
When the troops arrived the fury of
the mob was further increased and there
was more stoning. A refuse cart pass
ing, some of the mob seized it's contents
and showered them upon the troops and
geodarmes. The carts were smashed into
fragments, which were used us weapons.
Soon the entire street MAS u mass Of
lighting humanity. KNIVES anG revolvers
were freely used. More troops were hur-
ried to the scene and the disturbance was
ultimately quelled.
Although the violence was primarily
due to the lawless element, the affair is
significant and will cause the ministry to
reflect The grievance consists in the ar
bitrary mode OF assessing commercial
and professional incomes, which are
taxed 20 per cent The assessment is
done by agents whose numbers have been
doubled and trebled throughout the coun-
try during the present year, doubtless Mt
the governments orders.