The herald., 1897-04-23
ITLAY'S KING
Threatened by Assassin's
Dagger
HUMBERT NOT MUCH MOVED
BY THE LITTLE INCIDENT OF
HIS TRADE"
The Assailant a Political Fanatic
Out of Work--The King Com
mutes Death Sentence
BY THE LITTLE INCIDENT OF
HIS TRADE"
Associated Press Special wire.

Associated Press Special Wire.
ROME, April 22-At 2:S0 this after
noon, while King Humbert was on his
way to the races, a man named Pietro
Acciarito. an ironworker out of employ
ment, attempted to stab his majesty
with dagger. The man was seized be-
fore he could carry out his purpose, and
the king proceeded to the Campanele
race course, seemingly unmoved. Ar
irving at the racecourse his majesty was
greatly cheered. Acciarito appears to
be a political fanatic, but says he has
no accompllces.
King Humbert, accompanied by his
aidecamp, Pondes Vaglia, was going to
witness the royal derby. His assailant.
who was waiting outside st. Johns gate.
rushed up to the carriage In which his
majesty was seated and attempted 10
stab him. The king avoided the dagger
by rising from his seat. Acciarito, see
ing he had failed in his attempt to as
sassinate the king. threw away his dag
ger. He was Immediately arrested by
two carbineers, while his majesty calm
ly ordered his coachman to drive on. The
news spread with great rapidity, and
when the king reached the royal stand
at the racecourse it was soon surround
ed by cheering multitude.
The members of the diplomatic corps
present at the race and number of
other distinguished people sent their
CONGRATULATIONS to the king on his es-
cape.
King Humbert treated the matter
lightly and remarked: "It is only one of
the little incidents of my trade"
The king remained at the racecourse
with his nephew, the duke of Aosta, un-
til the royal derby was run.
Acciarito is "a years old and nativb
Of Artegna, village of the province OF
Unoline, three miles south of Genoa. His
majesty returned to the Quirinal, fol-
lowed by hundreds of carriages and
thousands of people gathered about the
palace and gave him an imposing and
frantic reception. They called for the
royaI hymn, and the band of the guari
on duty at the palace played it repeat
edIy.
King Humbert and Queen Margherita
were greatly moved by the popular dem
OnSITaLlOH, anu Nv lCC oPPtoieo va q cesA
cony of the palace and bowed their ac-
acknowledgements of the frantic cheering
of the populace.
The public houses and private houses
were decorated with flags as an express
sion of rejoicing at the escape Of his
majesty, and thousands of people in
scribed their names at the palace. Dur
ing the afternoon placards were posted
calling upon the population to take part
in a great manifestation in honor of the
king at Q o'clock.
This is the second time the life of King
Humbert has been attempted.
As his majesty was leaving for Naples
on November II, 1878, the year of his ac-
cession, a man named Giovanni Pas
sante approached the kings carriage
and attempted to stab his majesty with
a dagger The king. however. was only
scratched by the blade. but Signor Cal
ioli, who was then prime minister. and
who was with his majesty in the car
riage. was severely wounded in the
thigh.
Passante was sentenced to death, bu.
the king commuted his sentence to ini-
prisonment for life.
Queen Margherita arrived at the race
course shortly after King Humbert, who
informed her of his escape. The queen
was greatly agitated and affectionately
grasped his hand.
The newspapers and public universally
execrate the attempt. At the theaters
and at many public places gatherings
the country, loyal manifesto
tions indicate the popular sympathy.
Acciarto declares he was impelled to
the act by hunger.