Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1899-07-22
MAY ASK lNDEM NIFTY
Investigating the Lynching Of Italians in
Louisiana.
Count vfnci Calls Upon the Secre-
tary of State in Regard to
the Matter.

The lynching of five Italians in Louisiana
yesterday is likely to become an internal
tional question, through the action of the
Italian government. Count Vinchi, the Ital-
ian charge d'affaires. was one of the first
callers at the State Department this morn
ing, and to Assistant Secretary Hill he pre-
scented A copy Of the report of the Italian
consul at New Orleans concerning the
atrocity which has just occurred. The mat
ter was laid before Secretary Hay immedi-
ately on his arrival at the department from
visit to the White House.
In order to get full information as a
basis for action by this government Sec
rotary Hay thereupon telegraphed the gov
ernor of Louisiana. requesting to be in
formed Of the facts in the case.
Count Vinchi's action was predicated on
reports from the Italian consular officials
in Louisiana, and by the press reports.
The Italian foreign office is already fully
informed on the occurrence. 1t is probable,
however. that the representations of today
are only preliminary, simply calling atten-
ton - the deplCrable facts reported, with
a view to paw 1g the way for a demand for
reparatlon which may follow
The affair is considered in official Italian
quarters as much like that in the Malta
cases at New Orleans III 1892 while Mr..
Blaine was Secretary of State, at which
time the Italian minister, Baron Fava, not
being satisfied with this governments posi-
ton, called for fis passports and left the
country Baron Fava is now in Rome on
vacation. and during mis- absence Count
Finchi has charge of Italian affairs in this
country.
The Italian Consuls Dispatch.
Count Vinci's representations to the State
Department were based on a brief dispatch
from the acting Italian consul at New Or
leans, Mr.. Pabini, substantially as fol-
lows:
a PlySh re
five lynched at Tailulah. He has gone
there to investigate"
Count Vinci at once directed that all of
the particulars in the case be obtained and
that special inquiry be made as to whether
the victims of the lynching were Italian
subjects, who had not yet become natural
lied. In submitting the matter to the State
Department, Count Vinci wrote a note, re-
citing the above telegram and reinforcing
it With an expression of the hope that
steps Will be taken to ascertain the facts
and extend protection to Italians in the
neighb0rhood.
He saw Secretary Hay and also Assist
ant Secretary Hill. Mr.. Hay was about TO
go to the White House, SO that the repre-
sensations made by the Italian charge were
communicated to the President. Through
out the conferences the most friendly
spirit was shown. and there was no init
nation from Count Vinci that his govern
ment was disposed to make a serious issue
of the affair
he submitted was there any protest de-
mand for Indemnity. Any steps in that
line are not likely to come until after the
facts are fully established
Expects satisfactory Adjustment.
When Count Vinci was seen this after
noon by a representative of the press he
said that he had no doubt whatever that
a satisfactory adjustment would be Sc
cured.
He recalled that during his service here
two affairs much similar to this, one in
Colorado and another in Louisiana, had
been satisfactorily adjusted and that that
result had been brought about largely
through the sympathetic and friendly feel
ing which prevails between the two gov
ernmCHts- He felt sure. he said, that that
sentiment would accomplish a just settle
ment in the present case.
Up to this time nothing had been heard
from the foreign Office in Rome, and the
culy communications on the subject were
those passing between Count Vinci and the
Italian officials in Louisiana.
While greatly daploring the affair, he
feels that there are circumstances which
make it difficult for the federal authorities
to deal with il. Therefore he is co-operat-
ing with the officials here in determining
the nationality of the murdered men
There Is considerable difficulty in COM
municating with the consular agent, who
has gone to the scene, as dispatches sent
by the Telegram company, and it has been
impossible thus far to get track of him
His report and that of the governor of
Louisiana are expected to give full light
the subject and afford data upon which
the two governments can act,