The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1901-12-26
CHANGE ASKED BY ITALY
WANTS TO HOLD ONE AUTHORITY
RESPONSIBLE FOR LYNCHINGS.
Under Present System tho United
States Government Cannot Give
the Satisfaction Demanded.

WASHINGTON, Dec. 25.-The italian
government has been renewing its efforts
OF late with the authorities in Washing
ton TO have our federal statutes so ex-
tended as to protect foreigners in cases
arising within the jurisdiction of States,
thus giving a federal remedy for lynchings
and like ARRAYS directed against. Italians,
such as have occurred in Louisiana, Colo
RADIO and Mississippi 1t is the exchange of
views in this connection which recently
brought on the discussion in the Italian
Senate when Baron Fava interpellated the
Italian premier as to the progress of an
adjustment. Immediately on the arrival of
the new ambassador, Signor Mayor Des
Flanches, he took up this question which
had arisen in connection with the lynch
ing of several Italian citizens at Erwin,
Miss.
In this connection Signor Mayor said to-
day: Under the treaty which exists be-
tween Italy and the United States the
citizens of each country are guaranteed
the fullest protection while residing in the
other country. In the case of Americans re-
siding in Italy they had exactly the same
rights. the same protection, the same re-
course to the courts that Italian SUBJ
ject enjoys. The only exception is in con-
nection with political rights In the case
of Italians residing in the United States the
treaty assures them. the same rights and
protection given TO American citizens But,
unfortunately, this expression of the treaty
so far as it relates to Italians in this coun-
try is somewhat theoretical, for under the
American system, which limits the federal
authority over States, the central govern
ment is not able to give effect TO the guar
antee laid down by the treaty. We fully
recognize the difficulties of this situation,
which has been as apparent to the states
men of this country as they have to those
of Italy. We have hoped this would bring
about the enactment of a law which would
permit the federal government to carry out
the guarantees of treaties This would be a
genuine remedy for affairs similar to those
which have occurred in Louisiana and Mis-
sissippi, and would prevent the periodical
agitation over cases arising in the States.
AS these cases arose they would be assured
of attention under the federal authority,
with careful regard for the execution of
treaty obligations.
"Since the recent lynchngs at Erwin,
Miss there has been more or less discus
sion of the payment of money indemnity.
But In the view of the Italian government,
the question of indemnity does not enter
into the case. There has been no suggestion
coming from us, much less a demand, for
a cash indemnity to the government. The
Italian government does not seek blood
money. AT the same time the families of
the victims, who are the ones most d.
rectly affected. are naturally willing to lis
ten to suggestions of a monetary indem-
nifty, and when these suggestions are vol
UNFAIRLY made by the state or federal au-
thorities, we can do nothing more than be
the medium for considering them in be-
half of our people. But such indemnities
are to the people affected, and not to the
Italian government, which feels that there
Is far greater question involved than any
financial return to individuals. 1t is the real
and permanent remedy of having the federal
laws give to Italian subjects the protec-
ton guaranteed in our treaties that we de-
sire, and it is to this end that my ex-
changes of views are tending, rather than
to the payment of special indemnities in
special cases. What the Italian government
desires is a system covering all cases.