The sun., 1902-05-01
ASK ITALY TO FREE OUR MEN.
AMBASSADOR MEYER SEES THE
FOREIGN MINISTER.
Belief That the Government WIN Grant
the Request The Chicago's Men Are
sim In Jaii-Capt. Dayton Makes
Brief Report to Secretary Long.

nis NtQucst-IuC SfuCaBob Wcu NV
stili In Jafi-Capt. Dayton Makes
q Brief Report TO Secretary Long.
Special Gable Ds,paiehss 10 THE sun.
ROME. April 3o.-The American Am
bassador had a cordial coversation to-day
with the Minister Of Foreign Affairs re-
garding the imprisoned officers Of the
United States cruiser Chicago. The Am
bassador asked as a courtesy that the
prisoners be handed over over to the COM
mander Of the Chicago for punishment.
The general belief is that the Govern
ment is inclined TO favor the request. The
press generally hopes that the incident
will be closed amicably. Meanwhile the
prisoners have appealed to the Court OF
Appeal
The Triruno says it does not believe that
the Washington Government will take
steps against the condemnation Of the
Chicago's officers. it being perfectly legal
and correct. The proof OF this is that to-
day Mr.. Meyer, the American Ambassador.
conferred most amcably with the Minister
OF Foreign Affairs. He took no exception
to the action OF the Venetian authorities,
but merely asked that the prisoners be
transferred to Capt. Dayton to undergo
their sentences.
The paper adds: we hope the painful
incident will not disturb our good relations
with the United States
The Giorrdie D'Ifdia takes the affair
In lighter manner, saying that nobody
here has given the fact any importance
1t was due to too many good glasses Of
wine. Italy was quite within her right
hA he
idea of any resentment over the Hispano-
American war is too absurd.
VENICE, April So.-The officers and ma
rines Of the United States cruiser Chicago
who participated in last Saturdays street
Fight are still in prison, and unless clemenoy
Is exercised will have to remain there until
their sentences expire. as an application
for their discharge has been rejected The
Italian law does not permit Of pardon for
assaults on police officers. but it is regarded
as probable that the King will intervene
and release the Americans on juno 1, the
date Of the Constitution fetes.
WASHINGTON, April 3O.-The Secretary OF
the Navy to-day received the first official
report In regard 10 the arrest Of officers
and men Of the cruiser Chicago at Venice.
Capt. Dayton, commanding the vessel.
says that an appeal for clemency has been
made 10 Rome. His despatch. which is
dated Venice. April 30. follows:
-Doddridge, Wynne, Ledbetter. Kress
and one marine on leave arrested. Prin-
cipsl charge resisting police. Serious under
Italian law. Sentence. Wynne four month:
and ten days; remainder three months
each. Have not yet their full statement OF
report from court but applied for. Re
sisting arrest largely due to pressing In o.
crowd and not understanding language
Appeal made to Rome. impossible &c
explain all circumstances by cable. vii
make full report
Al conference held this after
noon between Secretary Hay and Sec
retary Long. il was arranged that NJ
diplomatic steps to secure clemency
| for the officers should he taken by Mr.. Ha,
until the Navy Depart ment had prepared
statement Of the case. with an explanation
Of the customs Of nations in dealing with
offences committed in their territory b,
naval officers OF other nations. When thi
statement has been received by MIR Hay. h,
will determine what is TO be done In ia,
meantime the officers remain Ia prison.