Evening journal., 1906-09-10
SAILS TO DIE ON
LOVEDONE'SGRAVE
UnmOved, Though Brother
PTayS on New York
Steamship Pier
CRUCIFIx HELD OUT IN VAIN

NEW YORK, Sept. 1O.-Deaf to the
prayers Of his kneellng brother, who
held a crucihx uplifted, Luigi Contar-
mi sailed in La Provence, determined
to kill himself on the grave of his
sweetheart in Italy The girl had end
ed her life when her parents refused
to consent TO her marriage with Con-
tarini
1t is six years since the romance of
the two began. Luigi is the son of a
storekeeper in Locco, Lombardy. He
fell in love with Giuseppe Ballatini, but
the parents forbade the couple to meet
because Of difference in station. The
Ballatini family is one of the most
prominent in Locco. and when Contar-
mi pleaded his suit he was told a
match already had been made for the
girl. then only 16 years old. Contarini
then said he would go out in the world,
make a fortune, return and claim the
girl. The parents approved of that
plan, in the belief that, with the couple
separated, their daughter speedily
would forget the youth. But love was
implanted firmly in her heart, and the
longer she was separated from Con-
tarini the warmer her affection grew.
Al1 tdiutt W lIlH country dboul lNt
years ago and settled in Oklahoma. He
engaged in farming and saved money
until he had reached the point where
he would be considered wealthy in his
native land. Last spring he wrote to
Giuseppe, asking her to come to him.
He also sent a letter to her parents
begging their consent. BY return mail
he received word from them that, how
ever much wealth he might accumulate
they would never let their daughter be
his wife. At the same time he receiv-
ed a letter from Giuseppe protesting
her undying love. Other letters came,
all of the same tenor.
But a month ago he received one in
which she said she had decided to end
her life. He cabled at once that he
would go on and claim her, despite all
objections. But within a few hours
he received a message that she was
dead. He then set about disposlng of
his property He sold everything, and
seven days ago started eastward He
went to Paterson, N. J., and told his
brother Antonio of his resolve. The
brother tried to dissuade him, but ar
gument and pleading were in vain.
The parting between the two broth
ers on the pier was so pathetic that It
moved men and women to tears. In the
end it was necessary for a policeman
to tear Antonio from his brother.
With all the emotion of his southern
nature, Antonio begged his brother not
to SAIL Luigi, holding himself in re-
straint with manifest difficulty, only
replied: Il shall go, and I shall kill
myself"
When the order was given TO lower
the gangplank from the side Of the
ship Antonio threw his arms around
/ Lugfs neck. They were on the pier
close to the gangway. Luigi tried to
tear himself free to reach the ship, but
the brother in his despair frightened
lhis hold.
you must not 60" he cried. "Giu-
seppa is dead, and has passed out of
your life"
The scene was so dramatic IL held
every observer, even the crew crowd
ing with the passengers to the rail
At length, driven to anguish by the
stolid resistance of his brother, An
tonic threw himself on the ground and
kissed Luigi's feet. Luigi could only
shake his head. Then Antonio, taking
a small crucifix from his pocket, held
IL up and prayed with fervid eloquence
But the brother remained obstinate and
finally, at a sharp warning from an
officer on deck, he dashed up the gang
way. Antonio overlook him halfway
and seized him. Luigi" he shrieked
"Stayl STAY Stayi"
Il know what am doingl" was tho
retort, and Luigi tried to tear himself
away But Antonio held him fast, and
il was not until Patrolman Mallon went
up and caught Antonio by the collar
that the dramatic scene was ended. Al
the vessel backed into midstream An.
tonic knelt at the end of the pier ant
with his crucifx held toward the SIX,
prayed that his brother might be turn.
ed from his madness.
"Do you think Luigi will kill him
, self?" was asked.
only the saints can save him." wal
Antonio's wall
]