Bridgeton pioneer., 1917-05-31
Luigi Vanlpa
He Was a Bandit, but
Treated With Consideration
by the Government
By WARREN MILLER

"
In the days when the Bourbons were
kings of Naples southern Italy was
probably the worst governed country
in the civilized world The people were
sorely oppressed by the government,
and it was during this period that
much of the crime that still exists in
Naples obtained a foothold. During
the middle of the last century Carl
baldi overthrow King Bomba, as the
last Bourbon king of Naples was call
ed, and since then Naples has been
morally improving. But it is easier
to cast down than to build up, and
many years must pass before the eff
fects of the misrule Of southern Italy
and Sicily will be eradicated
During the earlier part of the nine
teenth century famous bandit infest-
ed the mountainous region encirchng
the bay Of Naples. What his real
name was no one knew, but he called
himself Luigi Vampa. His band was
not large, but the deeds it performed
were the wonder Of all Italy. Vampa
disdained small plunder, always de-
voting himself to obtaining large sums.
If he captured a person for ransom
that person was abundantly able to
purchase lis freedom with large
amount
But the bandit chiefs fayorite field
was the cities. He would rob an in
stitution with far greater temerity than
some outlaws il the Old pioneer days
OF America would hold up bank. On
one occasion, when a theatar was
crowded with spectators, when the
curtain was raised Vampa and his men
were ON the stage, covering the audi
ence with rifles. While the main band
held the people in their seats several
bandits went down the aisles levying
contributions. When they had taken
all the,e was to be had they went on
to the stage, the curtain was lowered,
and the band, mounting horses in the
rear Of the theater, rode away.
By and by it began to be noticed that
the government officials were always
little too late to capture the bandits.
A few minutes after the latter had
openly committed a robbery the SOL
diers would swoop down with great
clatter. then dash off after the robbers
In the wrong direction. During Luigi
Vampa's administration of the coun-
try's finances as some persons term
ed 1t, it was noticed that the govern
ment was less vigorous in collecting
the taxes. Some said that it was be-
cause there was no money to collect
except from the rich, while others
averred that Vampa was the kings
tax gatheror. In other words, it was
limited that the bandit paid the govern
ment the lions share Of the plunder
for being permitted to rob.
A time came when these rumors
gained SO much currency that the gov
ernment was obliged to do something
to clear itself Of these aspersions An
expedition was sent up into the noun
tains back of Sorrento, where Vampa
was at the time. A battle took place,
and the chief and few Of his band
were brought in chains to Naples.
Suspicion that the fight was a sham
was excited by the fact that not a
man on either side was killed or
wounded. 1t was hinted about that
the battle had been fought with blank
cartridges. Most Of the band made
good retreat and dispersed.
What became Of the few men cap
tured no one ever knew. Vampa him
. self alone remained prisoner
Wherever rohn>c-v has f1ourished the
ho. ha1 n,
of the sympathy OF The class of people
from which they sprang. Vampa was
quite a hero among the poor, because
1t was believed among them that he
had collected from the rich the taxes
they would otherwise have paid. leav-
Ing the poor immune.
Though Fampa was q prisoner, he
mad every comfort. His trial was put
n off from week to week, from month to
month. When so much scandal was
occasioned by this failure to punish
him for his crimes he was at last tried
convicted and sentenced to be shot
But no one believed that he would be
executed
Some persons supposed that the
day he was to be shot certain of his
band high in his confidence would
bring forth evidence duplicating the
government that would incite a revo-
luton or at least besmirch the king
before the entire civilized world.
Be that as it may. Vampas execu-
ton was deferred just as his trial had
been deferred. Not only this but he
was permitted greater comfort. and at
last, when the public gaze had been
somewhat turned from him. he was al
lowed greater freedom.
One day well dressed man resem-
bling Vampa appeared In one of the
principal restaurants of Naples. He
had shaved his beard and made other
changes in his personal appearance.
but despite this he was recognized as
the famous rObber He was accOmpa-