The Kennewick courier-reporter. [volume] (Kennewick, Wash.) 1914-1938, 1917-04-19
Luigi Yanlpa
lie Was q 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 1t was during this period that
much of the crime that still exists in
Naples obtained 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 ef-
fects Of the misrule Of southern Italy
and Sicily will be eradicated.
During the earlier part of the nine.
teenth century a famous bandit infest-
cd the mountainous region encircling
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 1t performed
were the wonder Of all Italy. Vampa
disdained small plumber, always de-
voting himself to obtaining large sums.
If he captured a person for ransom
that person was abundantly able to
purchase his freedom with a large
amount.
But the bandit chiefs favorite field
was the cities. He would rob an in.
stitution with far greater temerity than
some outlaws In the old pioneer days
Of America would hold up a bank. On
one occasion, when a theater was
crowded with spectators, when the
curtain was raised yampa and his men
We're 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 there 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
q little too late to capture the bandits.
A few minutes after the latter had
openly committed robbery the sol
diers would swoop down with great
clatter, then dash of after the robbers
In the wrong direction. During Luigi
Vampa's administration Of the coun-
try's finances" as some persons term
ed 1t, 1t was noticed that the govern
ment was less vigorous in collecting
the taxes. Some said that 1t was be-
cause there was no money to collect
except from the rich, while others
averred that Vampa was the kings
tax gatherer. In other words, 1t was
limited that the bandit paid the govern
ment the lions share Of the plumber
Tor being permitted to rob.
A time came when these rumors
gained 80 much currency that the gov
eminent 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 q 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
It was limited 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.
Ielf alone remained a prisoner.
=.
robbers seem to have had something
of the sympathy Of the class Of people
Rom which they sprang. vampa was
quite hero among the poor, because
{ was believed among them that he
had collected from the rich the taxes
hey would otherwise have paid, leav-
ing the poor immune.
Though vampa was a prisoner, he
had every comfort. His trial was put
o6 from week to week, from month to
month. When 80 much scandal was
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
0VAo PcASOuS SUPPOSED tQ6C the
Lay 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, vampa's execu-
Hon was deferred just as his trial had |
been deferred. Not only this, but he
was permitted greater comfort, and ut
asst when the public gaze had been
turned from him, he was al.
Owed greater freedom. .z IL s
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
:hanges In his personal appearance,
but despite this he was recognized as
he famous robber. He was accompa-
lied by q woman Of Spanish type Of |
,eauty, to whom he appeared devoted. |
{ was reported that the government |
lad permitted the woman he loved to
,isit him in his confinement, and the