The Press., 1918-01-17
V A Luigi Vanlpa He Was q Bandit, but Treated With Consideration ! by the Government
By WARREN MILLER

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 In the days when the Bourbons were kings of Naples southern Italy was probably the worst governed country in the civilized world. The people werG sorely oppressed by the government, and 1t 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 easief 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 mfest- ed the mountainous region encircltng the bay of Naples. What his real name was no one knew, but he called himself Luigi yampa. His band was not large, but the deeds 1t performed were the wonder of all Italy. Vampa tlisdained small plunder, 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 Vampa and his men were on the stage. covering the audi cnce with rifles. While the main band held the people in their seats several bandits went down the aisles levyinG contributions. When they had taken au there was to be had they went on 10 the stage, the curtain was lowered, and the band, mounting horses in the rear of the theater. rode away.
 By and by 1t began to be noticed that the government officials were always X few minutes after the latter had 'penly committed a robbery the sol tdCrs would swoOp down with a great chatter, then dash of after the robbers in the wrong direction. During Luigi Nampa's administration of the cOm- try's finances as some persons term cd it. it was noticed that the govern mcnt 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 Yampa was the kings tux gatherer. In other words, it was hintcd that the bandit paid the govern mcmt the lions share of the plunder for being permitted to rob.
 X time came when these rumorS eaincd SO much currency that the gov Crnment was obliged to do something to clear itself of these asperslons. An expedition was sent up into the noun tains back of Sorrento, where Yampa was at the time. \ battle took place. and the chief and a 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. It was hInted about that the battle had been fought with blanl: cartridges. Most of the band made good a retreat and dispersed.
 What became of the few men cap tured no one ever knew. Vampa him. self alone remained a prisoner.
 Wherever robbery has dourished the robbers seem to have had something of the sympathy of the class of people from which they sprang. Yampa Was quite a hero among the poor, because it was believed among them that he had collected from the rich the taxes they would otherwise have paid. leav- ing the poor immune.
 Though Vampa was a prisoner, he had every comfort His trial was put of 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 he executed.
 Some persons supposed that the day he was to be shot certain of his band high in hls confidence would bring forth evidence duplicating the government that would incite a revO- lutlOn. or at least besmirch the king before the entire civilized world.
 Be that as 1t may, Vampa's eNecu- 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 we'll dressed man resem bling VampR appeared in one of the principal restaurants of Naples. HC 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 nled hy woman of a Spanish type Oi beauty. to whom he appeared devoted 1t was reported that the government had permitted the woman he loved tt visit him in his confinement, and tlls government did not deny the report. Gradually the condemned man was II given more and more freedom and was \ permitted to go about with the Span lsh scnorlta. This favor was. o course. granted by the government No one knew surely why the govern | ment was So ienienL with him. bu | every one believed that he held | sword over ii as well as if held on over him. Nevertheless to satisfy ap pcardnces Yampa's quarters were sti! 1 IE the prison. ihousn instead of Gel hc occupied handsomely Furnished rooms. ,-
 yampa was now frequently secl
 walking with luis ladylnve in the pull
 lie park on the shore of the bay of Ma
 pies One day while they were stroll
 ing along nu Inc path within the sei
 wall Vampa was attacked by d mai
 whom he had robbed and whose broth
 CT he had murdered. Eampa drew