Baron Fava to Mr. Blaine.
Washington, March 15, 1891.
Mr. Secretary of State: During the interviews which I had the honor to have with you last night and this morning I urgently called your excellency’s attention to the exceedingly grave occurrences that took place at New Orleans yesterday. It is consequently unnecessary for me to revert to them now.
Nevertheless, in pursuance of the instructions which I have just received by telegraph from his excellency the president of the council, minister of foreign affairs of His Majesty (a copy of which I have left in your hands), I must, before going any further, protest in the most solemn manner against the unjustifiable conduct of the local authorities, who not only did not prevent a meeting which was publicly announced the day before, and which left no doubt as to its hostility to the Italians, but who maintained a purely passive attitude while the massacre of the Italians was going on in the prison.
I must, moreover, appeal to your excellency’s good offices, in order to beg you to be pleased, with the incontestable authority at your disposal, to cause the competent authorities of the State of Louisiana to feel that it is their imperative duty, in the interest of justice and civilization, to take special care that the lives of Italians in New Orleans be protected, and that the guilty parties, whether perpetrators, accomplices, or instigators of the massacre which took place yesterday, be speedily brought to justice.
Reserving for the Royal Government the right to demand hereafter any other reparation that it may think proper, permit me, Mr. Secretary of State, to rely upon the traditional friendship which has always existed between our two countries, as well as upon your own sentiments of justice, while I invoke the aid and coöperation of the federal administration to the end that this regrettable incident may be brought to a speedy termination.
Be pleased to accept, etc.,