Papers Relating to the Foreign Relations of the United States, Transmitted to Congress, With the Annual Message of the President, December 9, 1891
Mr. Miller to Mr. Blaine.
Washington, April 28, 1891.
Sir: Herewith I hand you the report of the district attorney for the eastern district of Louisiana, touching the citizenship, etc., of the persons killed by the mob in New Orleans last month. These I send direct to you, because it is a matter within the cognizance of your Department, not mine.
I have become satisfied that there is no statute of the United States under which the persons responsible for this mob can be prosecuted in the Federal courts.
Very truly yours,
Attorney-General.
Mr. Grant to Mr. Miller.
Sir: In compliance with the directions contained in your letters of March 25 and 30, I beg to inform you that I have made a thorough investigation as to the nativity and citizenship of the alleged Italian subjects who were killed in the parish prison on the 14th of March last. I now submit the result of my examination on these points, together with a general but brief statement of the circumstances which preceded this unfortunate occurrence.
These persons were indicted, with others, on the 13th day of December, 1890, in the criminal district court of the State, No. 14414 on the docket, for the alleged murder of David C. Hennessy on the night of October 15, 1890: Antonio Scaffidi, Antonio Bagnetto. Antonio Marchesi, Pietro Monastero, Charles Traina, Manuel Politz, and Loretto Comitz as principals, and James Caruso, Roco Gerachi, Frank Romero, and Joseph P. Macheca as accessories before the fact.
At the same time another indictment was found against them for the same offense and filed under the No. 14415. Copies of both are annexed to this report, marked Exhibits Nos. 1 and 2. They were arraigned and pleaded not guilty to both indictments.
About the middle of February last they were arraigned for trial on indictment No. 14414 before section B of said criminal court, Judge Baker presiding, whereupon the State obtained an order of severance and proceeded with the trial of nine only of the accused, among them six of those subsequently killed.
Of these Bagnetto, Marchesi, and Macheca were found not guilty on the 13th day of March, 1891, and as to Scaffidi, Politz, and Monastero, there was a mistrial, the jury failing to agree.
The verdict was rendered about 12 o’clock, and some time during the night of that day a meeting was held by certain persons who were dissatisfied with the verdict, which resulted in a call for the populace to assemble at Clay statue, on Canal street, at 10:30 o’clock a.m. the next day, to take into consideration the vindication of the law on account of the failure of the jury to convict. The next morning at the appointed hour a large crowd assembled at Clay statue, and from there proceeded to the parish prison, where the accused were confined, and, forcing an entrance, shot them to death. Of the eleven killed, Antonio Bagnetto, Antonio Marchesi, and Joseph P. Macheca had been tried and aquitted, and Antonio Scaffidi, Manuel Politz, and Pietro Monastero had been tried, but the jury disagreed and there was no verdict. The others, James Caruso. Loretto Comitz, Frank Romero, and Roco Gerachi, had not been tried.
I now proceed to give in detail a history of each person killed, so far as I can from the evidence I have been able to obtain.
Antonio Scaffidi made his declaration before the criminal district court for the parish of Orleans for the purpose of becoming a citizen of the United States October [Page 687] 10, 1887, stating that he was 22 years old, born in Italy, arrived in the city of New York March 5, 1880 (see Exhibit 3); registered as a voter in Orleans Parish, La., on said declaration October 3, 1890 (see Exhibit A); indicted for the murder of Hennessy December 13, 1890; tried, but jury failed to agree on a verdict. The Italian consul states that he was born in Brolo, province of Messini, from whence he came to the United States, when about 14 years of age, under a passport dated November 19, 1880. (According to his own statement in his declaration, he arrived in New York October 5, 1880.)
Antonio Bagnetto made declaration before the criminal district court for the parish of Orleans for the purpose of becoming a citizen of the United States August 29, 1887, stating that he was a native of Italy, 41 years old, arrived in New Orleans December, 1875 (see Exhibit 4); registered as a voter in Orleans Parish, La., December 26, 1887 (see Exhibit A); indicted for the murder of Hennessy December 13, 1890; acquitted March 13, 1891. The Italian consul states that he was born in Palermo, and came from there to New Orleans in 1875; that he was a sailor, and that his true name was Antonio Abagnatto. His book of record, which all Italian sailors must have, and which is a substitute for a passport, is deposited at the consulate. The consul gives him a good character.
James Caruso made declaration before the criminal district court September 18, 1886, for the purpose of becoming a citizen of the United States, stating that he was a native of Italy, 32 years old; arrived in New Orleans March 8, 1867 (see Exhibit 5); registered as a voter in Orleans Parish, La., September 18, 1886 (see Exhibit A). This man always took part in politics and voted. He was at one time a commissioner of elections in the Fifth ward (see affidavits of John Jour nee, George Provenzano, Paul Ducastaing, and Joseph Provenzano). Indicted December 13, 1890, for the murder of Hennessy, but not tried. The Italian consul states that his true name was Gerolamo Caruso, and that he came from Palermo when so young as not to need a passport. (As he came to this country in 1867, and was 32 years old in 1886, when he made his declaration, he must have been about 13 years old when he arrived.)
Antonio Marchesi made declaration of intention to become a citizen of the United States before the criminal district court of Orleans Parish October 3, 1890 (see Exhibit 6); registered as a voter October 3, 1890, in Orleans Parish (see Exhibit A); does not appear to have taken an active part in politics nor to have voted. The Italian consul states that his true name was Antonio Grimando, and that he came to New Orleans from Roccamena, province of Palermo, under a passport dated October 10, 1888, and that he is supposed to have had some trouble with a woman, not resulting, however, before he came to this country, in his being charged with any crime. His passport is deposited at the consulate. The records of the custom-house show that he arrived in New Orleans November 19, 1888, per steamship Plata, from Palermo, under the name of Antonio Grimando. He was indicted for the murder of Hennessy December 13, 1890, and acquitted March 13, 1891.
Manuel Politz made declaration to become a citizen of the United States before the criminal district court of Orleans Parish October 13, 1890, stating that he was a native of Italy, 29 years old; arrived in New Orleans December 25, 1884 (see Exhibit 7); registered as a voter in Orleans Parish October 13, 1890 (see Exhibit A). He signs himself Emanuelle Polizzi in his declaration and on the registration rolls, but it is evidently the same name. Indicted December 13, 1890, for the murder of Hennessy; tried, but the jury failed to agree, and there was a mistrial March 13, 1891. The Italian consul states that he was born in San Cipriano Jato, Italy, and that his name was Emanuele Polizzi; that he came to New Orleans in 1882, and is reported to have been an unruly character in Italy, although he was never tried for a crime. His passport, if he had one, has not been deposited at the consulate. At one time he lived in Austin, Tex., where he cut a man with a knife.
Joseph P. Macheca, born in New Orleans in 1843; occupation, merchant; residence, 206 St. Claud street, New Orleans; registered as a native of Louisiana and as a voter October 6, 1886 (see Exhibit A); voted and took an active part in politics (see affidavits of John Journee and H. R. Ducastaing); indicted December 13, 1890, for the murder of Hennessy, and tried and acquitted by the jury March 13, 1891. He is admitted by the Italian consul to have been an American citizen.
Frank Romero obtained final papers of naturalization April 4, 1868, before the fourth district court of Orleans Parish as a citizen of the United States (see Exhibit 10); registered as a voter April 3, 1888, in New Orleans (see Exhibit A); voted and took an active part in politics (see affidavits of George Provenzano and [Page 688] John Journee); indicted December 13, 1890, for the murder of Hennessy, but not tried. He is admitted by the Italian consul to have become an American citizen by naturalization.
Roco Gerachi. The Italian consul states that he was born in Monreale, near Palermo, Italy; that he was registered as a voter in this city in 1880, as appears from a certificate of the registrar deposited in the consular office some time ago, but lately sent to the Italian minister in Washington; that he was charged with murder in Italy, but escaped to this country in 1878 before he could be arrested, but was condemned in contumacy and sentenced to ten years’ imprisonment. The depositions of George and Joseph Provenzano, John Journee, Dan Douglass, and Mike Early, herewith transmitted, show that he took an active part in politics and voted at elections. He must have made a declaration of his intention to become a citizen before he could receive a certificate of registration. Thus far I am unable to find the record of his declaration or registration. He had no passport.
Charles Traina does not appear to have taken any steps to become a citizen, nor to have taken part in politics, nor voted, under this or any other name. The Italian consul states that his true name was Vincenzo Traina; that he was born in Contessa, Entallina, Italy, and came to New Orleans under a passport dated October 17, 1882, at the age of 30. His passport is deposited at the consular office. He was indicted for the murder of Hennessy December 13, 1890, but not tried. For two years prior to the assassination he was a laborer on Sarpi plantation, and it is said he came to New Orleans the day before Hennessy was killed and returned the day after.
Loretto Comitz; occupation, tinsmith; residence, 192 South Liberty street, New Orleans; does not appear to have made any declaration of intention to become a citizen of the United States, nor to have registered as a voter in this city. He was indicted for the murder of Hennessy December 13, 1890, but never put on trial. The Italian consul states that he was born in Neevella, near Rome, where he was convicted on a charge of theft and sentenced to three years’ imprisonment. He came to this country some twenty years ago, but whether he escaped or left Italy after serving his time does not appear. If he came under a passport, it is not deposited at the consulate.
Pietro Monastero arrived in New Orleans January 7, 1890, per Italian steamship Plata, and is described on the passenger list as a shoemaker by occupation, 46 years old, from Palermo (see certificate of collector of the port, marked Exhibit 8); indicted for murder of Hennessy, December 13, 1890, but there was a mistrial March 13. 1891. The Italian consul states that he came from Caccamo, Italy, where he had a wife and five children, and gives him a good character. His passport is deposited in the consular office,
From the foregoing history of each of the persons killed it will be seen that Joseph P. Macheca was a native of Louisiana and Frank Romero was a fully naturalized citizen, having taken out his final papers and voted; that Antonio Bagnetto Antonio Scaffidi, Roco Gerachi, and James Caruso had made the preliminary declaration of their intention to become citizens of the United States and had registered as voters and voted in the parish of Orleans; that Manuel Politz and Antonio Marchesi had made their preliminary declarations and registered as voters, but had not voted, having been arrested soon after the date of their registration; and that Charles Traina, Loretto Comitz, and Pietro Monastero had made no declaration of their intentions to become citizens and had not voted or taken part in politics, as far as known.
As to the alleged bribery of the jury which tried the persons accused of the murder of Hennessy, I have to report that my examination does not connect any of the persons killed with that charge, if true.
Some indictments have been lately found against D. C. O’Malley, a detective employed in the defense, charging him with an attempt to bribe talesmen summoned on the jury, and an inquest is now being held, and it is understood that the grand jury have found true bills against other persons on the same charge; but the evidence on which the grand jury acted is not accessible to me.
I am unable to obtain any direct evidence connecting these persons with the Mafia, or any other association of a similar character in the city. The existence of such a society has been known and believed in by the public generally for a great many years, but its secrets have never been penetrated by the civil authorities. Few of those living who have been its victims have the courage to speak. Of the many persons whom I have examined on the subject, only two, George and Joseph Provenzano, have been willing to disclose the truth in an affidavit. They have testified to the existence of the society and furnished evidence [Page 689] of its practices in the form of blackmailing and threatening letters, which I forward attached to their affidavits. In this connection, I forward a statement made by the chief of police of this city, showing a great number of murders, affrays, and assaults committed by Italians in this city during the last twenty-five years, the perpetrators of which have not been punished, because the evidence was suppressed or concealed. I do not draw the inference myself from the facts disclosed by this statement that these crimes were all the work of the Mafia, but they are attributed to that society generally by the public.
I have not attempted to examine into the guilt or innocence of the persons accused of the murder of Hennessy. The evidence in the case against them submitted to the jury is voluminous, covering some 800 pages of typewriting. Both as a whole and in detail it is exceedingly unsatisfactory, and is not, to my mind, conclusive one way or the other. I have endeavored to ascertain whether they have been lawabiding citizens since their arrival in this country, but have not been able to connect them with any criminal practices prior to their indictment in the Hennessy case, except in the case of Manuel Politz, who is reported to have assaulted and cut a person in Austin, Tex., some years ago.
As to their history before they came to this country, I have taken the statement of his excellency the Italian consul at this port, and the information is noted below each name. From this it appears that Roco Gerachi and Loretto Comitz were escaped criminals when they came to the United States.
I have received a communication from his excellency Pascale Corte, Italian consul, relating to the civil status of the alleged Italian subjects at the time they were killed, which I have the honor to forward herewith for your consideration. He claims that even if these persons had made a declaration of their intention to become citizens of the United States, and afterwards exercised the right to vote given by article 185 of the constitution of the State of Louisiana, still they are not to be considered citizens until they have resided in the United States for a period of five years and have been granted final papers, as provided by section 2165 of the Revised Statutes of the United States.
Without presuming to give an opinion on this question, which, I assume, is to be dealt with by the political department of the Government, I take the liberty of suggesting that after these persons renounced allegiance to their King, and while maintaining their residence in the United States and exercising the privilege of citizens, they ought to be held to have renounced all claim to the protection of the country of their nativity.
Respectfully submitted.
United States Attorney.
The State of
Louisiana,
Criminal District Court
for the Parish of Orleans, ss:
The grand jurors of the State of Louisiana, duly impaneled and sworn in and for the body of the parish of Orleans, in the name and by the authority of the said State, upon their oath, present: That one Peter Natali, one Antonio Scaffidi, one Antonio Bagnetto, one Manuel Politz, one Antonio Marchesi, one Bastian Incardona, one Salvador Sinceri, one Loretto Comitz, one Charles Traina, and one Pietro Monastero, late of the parish of Orleans, on the 15th day of October, in the year of our Lord 1890, with force and arms, in the parish of Orleans, aforesaid, and within the jurisdiction of the criminal district court for the parish of Orleans, while lying in wait, feloniously did shoot one David C. Hennessy with a dangerous weapon, to wit, a gun, with the felonious attempt willfully, feloniously, and of their malice aforethought, to kill and murder him, the said David C. Hennessy, contrary to the form of the statute of the State of Louisiana in such case made and provided, and against the peace and dignity of the same. And the grand jurors aforesaid, upon their oath aforesaid, do further present: That one Charles Pietoza, one Osperi Marchesi, one Joseph P. Macheca, one James Caruso, one Charles Matranga, one Roco Gerachi, one Charles Patorno, one Frank Romero, and one John Caruso, before the said felony was committed inform aforesaid, to wit, on the 15th day of October, in the year aforesaid, in the parish aforesaid, and within the jurisdiction aforesaid, did feloniously and maliciously incite, move, procure, and counsel, hire, and command the said Peter Natali, the said Antonio Scaffidi, the said Antonio Bagnetto, the said Manuel [Page 690] Politz, the said Antonio Marchesi, the said Bastian Incardona, the said Salvador Sinceri, the said Loretto Comitz, the said Charles Traina, and the said Pietro Monastero, the said felony in manner and form aforesaid to do and commit, contrary to the form of the statute of the State of Louisiana, in such cases made and provided, and against the peace and dignity of the same.
District Attorney for the Parish of Orleans.
No. 14415. Section A.
The State of Louisiana v. Peter Natali, Antonio Scaffidi, Charles Traina, Antonio Bagnetto, Manuel Politz, Antonio Marchesi, Pietro Monastero, Bastian Incardona, Salvador Sinceri, and Loretto Comitz as principals and Osperi Marches!, Joseph P. Macheca, James Caruso, Charles Matranga, Roco Gerachi, Charles Patorno, Prank Romero, John Caruso, and Charles Pietza as accessories before the fact.
Indictment for shooting while lying in wait with intent to murder.
A true bill.
Foreman.
Returned into open court, recorded, and filed December 13, 1890.
Minute Clerk.
Arraigned December 22, 1890, and pleaded not guilty.
Minute Cleric.
Nolle prosequied March 16, 1891.
Minute Clerk.
I, James Mut, jr., a deputy clerk of the criminal district court for the parish of Orleans, do hereby certify the foregoing copy of indictment and indorsements thereon to be a true, full, and correct copy of the original as the same appears on file and of record in the aforesaid office.
In testimony whereof I hereunto sign my name and affix the seal of said court, at the city of New Orleans, this 20th day of March, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and ninety-one, and the one hundred and fifteenth year of the independence of the United States of America.
Deputy Clerk.
The State of
Louisiana,
Criminal District Court
for the Parish of Orleans, ss:
The grand jurors of the State of Louisiana, duly impaneled and sworn in and for the body of the parish of Orleans, in the name and by the authority of the said State, upon their oath, present: That one Peter Natali, one Antonio Scaffedi, one Antonio Bagnetto, one Manuel Politz, one Antonio Marchesi, one Bastian Incardona, one Salvador Sinceri, one Loretto Comitz, one Charles Traina, and one Pietro Monastero, late of the parish of Orleans, on the 15th day of October, in the year of our Lord, 1890, with force and arms, in the parish of Orleans, aforesaid, and within the jurisdiction of the criminal district court for the parish of Orleans, willfully, feloniously, and of their malice aforethought, did kill and murder one David C. Hennessy, contrary to the form of the statute of the State of Louisiana in such case made and provided, and against the peace and dignity of the same. And the grand jurors aforesaid, upon their oath aforesaid, do further present that one Charles Pietza, one Osperi Marchesi, one Joseph P. Macheca, one James Caruso, one Charles Matranga, one Rocco Gerachi, one Charles [Page 691] Patrono, one Frank Romero, and one John Caruso, before the said felony and murder was committed in form aforesaid, to wit, on the 15th day of October, in the year aforesaid, and within the jurisdiction of the court aforesaid, did feloniously and maliciously incite, move, procure, aid, counsel, hire, and command the said Peter Natali, the said Antonio Scaffedi, the said Antonio Bagnetto, the said Manuel Politz, the said Antonio Marchesi, the said Bastian Incardona, the said Salvador Sinceri, the said Loretto Comitz, the said Charles Traina, and the said Pietro Monastero, the said felony and murder in manner and form aforesaid to do and commit, contrary to the form of the statute of the State of Louisiana, in such cases made and provided, and against the peace and dignity of the same.
District Attorney for the Parish of Orleans.
No. 14414. Section B.
The State of Louisiana v. Peter Natali, Antonio Scaffedi, Charles Traina, Antonio Bagnetto, Manuel Politz, Antonio Marchesi, Pietro Monastero, Bastian Incardona, Salvador Sinceri, and Loretto Comitz as principals, and Osperi Marchesi, Joseph P. Macheca, James Caruso, Charles Matranga, Rocco Gerachi, Charles Patorno, Frank Romero, John Caruso, and Charles Pietza as accessories before the fact.
Indictment for murder.
A true bill.
Foreman.
Returned into open court, recorded, and filed December 13, 1890.
Minute Clerk.
Each of the accused was arraigned, and each pleaded not guilty.
Minute Clerk.
Bastian Incardona, Charles Matranga, Antonio Bagnetto, Osperi Marchesi, Antonio Marchesi, Joseph P. Macheca, not guilty.
Foreman.
I, H. W. Hubbard, a deputy clerk for the criminal district court for the parish of Orleans, do hereby certify the foregoing copy of indictment and indorsements thereon to be a true, full, and correct copy of the original as the same appears on file and of record in the aforesaid office.
In testimony whereof, I hereunto sign my name and affix the seal of said court, at the city of New Orleans, this 4th day of April, in the year of our Lord 1891, and in the one hundred and fifteenth year of the independence of the United States of America.
Deputy Clerk.
The State of
Louisiana,
Criminal District Court
for the Parish of Orleans:
Personally came and appeared before me, John A. Shine, deputy clerk of the criminal district court for the parish of Orleans, Antony Scaffidi, a native of Italy, aged 22 years, who, being duly sworn, says that he arrived in the United States [Page 692] of America, to wit: At the city of New York, in the State of New York, on the 5th day of March, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and eighty, and since the year one thousand eight hundred and eighty has resided within the limits of the State of Louisiana, and that his bona fide intention is to become a citizen of the United States of America as soon as, by the laws thereof, he can be naturalized as such.
And the said Antony Scaffidi further swears that he does and will forever renounce all allegiance and fidelity to any foreign prince, potentate, state, or sovereignty whatever, and more particularly to the King of Italy, of whom he is a subject.
Sworn to and subscribed before me at New Orleans this October 10, 1887.
Deputy Clerk.
I, Charles J. Reilly, deputy clerk of the criminal district court for the parish of Orleans, hereby certify that the above is a true and correct copy of the original declaration of intention of Antonio Scaffidi of record in said court.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said court, at the city of New Orleans, this 17th day of April, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and ninety-one, and in the one hundred and fifteenth year of the independence of the United States of America.
Deputy Clerk.
The State of
Louisiana,
Criminal District Court
for the Parish of Orleans:
New Orleans, August 29, 1887.
Personally came and appeared before me, John Manning, deputy clerk of the criminal district court for the parish of Orleans, Antonio Bagnetto, a native of Italy, aged 41 years, who, being duly sworn, says that he arrived in the United States of America, to wit: At the city of New Orleans, in the State of Louisiana, on the _____ day of December, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and seventy-five, and since has resided within the limits of the State of Louisiana, and that his bona fide intention is to become a citizen of the United States of America as soon as, by the laws thereof, he can be naturalized as such.
And the said Antonio Bagnetto further swears that he does and will forever renounce all allegiance and fidelity to any foreign prince, potentate, state, or sovereignty whatever, and more particularly to the King of Italy, of whom he is a subject.
Deputy Clerk.
I, Chas. J. Reilly, deputy clerk of the criminal district court for the parish of Orleans, hereby certify that the above is a true and correct copy of the original declaration of intention of Antonio Bagnetto, of record in said court.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said court, at the city of New Orleans, this 17th day of April, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and ninety-one, and in the one hundred and fifteenth year of the independence of the United States of America.
Deputy Clerk.
The State of
Louisiana,
Criminal District Court
for the Parish of Orleans:
New Orleans, September 18, 1886.
Personally came and appeared before me, Jno. Manning, deputy clerk of the criminal district court for the parish of Orleans, James Caruso, a native of Italy, [Page 693] aged 32 years, who, being duly sworn, says that he arrived in the United States of America, to wit: At the city of New Orleans, in the State of Louisiana, on the 8th day of March, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty-seven, and since has resided within the limits of the State of Louisiana, and that his bona fide intention is to become a citizen of the United States of America as soon as, by the laws thereof, he can be naturalized as such.
And the said James Caruso further swears that he does and will forever renounce all allegiance and fidelity to any foreign prince, potentate, state, or sovereignty whatever, and more particularly to King of Italy, of whom he is a subject.
Deputy Clerk.
I, Chas. J. Reilly, deputy clerk of the criminal district court for the parish of Orleans, hereby certify that the above is a true and correct copy of the original declaration of intention of James Caruso, of record in said court.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said court at the city of New Orleans, this 17th day of April, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and ninety-one, and in the one hundred and fifteenth year of the independence of the United States of America.
Deputy Clerk.
The State of
Louisiana,
Criminal District Court
for the Parish of Orleans:
New Orleans, October 3, 1890.
Personally came and appeared before me, Chas. J. Reilly, deputy clerk of the criminal district court for the parish of Orleans, Antonnio Marchesi, a native of Italy, aged 46 years, who, being duly sworn, says that he arrived in the United States of America, to wit: At the city of New Orleans, in the State of Louisiana, on the——day of November, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and eighty-eight, and since the year one thousand eight hundred and eighty-eight has resided within the limits of the State of Louisiana, and that his bona fide intention is to be Rome a citizen of the United States of America as soon as, by the laws thereof, he can be naturalized as such.
And the said Antonnio Marchese further swears that he does and will forever renounce all allegiance and fidelity to any foreign prince, potentate, state, or sovereignity whatever, and more particularly to King of Italy, of whom he is a subject.
Sworn to and subscribed before me at New Orleans this October 3, 1890.
Deputy Clerk.
I, Chas. J. Reilly, deputy clerk of the criminal district court for the parish of Orleans, hereby certify that the above is a true and correct copy of the original declaration of intention of Antonino Marchesi of record in said court.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said court, at the city of New Orleans, this 17th day of April, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and ninety-one, and in the one hundred and fifteenth year of the independence of the United States of America.
Deputy Clerk.
New Orleans, La., April 17, 1891.
To whom it may concern:
I hereby certify that it appears by the records of this office that the Italian steamship Plata sailed from Palermo, Italy, October 20, 1888, and entered at this [Page 694] port November 19, 1888; that on the passenger list of Italian emigrants on board appears the following, being No. 61 on said passenger list attached to the manifest of said vessel:
“Grimando, Antonino:” age, 46; sex, male; occupation, farmer; the country to which they severally belong, Italy; the country of which they intend to become inhabitants, United States; location, etc., steerage; No. of pieces of baggage, 3.
Special Deputy Collector.
The consul of Italy here would like to know if the name of Pietro Monastero appears on the passenger list of the Italian steamer Plata, which arrived in January, 1890; also if the name of Marchesi or Grimando appears on the list of passengers arrived on the Plata in November, 1888 or 1889.
Secretary of Consulate.
New Orleans, La., April, 17, 1891.
I hereby certify that the foregoing is a true copy of the application on file in this office.
Record Clerk.
Approved as correct, etc.
Special Deputy Collector.
The State of
Louisiana,
Criminal District Court
for the Parish of Orleans:
Personally came and appeared before me, Julius Rosenberg, deputy clerk of the criminal district court for the parish of Orleans, Manuale Polizzi, a native of Italy, aged 29 years, who, being duly sworn, says that he arrived in the United States of America, to wit: At the city of New Orleans, in the State of Louisiana, on the 25th day of December, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and eighty-four, and since the year one thousand eight hundred and eighty-four has resided within the limits of the State of Louisiana, and that his bona fide intention is to become a citizen of the United States of America as soon as, by the laws thereof, he can be naturalized as such.
And the said Manuale Polizzi further swears that he does and will forever renounce all allegiance and fidelity to any foreign prince, potentate, state, or sovereignty whatever, and more particularly to the King of Italy, of whom he is a subject.
Sworn to and subscribed before me at New Orleans this October 13, 1890.
Deputy Clerk.
I, Chas. J. Reilly, deputy clerk of the criminal district court for the parish of Orleans, hereby certify that the above is a true and correct copy of the original declaration of intention of Emanuel Polizzi of record in said court.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand, affixed the seal of said court, at the city of New Orleans, this 4th day of April, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and ninety-one, and in the one hundred and fifteenth year of the independence of the United States of America.
Deputy Clerk.
Dan. A. Rose,
Clerk of Court.
New Orleans, La., April 17, 1891.
To whom it may concern:
This is to certify that Pietro Monastero, aged 41 years, a native of Italy, shoemaker by occupation, arrived at the port of New Orleans as a steerage passenger on the steamship Plata, from Palermo, January 7th, 1890.
Special Deputy Collector.