Under the alien contract labor law, if proper evidence.could be procured, these immigrants could be prevented from landing, and the padroni bankers or employés could be punished for bringing them here under contract; and as far as possible these laws are being rigidly enforced. The great difficulty encountered is the inability of the authorities to secure evidence to make out a case against either the immigrant or the padroni. These contracts are made in Italy with illiterate people in almost abject poverty, who willingly barter their personal liberty in order to procure the means necessary to enable them to come to America to better their condition. The contract once entered into, which is frequently done in the presence of a priest, who is generally the friend of the padroni, these immigrants will not violate it, and upon arrival here will, under oath, deny its existence; and unless they come within some of the other prohibited classes, the inspectors are obliged to land them. The establishment of bureaus of labor, which would secure work for these misguided people under Government control, might be an efficient remedy for the evil if such a system was lawful or practicable. I fear that not one of these immigrants would willingly violate his compact, made before leaving his own country, but would, immediately after landing, report to his padroni who had advanced the money to pay his passage. If the bureaus of labor are to be under governmental control for the purpose of restraining these people, and sending them to fields of labor against their will, it would be such a restraint as would be incompatible with our principles of self-government. We have at present, in connection with the immigrant depot at Ellis Island, an employment bureau where immigrants of all nationalities are invited to come and apply for work; and this is taken advantage of by all nationalities except Italians. I suggest that you extend to the ambassador an invitation to visit the immigration depot at Ellis Island, in the harbor of New York, with Mr. Stump, Superintendent of Immigration, and there witness the inspection of Italian immigrants upon arrival, and ascertain how many of them could be induced to give up their preconceived plans and intentions. I am of the opinion that the Italian Government could materially assist us by sending emissaries into the districts from which emigrants principally leave, and through the press, and by speeches and personal contact with those who can not read, warn them of the evils of the padrone system. Respectfully, yours, J. G. CARLISLE. No. 22.] Mr. Mac Veagh to Mr. Gresham. EMBASSY OF THE UNITED STATES, Rome, April 25, 1894. (Received May 8.) SIR: Great satisfaction has been expressed in the Italian press over the publication of a telegram from Washington stating that the Government of the United States had shown a disposition to appoint Government officials in the ports of arrival for the purpose of assisting Italian emigrants, and saving them from the clutches of the "padroni," and that an appropriation from Congress with this object would be asked for. Most of the newspapers print short congratulatory paragraphs expressing pleasure that Baron Blanc, minister for foreign affairs, should have so soon succeeded in interesting our authorities in the fate of the Italian emigrant landing in New York and elsewhere in the United States, and stating that the lamentable New Orleans incident has after all served to call attention to their deplorable condition. The Tribuna and l'Italie call attention to the fact that the diplomatic relations between the two countries have never been more cordial, and consider the plan not only of political significance, but as surely tending toward immense economic results for the future of Italian immigration. I am, etc., WAYNE MACVEAGH. Mr. Uhl to Mr. Mac Veagh. No. 25.] DEPARTMENT OF STATE, SIR: I am in receipt of your No. 22 of the 25th ultimo reporting the favorable impression made in Italy by the publication of a press telegram from Washington to the effect that the U. S. Government proposed taking action looking to the protection of Italian Immigrants from the padrone system. For your information I inclose herewith copies of a correspondence1 which has taken place between this and the Treasury Department and the Italian ambassador here on the subject. I am, etc., EDWIN F. UHL, Acting Secretary. EXTRADITION OF DELZOPPO AND RINALDI. Mr. Uhl to Mr. Potter. No. 101.] DEPARTMENT OF STATE, SIR: You are instructed to request of the Italian Government, in pursuance of existing treaty stipulations, the extradition of Michele Delzoppo and Antonio Rinaldi, under indictment on the charge of murder committed within the State of New York, and who are now in Italy. The President's warrant to receive the fugitives has been issued to Frank J. McNeil, who is authorized to convey them back to the United States for trial. Mr. McNeil is also furnished with duly authenticated copy of the papers in the case. In this connection I acknowledge the receipt of your telegram of this date, reading as follows: "Order issued; arrest Delzoppo and Rinaldi." I am, etc., EDWIN F. UHL, Acting Secretary. No. 15.] Mr. Mac Veagh to Mr. Gresham. EMBASSY OF THE UNITED STATES, Rome, April 10, 1894. (Received April 23.) SIR: On the 3d instant I sent you the following cablegram: Delzoppo and Rinaldi found pursuant your cable January 26 and watched, but arrest impossible without warrant. Agent has never appeared with warrant. Italian Government now asks very prompt action as fugitives intend leaving country. To this I received next day your reply, as follows: Will Italian Government surrender Delzoppo and Rinaldi upon proof of guilt? To my inquiry, dated the 4th instant, I this morning received a note from the minister of foreign affairs stating that the Government of the King could never consent to the extradition of its own subjects, but that the authorities were ready on presentation of the necessary documents to arrest and place on trial here Michele Delzoppo and Antonio Rinaldi. On receipt of this note I to-day cabled you as follows: Italian Government refuses surrender its subjects, but offers on arrival proof of guilt to arrest and try Delzoppo and Rinaldi here. I am, etc., WAYNE MACVEAGH. [Inclosure 1 in No. 15.] Mr. Mac Veagh to Baron Blanc. EMBASSY OF THE UNITED STATES, YOUR EXCELLENCY: On receipt of the note from the ministry for foreign affairs, dated the 2d instant, informing this embassy that Michele Delzoppo and Antonio Rinaldi, two criminals who are wanted in the United States for trial on a charge of murder, were at present under the surveillance of the police, the one at Alexandria and the other at Matrice, I telegraphed my Government as follows: Delzoppo and Rinaldi found pursuant your cable January 26 and watched, but arrest impossible without warrant. Agent has never appeared with warrant. Italian Government now asks very prompt action as fugitives intend leaving country. To the above telegram I have received the following reply: Will Italian Government surrender Delzoppo and Rinaldi upon proof of guilt? I would be obliged if your excellency would enable me to make an immediate reply to this telegram. I avail, etc., WAYNE MACVEAGH. [Inclosure 2 in No. 15.-Translation.] Baron Blanc to Mr. Mac Veagh. MINISTRY FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS, Rome, April 9, 1894. MR. AMBASSADOR: In reply to the esteemed note of your excellency of the 4th instant I have the honor to inform you that the Government of the King could never consent to the delivery in extradition of two of its subjects. The authorities of the Kingdom are ready, as soon as your excellency furnishes me with the necessary documents, to arrest Michele Delzoppo and Antonio Rinaldi and put them on trial. Accept, Mr. Ambassador, etc., BLANC. Mr. Uhl to Mr. Mac Veagh. No. 18.] DEPARTMENT OF STATE, SIR: I have received your dispatch No. 15, of the 10th instant, relative to the extradition of the fugitives Michele Delzoppo and Antonio Rinaldi, with which you transmit a copy of the note of the minister for foreign affairs stating that the Italian Government "could never consent to the delivery in extradition of its subjects." Upon receipt of your telegram of the 10th instant, conveying the same information, the Department communicated it to the governor of New York. No further action will be taken in the case without the request of the authorities of that State. It is deemed proper, however, that you should state to the Italian minister for foreign affairs that while this Government will not at this time insist upon its rights under the treaty between the two Governments, it, nevertheless, does not waive such rights nor acquiesce in the view taken by the Government of Italy. I am, etc., EDWIN F. UHL, JAPAN. FRIENDLY OFFICES TO CHINESE IN JAPAN.1 Mr. Gresham to Mr. Dun. [Telegram.] DEPARTMENT OF STATE, Japan acceding, you may act as custodian Chinese legation and afford friendly offices for protection Chinese subjects in Japan either directly or through consuls acting under your instructions, but you will not represent China diplomatically. Mr. Gresham to Mr. Dun. [Telegram.] DEPARTMENT OF STATE, Our minister to China was promptly instructed to exercise good offices for Japan, as requested, and he has informed the Department that he is doing so. No. 101.] Mr. Gresham to Mr. Dun. DEPARTMENT OF STATE, SIR: The action of the Government of China in committing the interests of its subjects in Japan to the care of the diplomatic representative of the United States during the existence of hostilities between Japan and China renders it expedient that you should be instructed as to the nature of your duties in the delicate situation in which you are thus placed. The Chinese Government, when it solicited the interposition of our diplomatic representative in Japan in behalf of Chinese subjects during hostilities, was informed that such interposition would be permitted with the consent of the Japanese Government. Such consent has been given. Moreover, the diplomatic representative of the United States at Peking has, at the request of the Japanese Government and with the consent of the Government of China, been charged with the care of the interests of Japanese subjects in the latter country pending hostilities. See also China. |