OBJECT LESSON TO ASSASSIN

Hokitika Guardian, 13 November 1920, Page 4

OBJECT LESSON TO ASSASSIN

LISBON, Aug. 21. Au interesting conversation took place yesterday, directly after tlie eicut, between Lieut Portella," Governor of Lisbon, and a. young Syndicalist, Manuel Vieira, who had shot at and wounded Judge liorta, a member ol the Tribunal of Social Deieuce, in one ol '••flic principal streets of Lisbon. V “| avenged my comrades, who were condemned by tlie tribunal,” replied Vieira to the Governor’s questions; “I have the right to do so.” Governor Portella rose, and, raising a pisetol to tlie Syndicalist’s head, exclaimed : “Very well; now I am going lo kill you.” The Syndicalist, cowering, cried: “Don’t kill me.” “Why? According to your words, I have a right to do so.”—“No. I.have committed no crime against justice.” “Do you really believe, on your conscience, you did nothing wrong?” “Yes.” “Very well,” said the Governor, and, calling a policeman, told him to set Vieira free. “He is to leave by _tlie door by which lie came in.” Outside the infuriated crowd were shouting “Death to the assassin!” and | Vieira shook ofr the hands of the officer ivho was preparing to remove the linndi cuffs and begged to remain under ar- ! rest. | “You see,” said tho Governor sternly, “your conscience lied to you. If you had not committed a crime against justice you would not fear the judgment of your fellow citizens.” Afterwards, when Vieira was being conveyed from the police station to the prison, three shots were fired at him and lie was wounded.