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Hokitika Guardian, 11 August 1927, Page 2

lUK remarkable case of Nicola S'acco mill Bartolomeo Yanzetti, the two Italians on wlioin death was proninneed in connection with the killing and robbery of a shoe-factory paymaster and his guard in broad daylight in a public thoroughfare in Massachusetts, has been heard of all round the world. The death sentence passed on these two men has led to world wide protests, in addition to the stir created in all parts of the United States itself. The fact that the crime is some seven years old, ail'd that the prisoners accused of tin* act have remained in pri-

son ever since awaiting the verdict is really a, shocking example of how it is possible for the law to work in some countries. Sacco and Ynnzetti are apparently communists, and appear to have had plenty of friends outside the prison, while the fraternity abroad has taken up their suit with a vengeance. and been prepared to wage war on society as a retaliation for the punishment proposed to he meted out to their comrades From the account of their crime itself it would appear that more than, the two considered principals were involved in ii. Apparently the one who was considered the arclieonspirator was able to elude detection. From the outline of the circumstances of the case it would appear there was a strong element of doubt as to the identity and culpability of the accused. But the authorities from the judge down appear to have very fixed views and decisions in the face of all opposition and without regard to 'he threats made. The element of doubt seems to he so .much in evidence *hat the ease, we re it heard under British conditions might result in the prisoners receiving the benefit of that doubt. It has been pointed out that at the time the crime was committed there was n great panic in America about communism, and in the effort to suppress it there was a reign of terror almost. There lia.s been some question also as to the procedure at the main trial, particularly in regard to the identity of the accused in reference to their complicity. When the crime was committed, everything happened in a twinkling, and identification might easily he confusing. Many witnesses gave evidence pro and eon. hut the hulk of the testimony which came forward from those who were sup]Kwed to witness the crime, was in favour of

the prisoners. Various degrees of police tactics were resorted to in the effort to secure incriminating evidence against the accused, but apparently without colorable effect. On top of all this the authorities remain positive in the conclusions and actions, hut all the same there must lve a very grave doubt in the minds of thousands of people judging l>y the state of affairs in America. At the same time, it is remarkable, certainly, the preparations of the authorites to uphold the

law as it stands in the face of the tremendous opposition. There is 110 sign of giving way to expediency as the easiest way to settle the matter and assure peace.