SURPRISED ITALIAN BRIGANDS.

Temuka Leader, Issue 2050, 24 May 1890, Page 3

SURPRISED ITALIAN BRIGANDS.

The case of Rip Yau Winkles, who returned to this world after 40 years of penal servitude, has never yet been considered. Two Italian brigands, however, have just been set free after a period of enforced seclusion. They had during their previous existence taken part in no less that 23 murders, but they have apparently forgotten all about those little far away incidents. u I do seem to remember,” says one of them regretfully, <f compelling some poor peasants on one occasion to’provide me and. my companions with food.” This reminds one of the remark of the alderman who died of mortification from gluttony. “ I recollect eating a grape which felt cold at the pit of my stomach.” Both brigands expressed astonishment at the sight of the railway, which has superseded the diligence, and on seeing Naples the one exclaimed, “ This is Paradise,” and the other, “ I am born this morning.” Their emotions ara most interesting, but an exchange thinks it is doubtful whether it is worth while for the ratepayers to have supported these gentlemen in prison for 40 years in order that they should experience them. Even the most enthusiastic opponent of capital punishment may admit that after—well, say after their 22nd murder—it would have been better, as well as cheaper, to hang them.