Democratic Sentinel, Volume 2, Number 42, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 29 November 1878 — Passanante, the Italian Assassin. [ARTICLE]

Passanante, the Italian Assassin.

The dagger of the assassin Passanante was hidden in the folds of a small red flag bearing the words: “ Viva la liepublica Universale.” When he made the attack on King Humbert, the King swung round his sheathed sword and struck him with it on the head. Passanante returned to the attack, when the Queen cried out: “Signor Cairoli, save the King!” Signor Cairoli at once threw himself between the King and the assassin, and caught the latter by the hair. He received a thrust from Passanante’s dagger, but still held on to him till a municipal guard, named Giannettini, secured him. The struggle between Signor Cairoli and the assassin was very desperate, but the whole affair was over in a few minutes. The cortege proceeded on its way, and the King’s aspect was so calm, and that of Signor Cairoli so smiling, that nobody suspected what had happened. On reaching the palace the Minister’s wound was bound and leeches and ice applied. The King visited Giannettini, the brave municipal guard, and promoted him to the rank of sergeant. Passanante informed his examiners that his intention was to finish King Humbert, and, if he had had money enough to buy a revolver, he would have succeeded. He had no personal feeling against the King or the Government. He intended assassination as a means toward a universal republic. —Rome Cor. London Times.