A MODERN FANATIC.

Manawatu Herald, Volume I, Issue 13, 8 October 1878, Page 2

A MODERN FANATIC.

A correspondent of The Times gives an account of a great fanatic who was shot in Italy. David Lazaaretti declared himself to be Christ come down again, and had ohoseu twelve apostles. On the 18th August, this prophet at the head of about 2500 followers started for the village of Arcidos3o. His purpose was not apparently peaceful. One hundred believers, dressed up in white tunics, like ancient Jewish priests, led the coluniu. At their head walked David, attired in half regal and half pontifical costume, with a diadem on his hoad and an iron club in his hand. The procession sang a hymn with a refrain " Long live God and the Christian republic ; praise be to Christ, come a second time on earth." The mob was met half way by a delegate of police accompanied, by nine carbineers^ who invited them to di -perse, Upon this David cried "lam king," and ordered his lollowors to disarm the soldiers j and as he spoke the soldiers were fired upon, and. a shower of stones followed. Again the delogate gave the requisite warning to disperse, which was followed by the Prophet aiming a blow at him with his club. The soldiers then finding themselves surrounded, opened fire, and among the first to fall was the Prophet, who was shot full in the forehead. His followers seeing their leader fall gave way. It turned out that the wound was not fatal, and that the Prophet's adherents attribute the saving of his life to a miracle.