Wilmington daily commercial., 1872-06-21
GENERAL.
Gavaz zzI's Lecture.


TTLY, CIVIL AND RELIGIOUS, FROM THE ASrI-pApAI
STANDPOINT.
Padre Allessandro Gavazzi, who lectnred at the
Masonic Temple, last evening, is tall broad
shonldered, heavy-built, gsntloman, oih locks
inclined to be "howng, an erect Garage, and
active movement. HO il native Of Bologna
Italy, where be was born in 1909. Al the age
OF l6, he became monk Of the Barnabite order.
and subsequently was appointed professor Of
rhetoric at Naples, where he soon esta ablished a
reputation as refUrmer of Church and State.
When Plus TX became Pope In 1876, lie inaugu-
rated his rule, AZ il well remembered by 10
ries of proposed measures of reform, and Gavaz-
ri soon repaired TO Rome, Joined hearty IN the
Pops's measures, and became ono of his truh-
ted counsellors.
In lS48 the first attempt at Italian revolution
was made, under the Leadership OF Charles
Albert OF Piedmont, and the Monk Of Bologna
rushed into the work, preached earnestly IN be-
half OF IL, in Rome, and being sanctioned by the
Pope, was appointed almOner to a body Of l6 =
900 Roman volunteers, who hurried to help the
Italian cause ON the plains Of LOmbardy. The
effort, however, ultimately failed, though the
republic was established in Rome, for some
months, under Mazzini The Pope and Gavazzi
thereafter failed to agree, and the Padre has
become revolutionist in theology Of the most
ardent type, opposing the Pope and the Papal
system While he does not claim to be- or desire
to be considered, " Protestant" his religious
views and efforts to dsestablish the Church OF
Rome in Italy, enlist the sympathies of active
Protestant denominations, and he has come to
this country the second time, to secure aid for
the evangelical movement now on foot In Italy,
in opposition to the Papal system.
At the Masonic Temple, last evening. the aud
ience was large, though the house was not full
Many ladies' were present Chancellor Bates
prayer by Rev Geo. w. Folwell Rev. Lafayette
Marks made an introductory address, stating
the character aud object OF the meeting The
President then introduced the Italian delegates
and Rev. Dr. j b. Thompson, (who is aseocia-
ted with Gavazzi, in his labors in this country }
made brief address, giving way to tho princi-
pal speaker Of the evening.
GavazZi spoke for about an hour and half
He commenced by saying that Italian Religious
Liberty comes from Italian Civil Liberty, and
therefore sketched the various military move
ments beginIng in 1913, by which the Austrians
have been expelled, the whole of Italy united,
the temporal power of the Pope overthrown,
aud the capital fixed at Rome. He spoke Of 'my
Garlbaldf in the most enthusiastic manner, and
bitterly characterized the French troops who
came upon the field, Al Montana, in 1869 de-
feating darbaldi, and preventing, at that time,
the capture OF Rome. as ''assassins
The Italian capital being fixed at Rome, "for-
ever" It was now practicable to evangelize
Southern Italy, and the speaker stated what was
being done. There are now 100 congregations
AofbNb
regular communicates. and 1000 attendants.
General Assembly had been organized, meet
ing annually, 35 ohurc ies being repress snted in
the last The Free O tristan Church OF Italy
was the name chosen for the organization. aud
the speaker explained why. There are five Pro-
testant congregations, now, within the walls Of
Rome. A copy Of the New Testament is being
printed in the city, and will soon be issued, bear
ing the imprint "Rome Without the License
Of the Pope" A depot for the sale OF Bibles has
been established on the Corso, not far distant
from the Popes residence in the Vatican Pallce.
Space does not permit even comprehensive
summary Of the lecture. The speakers points
were received with frequent applause and laugh.
ter. He has all the numerous vehement ODD
and expressive, movements" while speaking,
usual with the Latin races and his gestures,
facial changes, unpronounced noises OF con-
tempt, inoredulity, doubt, &C., 10, are move
and entertaining to an American audience. HIS
accent is very Italian hut his choice OF language
readiness of speech, and intimate acquaintance
with the English idiom, is very perfect, and ex.
oept for the accent his mastery Of our tongue
is complete.
At the close Of the lecture, a collection was
taken up for the benefit of the Italian Free
Ohureh