The New York herald., 1873-12-04
OPPRESSED ITALIAN CHILDREN.
Letter Of Celso Caesar Moreno to Mr..
Sumner, Asking for Protection, and
MIR. Summers Reply.

MIR. Summers Reply.
NEW YORK. Nov 10, 1873
DEAR SIR--Why do you not raise your powerful
voice in behalf OF the oppressed and deenceless
Italian children in midst, who held in bond
age by the heartess padroni-you, Mr.. sumner,
who have been so justly called the Moses OF the late
slaves in the Southern States 2 There at least
1000 OF them OF both sexes In the various cities or
the United states, who are held In abect slavery
by their cruel owners; the great majority
OF whom have been stolen from their
parents In the Southern provinces OF Italy,
or inveigled from their homes through false re-
presentations--that OF having the children taught
a mechanical trade being o iavorite one with The
wretches who thrive by the sweat and toll OF the
poor little creatures.
Since August 1871, have done all in my power
to call the attention OF the public to this infamous
business. Indeed have even written to the King
OF Italy on the subject to four OF his Cabinet Minis
ters, to the Senators and members OF the Italian
Parliament and to several newspapers, both in
Italy and America. Now, / respectfully request
you, Mr.. sumner, TO introduce biz IN the senate
this session Tor the adjustment of this great wrong,
and you may be assured that the thanks and bene-
dctions OF the unfortunate lte.ian children and OF
tnelr desoate mothers will follow you IL your
old days.
would call your attention to. There are now IN this
country thousands Of men and women OF all ages
who have been induced by ''ring" Of greedy,
Characterless and irresponsible men TO leave their
happy homes IN Italy and TO come TO America;
this 'ring'i beforehand promising to secure them
on their arrival here large grants OF fertile land
In q mIlder climate than even that OF Italy. They
also give them the idea that they will be gwen
chances OF finding gold mines IN the new country
winch will be allotted TO them, rs well as OF secur-
ing large sums OF money easily, Which Will enable
them to accumulate considerable fortune in
few years. This 'rngr even goes so far rs to pro-
pose to their intended victims that, II they have
not the ready cash, their passage to this country
Will be given them, provided mortgage Is secured
upon their farfns or other real estate in Italy.
which generally amounts TO four times the value OF
the money advanced TO pay the passage But, alas
such bright dreams soon disappear. On their ar
rival here tue victims ind themselves completely
at the mercy OF their deceivers, and at last
compelled by them 90 act as organ cumbersome
with little dancing girl or a MONKEY; others are
compelled 10 get employment as streetsweepers,
others to pcS up rags or waste paper. often the
corners; and yet others also are sent around rom
house TO house, with false certificate Ia hand,
telling OF their losses by fire or water, Papal or
governmental persecution In their native country.
Others again, are compelled To play the part OF the
blind, &c. All these miserable wretches, every
evening, nave to give account oil their earnings
through the day 10 their masters. The various
countrymen OF mine are ut the Five Points, Baxter
street. Mulberry street, Mott street Elizabeth
street. Crosby street. Marion street and sullivan
street, Ia the city OF New York.
Mr. sumner, these wrongs cast dishonor upon
the proudsItlan name not only, but they are
besides direct violation OF the American laws
and an Insult to this age OF freedom and progress
With profound respect and high consideration,
have the honor to subscribe myself, very faithfully
yours CEIsSO CESAR MORENO.
Hon. CHARLES SUMNER U. $. SENATOR Boston.
MIR SUMMERS REPLY.
BOSTON, 18th Nov. 1873.
MY DEAR SIR like your idea, such q wrong Is
infamous, ana II ought TO be corrected.
] have not examined the statute bearing on the
case. | wish the lawyers who have looked into
them would prepare bill to meet the new exl-
gency.
Can you not have this done and hand it TO me,
The soonef the better.
should be in Boston till next sunday. Faith
fully yours, CHARLES SUMNER.
TO CELso CAESAR MORENO, Esq, New York.