Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1894-09-04
csmnunicaiion Concerning Italian Element.

To the Editor Of the Kepne5ee Journal:
Dear Sir-I will say a few words re
gardipg the Italian element in This country
If you will but grant me q space in YOU
distinguished periodical.
Very little in honor of that element il
said here aud in other neighboring states b,
local papers, and if a word or two have
been deservingly published in their favor
it was always done with considerable reser
vation.
Therefore, depending on your kind dis
position to publish my present letter, l de-
sire to explain brief reason why the Ital
ians in this country should be esteemed
equally with any other element
We may say there are two classes oil
them here, one composed of business men
and artists, the other composed of hard
laboring men that are no less good-hearted
than the others.
The former class should say gives evi.
dence Of capable telligence rival of any
other. They are well educated. We should
wish to be among them in Boston and other
large cities TO conceive the right opinion oil
them, as in fact Americans of notable class
esteem them very much, the latter gaining
thereby the cor sideration ard merit they
deserve.
Most of the latter class, probably not so
well educated as the former, come to this
country with the illusion that here for
tune could be made very easily. But soon
that illusion proves to be chimera. Igne-
rant of the English language. consequently
at the mercy of the first conner who would
offer them work for living. A vile con-
tractor employs them with the promise of
excellent wages, they are led blindly here
and there, treated cruelty and soon out of
their friends prote ction. Working very hard
is their lot, and the conclusion of a long,
hard labor is paid them by the surprising
absence of the contractor or padrone who
briggs away the result of their sweats. In
a few words the men are remorselessly
robbed and thrown in dismal restitution and
want.
Now it is plainly evident how these men
are confined to every priyation. Weary
after long days work they should be ex-
cused if they cannot take all the necessary
cares of themselves. cite this sentence
owing to the fact that in the JOURNAL of
the 9th inst, read: "These camps are
an interesting place to visit and no one but
an Italian could live as they do, cleanliness
being somewhat of an unknown feature to
their living" That Augusta man returned
f,om Branch Mills visiting the camps, and
from whose tongue these words were spoken,
i, probably ignorant Of having in
directly accused whole nation, and
if he premeditated the total accusation
will say he knows nothing about Italy
aud the Italians. 1t is well known how
these people are fond Of good living and
cleanliness, which proves the erroneous
opinion of that man, and, Furthermore, the
inspection Of camp consisting of hard
working men, for making thereafter theo-
ries and criticism on cleanliness and mode
of living, is unworthy of intelligence and
respect due to everything that requires good
judgment.
There are, Of course, disciples of evil in
all countries, though do not see why a
whole nation should be criticised upon fol-
lies committed by a few scoundrels now
and then. I would close that argument
with saying that law should exist in favor
of all kind of honest laborers, to protect
them from the abuse and cruelty of OPP
pressing contractors, think it would be a
piece of good justice.
Italy has reached its oath year of indie
pendent reign, from the time of Austrian
invaders and temporal power Of the popes.
This length of time has given us evidence
of almost an inaccessible progress. Free
institutions, education, literature and arts
are again extending there in gigantic
strides. No more despotism and foreign
tyrants to close the eyes of the people to
education, consequently to patriotism and
liberty. II "Bel Baese" of the Roman
Caesars, of Dante, of Christopher Colum-
bus, Calico and Garibaldi, stands today
among the greatest nations of the earth,
and in the new era for that country is be-
ginning with promises of prosperous
future, we will also witness that the in
telligence and character of the Italian
people will win sympathy and the esteem
of the whole civilized world.
The American citizenship among the
Italians in this country is taking very ex-
tenslve improvement and increase. Italian
papers all over the Union are encouraging
this step. That shows the conscientious
| d bit they owe to the country of their adop-
ton. Much as the regard they nourish for
the mother country, America is sacred
name to them. They are at the polls ar.
IDENTIFY casting their votes in time of cleo
ton, and all this stands to reason why they
should be looked upon as people of merit
| and not as ssDagos, an epithet such as low
| minded men make use of for an insult.
America owes good deal of her pro.
gress in sculpture and other nice arts to
Italy, and all good Italians are DESTROYS and
anxious to see permanent and most friendly
relations between the two countries.
| Nick j. GHILARDUCCI.
| az Mo