The Dawson news. (Dawson, Ga.) 1889-current, 1894-02-21

Iana owners Inc speclal government CON-
missioner for the public welfare, Director
General Sensalez, has openly declared that
the condition of the Sicilian agriculturists
and peasants is scandalous and worse than
that of any other country in the world.
1t was while the misery was at its height
few years ago that the brilliant lawyer,
since deputy and now imprisoned, Felice,
began to sow the seed of socialism among
the disconnected population. He is gifted
with fiery eloquence and indomitable
courage and is true champion for the OPP
pressed classes. Though the authorities
time and again tried to convict him for
spreading revolutionary propaganda, he al
ways managed to free himself on account
of his thorough knowledge of the law. He
found Sicily the most fertile field for his
teachings and travelled necessarily from
place to place, speaking to the people and
urging them to show their manhood in re-
sisting the infamous taxation to which
they were subjected. He often went dis
guised as priest for fear Of being arrested.
He is looked upon as Garibaldi, though
of a different stamp.
1t is through his efforts that the various
labor unions number today over OO,OOO
men. The movement is socialistic, though
only the leaders have a comprehensive
knowledge of theoretical socialism. The
ignorance in Sicily is something appalling.
OF population of 100000 fully four ffths
are unable to read or write. For these 1g-
norant masses socialism is a veritable Cos
pei, which they blindly believe and EN-
brace with all the southern ardor and i'm
petuosity. The dream of an ideal commu-
nifty where there would be neither rich nor
poor, and above all no tax leeches," and
where they might for once get a square
meal, is what has caused them tC rebel.
They abandoned the church when the
church abandoned them. They must have
religion. Socialism is now theirs.
By far the most powerful impetus to this
movement is given by the women. They
are almost ferocious in their enthusiasm
and embrace their new religion with fer
vor that knows no bounds. They are the
most eloquent and fearless speakers, preach
ing war against the tax tyrants' and the
rich. They know no fear and throw them
selves between their men and the bayonets
of the soldiers during the numerous riots.
When a socialist leader comes to country
pl e, the women strew flowers before him
and strive for the privilege OF kissing his
hand.
Originally concentrating their power on
the municipal elections, which they vlrtu-
ally control in Catania, Alcamo, Aragona
and elsewhere, these workmen and peasant
organizations have gradually developed
into openly revolutionary societies, with
Equality and Flight against capital and
present government" inscribed on their ban
ners.
The all powerful central committee IN
Palermo which is in close connection with
the headquarters of the Italian labor party
in Milano consists of nine members, three
for Palermo and one for each of the SIX
other provinces The chief leader is Carl
baldi Bosco, only 81 years old, but splen-
did organizer and orator. He Is the right
hand of FeIice, and like the latter, indie
fatigabe in his efforts to bring about a
complete revolution in the present system
of taxation and for the elevation OF the
common classes.
In case this central committee should be
arrested it has a secret reserve committee
to call upon in such emergency. All mem
bers of the various societies have common
sign and password, and their organization
is so complete that to mobilize their forces
takes less time than is necessary for the
regular soldiers. They have a secret police
which keeps the committees posted on the
doings of the authorities Communism is
one of their fundamental principles. If a
member suffers any loss, the rest make 1t
good Immediately. The organization has
opened evening schools and gives It's mem