The herald., 1895-03-27
A CASE OF DIVIDED ITALY
Dissension in the Colony In This City About
Meeting

A few days ago the Herald published
an account of meeting of Italians to
form Benevolent Society. Mr.. Ugo
Paladini, editor of L'Ecodella Colonia
in the last issue of his highly appreciated
journal, publishes the following sil ne |
statement:
In some American newspapers of this
city l have read an article about certain
election that took place last Sunday in the
Sala della Bencficenza on Buena Vista
street.
have always entertained the highest
consideration for my American colleagues,
and it is my purpose to elucidate the
facts so as to show how they have al
lowed themselves to be mystifed.
None of them had any idea that last
Sunday would have witnessed mighty
gathering of the Italian colony in the
Sala della Beneicenza Italiana. and conse-
quently there was no reporter present
Although | cannot quite prove it, l am
pretty certain that it is the case.
On Monday some one took the trouble
to call at the offices of several of the
papers to tell them the story we read in
them, and he was believed.
The account appeared of itself so genu-
inc. so simple. that | without hesitation
dare say would Just as easily have fallen
in the trap. But it is never too late to
mend; therefore l come to the front to
face an argument that in the name OF
morality and good common sense, must
be made clear. 1t has been said that last
Sunday at an enthusiastic gathering of
the colony, q provident com mittee for the
poor had been elected.
The Italian people had been notified
six days beforehand to meet in the Sala
della Beneficenza n order to:
First-Nominate committee to whose
care should be entrusted the welfare of
our countrymen in this city.
Second-Take preliminary steps to or
ganize picnic for the first Sunday in
June. The net profits of this picnic were
to be devoted to the relief OF the poor.
The suggestion was indeed good one.
and warmly approved of it in my paper
not only, but l put forth all my energy
to incite my countrymen to give proof
of their generosity.
I was in hopes that all would proceed
fairly, but soon | was compelled to state
that the word Beneficence was simply a
mark under which were hidden the de-
vouring flames of personal ambition.
The facts, as they took place last Sun
day, amply testify the statement.
The meeting wa. not enthusiastic, as
enormously given out; it was, in fact, Il
threatening one. The hurrahs and the
jeers were insistent and the excitement
ran high.
Frauds have been detected in the cleo
tlOn ana all manner OF III edH eXpeulenUS
were brought to bear. Strangers cast
their votes. and duplicates were the order
of the day.
These are not imaginary assumptions,
but are the report of two of the judges
presidingp over the returns of the election
(let it be noted that there were four
judges) Messrs. Giuseppe Fiaccarni and
Arthur Fava. Their reports are publish
ed in the present number and can be veri-
fed.
Messrs. Secondo Guasti Ferdinando
Bessolo and G. Maggetti. all of them ex
tremely sensitive of their regulations,
having noticed their names published in
the election list. have rendered their resig
nation to the Italian colony, with a nobE.
and dignified letter. which is also prb
lished in the present number. And, as if
this were not sufficient, what will we say
of the 800 Italians who have signed their
names in solemn protest against such
elections?
Dear colleagues. I leave it to you to
Judge in this matter. Your fairness
and your acuteness will reveal the truth
of the matter and l beg you to signify
with your answer whether the elections
that took place last Sunday in the Sala
della Beneticenza were legal or not.
Ugo Paladini,
Editor of the Il Eco della Colonia.
Wall paper at Eckstroms, 324 $. Spring St