The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1898-06-16
e-~s-s----
THE BREAD RIOTS IN ITALY.
A Massachusetts Woman's Expert
ences in Milan


ences in Milan.
Abby F. Harris. in Boston Transcript.
1t is one thing to read about the insur
rections and bread riots, but it is quite an
other thing to be in the midst of one of
them. An the large cities in Italy have
suffered more or less from disturbances
among the poorer classes on account of the
rise IN the price of bread. Although this
increase in price is very slight, it is suffi-
Gent for riotous demonstrations that are
always menace to society There is a
dangerous element throughout all italy.
ready on the slightest provocation, and
with the htmsiest excuse, to rise In REBEL
ION against the existing condition of
Things. The municipal authorities have Of
fered assistance to all persons likely to
suffer for bread, but in spite Of this. there
is an element determined to make riotous
resistance until military discipline is en-
forced. The disturbance began In Naples,
and soon spread north to the other large
cities.
On our reaching Milan, May 9, this
Usually busting and enterprising city pre-
sented strange appearance; the railway
station was deserted, all the doors but enc
were closed, not porter carriage or omni-
bus to be seen; the traveller found himself
face to face with the revolutionists who
were kept In allegiance at the gates of the
city by strong military force. After much
delay and great anxiety, conveyances were
obtained to the hotel, where one was hur-
rIedly ushered in through the one small
door left unbarred. The streets were prac-
tically deserted; all the stores and houses
were closed and barred Mounted soldiers
with drawn eabers patrolled the streets:
armed foot soldiers took the place of the
ordinary policemen; groups of excited men
and women were talking In subdued tones
until approached by the soldiers, whose or
ders were peremptory-"Move onv'-whlle
all waited in GREATNESS expectation to hear
the progress of fighting at the gates. Five
mounted armed soldiers rode rapidly
through the streets. announcing the APP
proach of the troops with some of the cap
tured insurgents. There was a stampede,
the few doors left open were hastily closed,
anxious lookers-on ran to a secure place
awaiting the approach of the troops. Soon
there appeared the formidable cavalcade-
200 cavalrymen armed to the teeth, and SIS
many foot soldiers as well armed, appeared
with 200 or more prisoners, chained and
handcuffed, on their way to the prison.
1t was a sight never, to be forgotten, and
brought forcibly to mind all the horrors of
war. The Gathering of the horses hoofs,
the steady tramp of the soldiers and pris-
oners, mingled with the clanking of chains,
struck terror to the hearts of all who
heard it, The prisoners were a logged,
been more melted to violence by the incen-
diary speeches of men of socialistic tenden-
cies. Two of the newspapers had been
promptly suppressed, and the editors, who
had expressed sympathy with the rioters
were arrested. We found that all trains
were forbidden to leave the city, tele-
graphic communications were carefully ex-
amined, mails were held, and every other
precaution was taken to prevent the
spreading of the news, for fear that aid
might be sent to the insurgents In a few
hours 10000 troops were in the city; the
Cathedral and the Kings palace were
strongly guarded, notices were posted
throughout the city and everybody await
ed breathlessly the outcome of the dis
turbance. No violence was done within the
city, although al the time fears were en-
tertained that the railway station, in close
proximity TO Porta Ticinese where the
greater part of the fighting occurred,
might be attacked. Several hundred were
killed and wounded, and during the greater
part of the afternoon large military wa
CONS, covered with canvas, conveyed the
dead and wounded to the morgue or the
hospital. On the morning of the 10th
stores and houses were opened, but the
city was still under military rule. The
riot assumed a more dangerous aspect in
Milan than elsewhere, as 1t began on the
7th of May. AS soon as the riot broke out
there were several strikes declared; In
fact, all the workmen Of the city were on
a strike which added 10 the horrors of the
situation. The rioters attacked horse cars
going out of the city and piled up heavy
barrieades TO prevent the cavalry from rid
ing Much damage was done to the cleo
trio plant
There shot doubt that the condition
Of the poorer classes in Italy is deplorabie
for they are taxed for the common neces-
stiles OF life. Salt is a great luxury; not
only are the people obliged to pay salt
tax, but are strictly forbidden TO dIstiIl
sea water, under penalty of heavy fines.
The belief is current that serious trouble
may yet arise and that the question Of
bread is only an excuse for the rising of
the poorer classes against a system of I'M
Just and oppressive taxation.