The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-04-06

The Italian residents CT Washington,
TO the number of about 200. crowded the
lodge room OF the Italian Society in Marble
Hall last night, to protest against the
language of Commissioner john B. Wight
in the police investigation before
subcommittee of the Senate, in which
he reflected uron the integrity of the
Italians Of the District in connection with
the Irish and the colored people.
Barretto Gandito called the meeting to
order, and briefly stated that it's object
Vas to formulate protest against the
aspersions cast upon their countrymen
by Commissioner John B. Wight. By
motion S. A. Pessagno was chosen
chairman of the meeting and a. Chicca
was made secretary.
The chairman, S. A. Pessagno, presented
formal address, protesting against
Commissioner Nights words. which was
discussed at some length and unanimously
adopted. The address follows:
We. the Italian American residents of
Washington, have unanimously decided
this day, at a mass meeting. to call the
special and urgent attention of the local
superior authorities. and, in particular,
that of the President OF the United States,
TO the most savage and cruel manner in
which We have been treated by Mr.. John
B. Wight, District Commissioner. This
unfortunate and ungrateful man has the
audacity to say that with all Kindness
but | state it as a fact the Italian resi-
dents in this city are a disgrace to the
Capital. Well does Mr.. Wight know
nd is hp al IN list ,icbf no
between the Italians. Arabs. Armenians.
Greeks, etc. all of which are called
dagos. Is Mr.. Wight. with all his kind
ness and cleverness. trying to judge all
the people by figure and dress?
''The Italians in the city of Washington are
Italians in the city OF Washington are
not 500. but from reliable sources We
certify there are al least 1000. good, hon
est end hard working Italian people here,
obedient and sincere citizens. and loyal
to the flag Of their adopted country. Why
does he not come out fairly and squareiy
and tell the truth? Any man with COM
mon sense, without any trouble, by exam
lining the criminal records will easily
find out that the Italians are not by any
means inhabiting the prisons of the Dis
trict. 1t is painful to us to say. with
all our kindness that Mr.. Wight disgraces
himself shamefuIly before the eyes OF all
the people of the District in CHASING the
Italians as criminals.
He says that the Italians are n dis
grace to the city. Let us inform the
malicious attack, the appointment of DR..
J. J. Girimonde. an Italian by birth, a
man OF eminent learning. and who has
rendered great services to the Republic
can cause. was confirmed by the Senate to
the most important consulate in Santos,
Brazil.
I'VE persistently denounce as a narrow,
minded fellow the present I'M
grateful and incapable District Commits
sioner John B. Wight.
We ask ali the Italians united here this
evening to protest in the most earnest
manner against this man. who has taken
for his motto injustice and ingratitude.'
After the reading of the address in Eng
lish G. Verde read it in Italian, so that all
present might understand its purport. The
adoption Of the address was then formally
moved and the discussion by tho5e present
began. The speeches were all in Italian,
but were interpreted to The Times reporter
through the courtesy of p. \. Radiee and
CostanZo Cevimele.
Barretto Gandito was the first speaker.
He declared that in all public work the
Italians were treated worse than the ne
groes. As laborers they could not be EN-
ployed on such buildings. and yet when t
came TO the finishing touches of artistic
decoration the genius of Italy was called in !
Neither negro nor American could carve
the statue or put on the fresco that made |
such buildings beautiful. This Mr.. Wight |
seems 10 have forgotten or never to have |
known.
f. A. Borini then spoke in favor OF the /
He denounced in scathing termE !
the reflections east upon the Italian people |
Jf Washington in CHASING them with men |
worse than 'safe-crackers.' The language
Df Mr.. wight in the committee room OF the |
Capitol was declared unworthy Of q ban !
litti chief at drunken bout Of his fol- |
lowers in the Italian mountains. The least |
hey could do, said Signor Borini was to |
vote fer the address, and let Americans |
know the deep resentment felt by their |
Italian fellow citizens.
Celso Caesar Moreno was repeatedly |
;alled upon to speak. but excused himself
IN the ground Of indispostion.
F. Bargagni spoke briefly, saying that
man who could ignoranGy or otherwise
make use OF such language regarding
portion of the citizens was not worthy 10
hold high Office
p. A. Radice explained that he and two
lr three others had been stirred by what
work TO cali last nights meeting. They
lad secured the room, sent ont motto 5.
and were pleased at so large an attend
lnce.
Signor Radice expressed the hope that
he address CT the chairman would be
adopted
Salvador Verde, according to the inter-
prefer. delivered the speech of the even
ng He held his countrymen spellbound
bsa in hn al Tf-If 10,
language the Indignation he felt at tie
Unjust estimate OF the Italian American as
et forth in the Commissioner words. He
declared that Mr. Wights estimate OF the
italians OF the District was an insult to
he colony. He reminded his hearers that
he man who discovered America vas an
Italian. who sacrificed his life in the IN s.
lion VI On which he went. Signor Verde
aid he keenly felt the thrust OF being
ingled out Of this cosmopolitan reputation
f the Capital City and branded as rim
nal. 1t was for such injustice, he de-
Jared, that Garibaldi went to war. acd
hat the Italian statesmen laboTed so long
0 achieve the unity of the mother ccun-
~. The manner of it was worse than the
hing ITSELF said the speaker. and he
Ikened the insult to the italian name to
he stiletto which cuts deep and leaves
% visible wound
There were many cries OF bravo" ard
luch applause as Salvador Verde took hi
eat The adoption of the address was
hen put to vote. and passed without dis
enting voice, after which the meeting ad-
burned.
Signor Pessagno explained to The Times
eporter that the Italian people would let
he matter OF Commissioner Wight's re-
noval from Office rest with the protest
Ihieh had been adopted. 1t was net