New-York tribune., 1908-03-16
SICILIANS PROTEST..
FIERY THOUSAND MEET.
Naas Conrictior Intensely Erc'tes
Sneakers and audience.

-s,a i,extinr1isbable antRgonism OF Sicily 70
the Italian government at Rome was aeihoi-
st-sfed Yesterday nt a meeting IN Webster HAN
or about one thousand Siclians, who protested
vigorously and ncisiy against ;le conviction ~
a con,pa--1or ps ofessor Nunzic Nasi, ex-Mnister
OF Pahlic Works and ex-AIirister of Public In
strrlcrior. by tse Italian Senate on the charge
o misi El,,oo-iatng public funds
Tie speakers. I'D there were about dozen OF
them denounced he conviction of Professor Nasi
as political conspiracy. and their further de-
nunciation OF Prime Minister Giolitd and the
Italian government met with vociferous re-
sponses Of Down with tiiolitti:" Down with the
government uttered fIom thousan nd throats.
This WAS The ;one of the entir. meeting, the
spea kers rousing their audience degree OF
excitement not often surpassed at public meet
ing.
Not content with voicing their approval or
disapproyal with misses. cheers applause, men
would rise every few minutes in different parts
the hail and w:th loud voices, accompanied
by elaborate gesticuiations. interrupt speaker
with "Felicmo-- 'Bene,'' again and fire.
auently with bitter denunciation for the alleged
prosecutor of their distinguished statesman.
Nearly every man q large button bearing
q likeness of the former minister and the
American and Italian cc!ors.
The climax was reached when the band played
the Garitsaldi hymn and the ''Narseiilase,' both
songs cf liberty. Then every man in the hall
from his seat and contributed his mite TO
cheer whose volume was tremendous.
DR. Luigi Pane presided. and the principal
orator was ". \. Mercurio, formerly a leading
criminal lawyer OF Naples.
Professor Nasi WAS convicted before the Italian
senate sitting a high court Of justice. of
misappropriating public funds while he was
Minister OF Public Instruction. The charges
he
came a fugitive. going trip around the
world. He returned recently 10 Rome and was
sentenced 10 eleven months imprisonment. The
local fellow Sicians Of Professor Nasi declare
that the conviction was the result Of the ever
alive differences existing between the people of
the north and the south of Italy. and that the
convicted man was the victim OF the persecution
Of Prime Minister Giolitti. his political enemy
The speakers said that Professor Nasi's chief
offence in the eyes of the officials at Rome was
that Of being a Sicilian The offence. if any
had been committed. il said, was purely
technical. for the money which he is charged
with uiss ppropriating was given subsidies by
tho minister 10 help his native Sicily, where he
is an idol OF his people.
Since his conviction, il was said Professor
Nesis native town. Trapani, has been in a con
stant ferment of excitement. and public meetings
are being held daily. at which there is open talk
OF secession
4 cable dispatch OF sympathy and encourage
ment was sent from the meeting yesterday to
Professor Nasi at Rome. IT read:
you who have fought for the humble peo
pie with fairness and the women Of your
home. living IN their present sorrow, We the
Sicilians OF America. gathered in solemn meet
ing extend q word of comfort. hope and protest
Another message vas sent TO the Mayor of
Trapani. demanding justice for Professor Nasi
and for Sicily.
Resolutions signed by all present at the meet
ing will be sent to the Italian government
They denounce the conviction OF Professor Nasi
and express sympathy for the convicted man
and his family.