The sun., 1908-04-26

occupied by lines Of soldiers, while the
cavalry held the squares and guarded the
bridges aoross tho Tber
The appearance OF Rome during the two
days that the strike lasted was dsrnal in
the extreme, The foreign tourists and
visitors who now crowd the city for the
sights Of Holy Week we're alarmed at the
display of troops and remained shut up
in hotels, not considering it safe to ven
ture out. A great many OF them left the
city carrying their own luggage 10 the
station, as no cabs could be had for love
or money The streets we're deserted
and only tho Piazza del Ges1 was crowded
by the mob watching the blood stains on
the pavement.
But everything in Italy, and especially
at Rome. ends well provided full vent is
given TO sentiment. The flowers md
lighted candles round the blood stains on
the pavement were evidently not enough
to express sympathy with the men who
attempted to kill policemen and we're shot
just in the nick Of time. Some manifes-
tation on a larger scale. worthy Of Rome,
dogma di Roma they said, was needed
A popular procession was proposed
The organizers assured the Chief OF
Police that II the procession was allowed
the strike would be over within twenty
four hours, and the Chief Of Police, who
ia practical man, allowed II, Accordingly
the procession was held.
II wasScomposed Of about 5000 persons.
They started from the Coliseum and
marched 10 the cemetery carrying wreaths
and hagB-red and black. Of course-snd
surrounded by soldiers and policemen
with loaded rifles. The cemetery was
surrounded by cavalry ready to charge.
Speeches we're made, the wresths we're
placed on the cofins Of the victims, and
the procession dispersed peacefully.
Let US attack the troops shouted an
anarchist; -the dead are dead and we must
avenge them!' Nobody paid any atten-
tion to this short speech except a pick
pocket who deftly stole the anarchists
watch, 80 the would be leader OF the
assault cried "You are towards and thievesl'
while the police we're dragging him TO prison.
The strike ended, and as far as outward
appearances are concerned 1t seems already
to have been forgotten. But in time the
200 anarchists arrested will be released,
and they may happen TO follow another
funeral and seek under the shelter OF
corpse to attack and ovcrpower the police.
There is an old man in Rome who is a
great friend OF mine. He sells post cards
to foreigners, and in the conviction that
| am not foreigner and therefore one Of
his customers he exchanges condolences
with me during the season and asks'ior
pennies during the summer when the city
Is empty and no purchasers OF post cards
are to be four d.
He came up to me yesterday and asked
for aims. expressed surprise and re-
marked that the season was in full fling
and he never begged when he could work
The strike has ruined me, signorino mio,'
he said -Ihave not sold single card since
Thursday
So gave him the penny. He thanked
me and said in a whisper after assuring
himself that nobody was near enough to
listen:
Il am sorry, sigporino, that the soldiers
shot high. 1t was me only chance they
had to suppress all these dogs Of anarchists
who provoke strikes and ruin poor old men
like me-
But then the old man is conservative.