New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-10-11
Columbus Day
Why Il Should Be Celebrated With
Enthusiasm by Americans

To the Editor OF Inc tribune.
Sir: Four hundred and twenty-five yehr'
ago. on October II, was the beginning OF the
exploration and creation of the American M
ton II was the conviction. courage and de-
termination of Christopher Columbus inc
Italian navigator, which made possible the
discovery of the land, the country, IN whIch
we all live and which we love so dearly
As real true Americans, we. the uncompro-
missing ard unconquerable champions of civil
ization, democracy and humanity, must cele-
hrate Columbus Day, October II, in the proper
spirit and in betting way All oil US
should display from our homes and public
buildings beside the flag of the United States
tie national colors Of Italy.
There are many reasons why we Americans
should applaud, admire and honor more thah
ever the great country from which this eN-
n,orer came. No words can express and no
money or gifts can pay back for what ltaiy
has done and is now doing for civillzatioh'
ard we have much to be thankful for 70 the
Italians of our community and OF our
acquaintance. but still more to Italy as ma
ton and to the great Italians of history
In science, in art, in architecture, IN PM
losophy in literature and IN music ltaiy
stands foremost, and all through the ages
Italy has given such men as Michael Angelo,
Leonardo. Dante, Garibald, Cavour, Mazzlni'
Verdi, Ferrero, etc Even at the present day
one Of the most valuable contributions to our
modern requirements. the wireless telegraph,
vas invented by Marconi. an Italian.
The present war is great lesson of ltaly's
INCONSISTENCIES. Terrible war is. ana a.,
vastly as it is deplored the best justification
for her entry into the war of democracy
against imperialism and Kaiserism is the
feet that under present conditions the con-
fict is not an ordinary one, but involves so
much against humanity and civilization that
70 nation, no matter how tlmid or small, can
be neutral and preserve its selfrespect and
honor. This identical situation prompted this
great country of ours to wage war against
Germany.
Berlin processes to be sorry for Italy, and
there is prediction that Venice and Milan
will meet the same fate as Louvain and Ant
werp. But the German plans and boastings
are TO be disregarded, as Germany has again
deceived itself AS to the probable effect OF
Italian Intervention in this great worlds war
for the preservation and continuance OF de-
mocracy and civilization.
Italy is doing her bit not only abroad. but
many of her sons here are under Old Glory.
At this time Italy has attempted the greatest
offensive ever thrown against any front
The Italians will land In Berlin by way OF
Vienna.
Italy has no doubt nor has any of us, of the
ultimate result of this struggle, and In the
fruits of civilization the whole world will
profit and share; but if Italy had failed TO
intervene and sided with the Kaiser and his
allies probably the whole course OF history,
the whole character of humanity and civiliza-
ton, would have changed. But Italy has done
the proper, honorable and just thing.
Let US, therefore, not be prejudiced against
the Italians in our country, but be fair and
Just, paying our respects, honoring and glori-
flying the name of that great Italian, Christie
pher Columbus, and celebrate the day set
aside as holiday r his honor in the proper
spirit. FRANK +. BOONORA,
Executive Member. Italian-Amercan Citi-
zens' Association.
Brooklyn, Oct s, 1917.