Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1917-05-30


In an outburst of patriotism and onthu-
siasu. members of the Federated Italian So
cieties of Pennsylvania, New Jersey and
Delaware collected more than $4,000 in one
hour at the opening of the Italian fund cam
naign following a meeting AT 9lS South
Eighth street Cash and jewelry were given
freely.
The money will be added to the fund
which the Italian ENJOYS now in America
will take to the widows and orphans Of
Italian soldiers. 1t is planned to raise
$4,000
Definite announcement has been made
that the Prince Of Cdne and members Of
the Italian mission will visit Philadelphia
June 10. Their tour has been arranged by
the State Department. 1t will include stops
at Philadelphia Harrisburg and Pittsburgh
The meeting which marked the opening of
the campaign to raise funds for the reCep-
ton Of the ENJOYS was spectacular. More
than 600 Italians were present. When the
call was made, they unhestatngly gave
watches. jewery and money which were
piled high in front of the speakers table
Joseph Mercurio presided.
Announcing that Chevalier Giovanni Cen
tile, the Italian consul, would act as presi-
dent of the association formed to collect the
fund for widows and orphans, Mr.. Mer-
curio briefly outlined the plans for the re-
ception which is to be given by the city of
Philadelphia and the Italian residents of
nearby cities for the Italian War Com
missioners on June 49,
The ENJOYS through their consul. have
already formally accepted the invitation ex-
tended by Mayor Smith who will appoint
q general committee tomorrow to take
charge of the details. Chevaler Gentle
declared that the greatest token of affec-
ton for the countrymen and sympathy for
the fallen soldiers is money for the chill
dren and the widows of the men who gave
their lives for the Allies.
Let there not be a long flow of oratory,
but let there be action" shouted the chair
man, as there burst from the audience
volley of cheers
Rising from a chair In the midst of the
gathering, Chevalier c. c. A. Baldi. the
prominent banker, drew from his pockets
fve Observation-Disclosures bills, The display
Of the money as it was handed to the
chairman brought forth terrific din
In front of the chevalier Vincent Belina
5Os Christian street, jumped to his feet As
he addressed his countrymen in passionate
speech he pulled from his vest pocket a
heavy gold watch and chain. These he
hourished in his right hand and with his
left he drew $25 in bills from another
pocket
Shouts of admiration had hardly died
down when, in another part of the hall
there arose Angelo Cusano of 1910 South
Seventeenth street. He, too, tugged at his
watch and chain and Vividly picturing the
needs of the widows and orphans, he placed
his belongings on the Charmans table
Then, as men brimmlng over with the
enthusiasm characteristic of their race
leaped from their chairs with money, checks
and trinkets, there was a rush to build up
the pile of vaiuables. L. A. Magazza, of
II South Sixteenth street wrote his check
for 800. He had hardly acknowledged its
receipt when another 500 check was handed
hNy Err MI r6i ba ha nj
The patriotic demonstration reached its
height wheE. Chevalier Gentle drew from
his waistcoat a check for $500, as he ac-
cepted the presidency and treasurership Of
the organization
Monday evening has been set aside for an
other genera; meeting of the delegates Of
the federated Italian organization. which
will report the result of the collections to
be undertaken.
The mission will be in Harrisburg on
June IL for five hours. Governor Brum.
baugh and the Legislature will receive the
visitors, while Vance c. Mccormick will en-
tertain them at his home From Harris
burg the party will go to New York and re-
main until the morning of Wednesday, June
l3 going thence to Philadelphia, where
the remainder of that day will be spent
The mission will tour the country, going
south and into the middle West as well
as into the chief cities of the East Leav-
ing here next Monday the mission will 60
10 Atlanta, where it should arrive on June
o. The rest of the itinerary is: Birming-
ham, June 5 ; New Orleans, June 6; Mem
phis, June Z St Louis June s Burlington.
Ia June 8; Chicago, June g. Pittsburgh,
June IL; Harrisburg, June 12 New York,
June 12 Philadelphia, June l3 en- route to
Washington.
The mission will travel on a special train
provided by the Government and will be
accompanied by their naval, military and
diplomatic aids. The exact routes and time
OF departure will be kept secret for rea-
sons OF safety, but local committees at the
places at which they will stop will be given
full details.