Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1917-05-28
ITALY RENEWs PLEDGE
At TOMB OF WASHINGTON
Swears to Fight Until Liberties OF
Free Nations Have Been
Made Safe.
SPOKESMAN is PRINCE OF UDINE
Members OF War Mission Bring
Bronze Wreath, Which Now Rests
Beside Those Of France and Brit
ain at Feet of Americas Hero.

WASHINGTON. May "7.-Before the
tomb OF Washington. Italy to-day re-
newed her pledge TO fight until the
end.
Carrying revcrenuy to the .Amcri-
can shrine at Mount Vernon a bronze
wreath such AS Rome once placed upon
her heroes graves. Ferdinando. Prince
Of Udine. paid the simple tribute of an
allied people
In the name OF my august cousin.
the King Of Italy" he said. as the
wreath Of oak leaves and laurel.
crowned by the star OF Savoy, was
placed within the tomb. II wish solemn
ly TO declare in this place sacred to
the American nation that We shall
never lay down our arms until our
liberty and the liberties of the people
who arc suffering with us shall be
rendered safe against all surprises and
all violence, and al the same time.
affirm once more that our victory
must be that of progress and justice"
Under cloudless sky the royal
Ita lian mission made the pilgrimage TO
Washngton's tomb as guests Of Sec
rotary of the Navy Daniels. on the
presidential yacht Mayhower They
were accompanied by members and
women of the Cabinet, representatives
of the army and navy and the Portu-
guese and Cuban ministers
NOW RESTS BESIDE THOSE
OF FRANCE AND GREAT BRITAIN
The wreath. cast in bronze by the
Kings order in Rome. was brought
across thc sea TO its final resting place
beside those of France and Great Brit
ain at the foot of the grave. Up the
steep walk to the tomb it was carried
by special platoon from the warship
which brought Italy's cnvoys TO
America
After the Prince of Udine had spoken,
Guglielmo Marconi, wireless wizard.
wearing the uniform of lieutenant
commander of the Italian navy. ex-
pressed again the thought which Italy
would bring to the consciousness OF
.\merica--the thought of fellowship.
The fellowship in America is dear
and welcome to all the allies" he said.
speaking in English as had the prince.
Italians and Americans both have had
TO fight and fight hard TO-. their rights
and independence.
Millions of Italians have enjoyed the
hospitality OF America, have con-
tributcd by their labor TO its develop-
ment and have been able to appreciat tc
its freedom. That is why we desired
to come to this historic spot TO do
honor TO the memory of your great
soldier and statesman, mLo although
he was first in war, was also first in
peace and first in the hearts Of his
countrymcn
ADDRESSES, IN ENGLISH,
ENTHUSIASTICALLY APPLAUDED
Both made their addresses in English
and were applauded enthusia stically
Secretary Daniels. AS host to the party
on the trip down the river on the
presidential yacht Mayflowcr intro
duced the speakers.
II was the first time any member of
the Italian royal house had ever Wis
tied Mount Vernon. and the first time
for many years that a European prince
had entered the tomb of Washington.
AS The yacht approached the landing
al Mount Vernon, buEler sounded
taps" and all members OF tho party
stood respectfully along the rail- the
ficers saluting.
The Prince OF Cdine entered the tomb,
his head barred. and stood at salute
as the wreath was placed The prince
then addressed tho assembled party.
I'VE come to-day, upon Il devout pill
grimagc TO the tomb of your great
national hero" he said "'The wreath,
which we have come 10 lay upon it,
and which we have brought from Rome
is such az used to be offered TO Roman
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