Weekly journal-miner., 1919-09-17
RULE SANS RULE IS TROUBLING
 ITALY NOW

ROME, Sept. 9-Intermittent and sporadic strikes. which have pro. suced throughout Italy conditions 1T some instances aproximating Bolshe. vism, in others kind of socialism and in still others localized anarchy, have given Italian political econom- mists and statesmen new spurs to study and remedial action
 There has been rule without rule" according to foreign observers. The government agencies long established for the administration of public af- fairs existed bst failed to function Municipal authorities, communal of fcials and representative of the state admitted they were helpless to deal with the unusual situations which rendered inactive the prerogatives of those in power. Striking workmen forced demands upon a helpless com mercial class, it is pointed out, while the authorities merely looked on in obedience to the will of the disturb CTS"
 The organizations throughout Italy that planned the newest depart ure m governmental and economic administration were styled Camera iel Lavero. A literal translation would define them as Chambers of Labor but their functions went much beyond the province of labor, as one ordinarily conceives that province. and extended so far that prices were arbitrarily fixed and the sale of com modities ordered
 The merchant seems to have been he one who suffered most by the adventure" His stocks were com nandered by the Camera del Lavero, he did not show the disposition to sell at the prices fixed by that or ganization Tn nose cases the ar oitrary reduction of 50 per cent was exacted on all commodities regard less Of the cost Of the goods, the con- iitionl of the market or the rate oi foreign exchange or any of the fac tors which determine selling prices There were examples of forced re- luctions as low as 70 per cent, but these were few.
 The Camera del Lavoro would sci he day on which the new scale oi prices would take effect. Some oi he merchants refused 10 open their loors but there were worse things n readiness for them. Those stores opened were crowded with people anxious to benefit by the change There never was such business in any )t the merchant establishments oi Ltaly. Every store keeper needed lG 50 slodiers or policemen to keep he crowd in order There was such rush for bargains that, in many places, the situation quickly changed O violent disorder in which many in- iocent women and children were either trampled upon or received painful handling by the mobs.
 In the case of food, there was little to be done but to hand the ready GUS toners the product for which they ,sked. Canned meats could, be handed put without much trouble Wine, which Is no luxury in Italy, was sold at considerable reduction, Sl ilasks going in many cases for Is cents. Wine could be easily handled and sold So could vegetables and fruits and the usual table products.
 But when it came to the distribu- ion of clothing and shoes. the real trouble began. While the clothing establishments did not receive as much a rush as the shoe establish ments. they were crowded enough and the scramble for proper sizes and fittings was veritable catch-as- catch can. The attempts of the sales men and saleswomen of the shops to serve patrons was a failure, and they contented themselves merely with receiving the small cash pay ments that were made by the bargain hunters