The New York herald. [volume] (New York, N.Y.) 1920-1924, 1920-10-03
IdealiSm Dominant
In Fumes Charter
Full Copy of D'Annunzio's Constitution
Reaches Here and Reveals Last Word
in Theories About Human Rights
By WILLIAM J. GUARD.

Bay, the northeastern termination of the
Adriatc Sea, upon which the whole worlds
attention was localized by its virtual seizure
ard occupation a year ago from last Mon
day by Italy's aviator warrior legislator
poet, Gabrielle d'Annunzio, and band Of
some 5000 or 5000 adventurous youths who
technically deserted the regular italian
Army to enroll themselves as DAnnunzo's
Legionaries OF Fiume of Italy, read on the
walls poster which said
A Poster on Fumes Walls.
THE Commandante this evening at the
Teatro Fenice, will have the honor to read
to the people the text of the draft of q new
plan of organization of the Free State OF
Fiume. Thus the citizens will be enabled
to learn by the word of mouth of the Com
mandante the terms of the promised project,
which afterward will be submitted to exam
ination and approval of the city authorities.
Needless to say that Commandante is the
title by which Fumes Chief of State is
known-a title, by the way, which, while it
may invite the sneers of his enemies Is
gloried in by his followers and admirers.
All Fiume turned out that Monday even
Ing August 80. but 1t was only small part
OF the crowd that could get into the theatre,
although It holds 1000. Commandante
d'Annunzio's appearance evoked the usual
demonstration of enthusiasm. which was re-
newed when he concluded his Introductory
remarks with the words:
For Fiume of Italy! For its annexation
soon or later! For the Regency of Car
naro. Alala!"
incidentally "Alala!" is the rebel yell" Of
the D'Annunzfo Legionares. When or how
1t originated don't know. for nobody could
tell me- It is due probably to spontaneous
emotional combustion.
Then came the important business of the
evening--the public disclosure of the text
Of the proposed constitution constitution
which IL had been forecast was to be the
very last word, the most advanced, the most
antico- m oderno, the most progressively lib
erai the most utilitorio- idedltsttc, most con-
servative -radical-in word, the very der
nier cri in constitutions!
For only a few months ago, when I had
the interesting opportunity to visit Fiume
and talk with Commandante D'Annunzio In
the beautiful palace where formerly Austro-
Hungarian governors ruled representa-
lives of the fallen Hapsburg dynasty, did not
our Hero, who has discarded the laurel and
the Tyre for the Senatorial toga, remark
with a smile:
II have great faith in the constitution
which / am sketching. because j have out
lined 1t both to a Bolshevik and to a Pesce-
cane Citerally n shark or dog fsh), as
we italians call our 'profiteers.' Both gave
II their approval! What more could or
any one else ask?'
copy of D'Annunzio's eagerly awaited
constitution has just arrived in New York,
sent by the poet-statsman's most eloquent
and effective proponent In Italy, Benito
Mussolini the editor of the PopoIo dTtdlid
of Milan. Every now and then some one or
other of the States of Union decides
that II needs new constitution and forth
with proceeds to draft one For this reason,
II for no other. II may be worth while briefly
TO summarize the articles Of this thoroughly
up to date document, conceived and cast
:rto legal form by Italy's greatest living
literary genius, who certainly has demon
s;rated to the world that he is quite as brave
aerial warrior he Is daring in his
flights of imagination.
4 The D'Annunzio constitution first of all
proclaims the basis OF the State, which is to
be known the italian Regency of the
C&rnaro which with the free city of Fiume"
and the sovereign people centre, shall in
clude all its railroads and the entire port
to which may be added such adjacent COM
munes. naval and maritime and such islands
whose traditions indicate their Italianism as
desire to unite with the newly formed State.
The Government shall be a Government OF
the people-a true res popuH-involving the
largest possible liberty in its most varied
forms "as 1t understood and enjoyed,
says the text, ''in the four glorious centuries
OF Fumes life as a Commune"
The sovereignty Is recognized and confirmed
by all citizens without regard of SEX, race
language, social or other class religion;
but Il especially exalts above all other
rights the rights Of the producers. Ten
denotes toward Capitalization of power shall
be checked. Free play for the greatest
diversity must provide for the IMMIGRATION
and enriching OF the common life. Popular
rights and liberty shall be vigorously safe
guarded. Mutual order shall be maintained
by discipline and Justice. The Government
shall constantly aim TO elevate the dignity
and Increase the prosperity or the citizenry.
so that to be admitted TO citizenship In
the Regency Of Carnaro shall be regarded
as acceptance Of title Of nobility and an
honor of high distinction, IL was TO be-
come a civis Romanus in classic days.
Free Speech, Free Press, Free Religion.
Liberty Of thought liberty of the press. OF
assembly, and Of association are guaranteed.
Every form OF religion is allowed and re-
spected and permitted TO erect church or
temple, but no citizen can plead his cult as
an sErtisv 10 escape his civic duties The
statutes also shall guarantee to all citizens
of both sexes primary school instruction In
well lighted, sanitary buildings proper phys
ical training, ample labor with minimum
wages based on the cost Of decent living:
pecuniary assistance in case Of infrmity
and involuntary disoccupstion; old age pen