The Birmingham age-herald., 1920-10-19
ITALIAN AERONAUTS
 GUESTSOF HONOR AT BANQUETLAST NIGHT
Competitors in international Balloon Race Given Royal Welcome--Country and
 Visitors Praised

Birmingham official and unofficial gathered together at banquet at the Tutwiler hotel last night in honor of the two teams of distinguished vis- itors from Italy who will take part in the international balloon race here October 2S. Maj. Giuseppe Valle, Maj. Domenico Leone. Maj. Ugo Medori and Lieut.. Pirazzoli Anselmo constitute the two teams to represent the Italian gov ernment
 The ballroom was crowded to the doors with the members of the local Italian societies and their families who were eager to get a glimpse of their countrymen. c. Vigone was toast master
 Commissioner Ellis Brown officially welcomed the representatives of the Italian government to the city. He spoke about the fighting men that their government had produced during the world war and stated that Bir- mingham was honored to have such distinguished visitors in their midst.
 Maj. Virgil Evans, general chair
  man of the balloon races, spoke of his soldiers during the war and he stated that he was glad to say that for pure ability that he did not believe them.
 MODERN ITALY
 Dr. Frank Willis Barnett made an address, in which he stated that the general public was in the habit of of Italy as famous in ancient history. Dr. Barnett said that the Italian government was not only one of the leading nations of the world in the matter of military preparedness and strength of men but that in the eyes of the world Italy stands among the leaders for the promotion of peace and good will among tha nations of the world
 c. Virgone spoke in behalf of the io cal Italian societies, all of which were represented by nearly everyone of the members and their families. Mir Eirgone stated that it would seem sell fish to wish thai his country would win out against all the others in the race so he would say that he hoped that the best team would be the win her.
 pr. Courtney W. Shropshire, who is an honorary member of one of the To- cal societies was the cause of much laughter when he was introduced by the toastmaster as a distinguished To- cal Italian
 Doctor Shropshire, who was chair man of several different local drives during the war, stated that the Italian people as a whole backed the American government up to the limit by buying Liberty Bonds and that 1t afforded him great pleasure to be able to thank them.
 IN NATIVE TONUE
 Major Leone and Major Galle, speak, ing in their native language, made the people present understand that they were delighted with Birmingham and that they were filled with joy at the royal manner in which they were being 
 P. Giacopazzi, Italian consul, who arr rived in the city late yesterday after noon, hurried to the banquet and after being welcomed was given the place of honor at the head of the first table.
 Van Ormann, aid to Ralph Upson, who will defend the American trophy in the international race, and Captain Harold E. Weeks, aid to Lieutenant Thompson, winner of the national lace 1eld here last month both made short addresses.
 At the close of the banquet a toast was offered to the distinguished vis- tors and the wishes of Birmingham both official and unofficial was ex- tended to them for the best O. luck" in the information race held here next