New Britain herald., 1921-09-15
ITALIANS HONOR >
 DANTE'S MEMORY
Life and Ideals of Poet Told at Meeting in School Building

The life and ideals of Dante. togeth- CT with their relationship 10 Ameri- canism wcro brought before an au- dtence of about 300 at the Elihu Bur- ritt school auditorium last evening when tho tercentenary of the death of Dante was observed by the Italian Civic association.
 Included among the speakers were MichaelanRclo Russo, of Middletown editor of "L'Italia Morva:" Rev. J. Leo Sullivan, assistant pastor of St. Jos eph's church. Mayor Orson F. Cur tis; Alderman Angelo M. Paonessa. Loon A. Sprague. president of the Ro- tary club; Arnericanization Director James F. o'Brien and S. c. casale.
 Dr. A. l.. Avitible. presided at the session. "A program of classical num- bers was furnished by John l.. Sulli- van with the violin and John J. Green at thu piano.
 Father Sullivan's address was in Italian. The speaker told of the con trtbutions of the Italian race to the world of art. literature and philosophy. He urged those present to interest themselves and be proud of the ac- sons trught by Dants so that their race who had made such noble con- tributions to the world. Father Sulli- van expressed a hope that the Italians of New Britain would profit by the les sons taught by Dante SO that there contributions to the life of America might bo the more acceptable. He dealt briefly with the influence of re- ligion on Dante's work. particularly his Divine Comedy"
 Speaks In English.
 The address of Salvatore c. casale was in the English tongue. He gave a biographical sketch of Dante. point ing out that he was the first writer to uplift woman from the then com mon conception that she was merely a household chattel. and place her on n pedestal to be the inspiration of man and his life companion. The speaker characterized Dante as the father of the Italian language. He disclosed wherein he had brought forth tho present language by his use. in writing. of the Italian in place of Latin. as was the custom in his day and age.
 Going Into tho immigration ques- ton. MT. Casale lauded tho achieve ments Of the Italians in America. He urged the race on to more accom- plish ments. To the Americans of Italian nativity or descent. the speak or said. Dante's message today would be:
 Know yourselves. your history and traditions. Be good Italians and by being good Italians you will be good Americans. Know the history and traditions of the American nation and abide by the nations laws"
 Sprngue Also Speaks.
 President Sprague of the Rotary club omplimented the Italian Civic | association for It's work. He dis | cussed the work of the Italian mas ter. whom. he said were the inspira- | ton of the entire world. He comph- mented tho Americans of Italian ex- traction in this city for what they | have dono in the past and urged them ] on to greater efforts. There is great | work to be done in New Britain. he | said. and 1t is imperative that all CO., operate to that end. $ Americanization Director James F.. | OfBrien discussed Americanization | work. He complimented the Italian | race and thanked those present for | their cooperation in his work.
 Sixth Ward Alderman Angelo M. naonessa dealt with the need for | greater interest in civic matters. The alderman urged that the Italians in- terest themselves in governmental problems and forge ahead.
 Editor Russo was the chief speak CT of tho evening. He gave a highly entertaining and instructive discourse on Dante. He compared the writer with Homer and Shakespeare. Con- traating the Divine Comedy with "The Iliad.' the former being Dante's and the latter Homer's composition. he expressed an opinion that Dante's work was the better. He pointed out that Dante dealt with the power of authority while the Iliad was in a sense intellectually anarchistic.