Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1922-06-21
CHEVAllER LUIGI SilIITTl
On ItaIo.American Citizenship

THE Italian citizens Of the United States
L as n whole consider American institu-
tions and ideals to be the best in the world.
and are eager to identify themselves and
their families permanently with the best
traditions Of America, says Chevalier Luigi
Sillitti, Consul in this city for the Imperial
Italian Government.
Contrary to a general popular i'm
pression," said Chevalier Sillitti. "by far
the largest number of Italians who come
to the United States come with the in.
tention of becoming American citizens and
making this country their, home. They
know that they receive much from America
and they also feel that they can give some
thing In return. 1t Is probably true that
the first Italian immigrants came here purely
for reasons Of economic betterment and
that they did not intend to remain here
nor has 1t been for n number of years previ-
GUS to the war. This feeling Is not war
outgrowth caused by the condition of ma
terial matters in Europe at present, but
represents a sentiment which has been
crystallzng for years.
Better Class of Immigrants
'"rhe class of Italians which has been
coming to the United States has been of a
distinctly higher type during the past few
years and it now includes many business and
professional men and skilled laborers. The
laborers, most Of them unskiled, but, while
a large number of these still come over,
there is great proportion Of the higher
class of Italians which any country in the
world might be proud to claim as citizens.
OF course. Italy has always sent here a
large number of artists, musicians, sculp-
tors and other followers of the fine arts,
which one might almost say had their origin
in that country.
"Whcn the Italian resident becomes ac-
customed to American customs and familiar
with American sentiments and ideals, he
usually decides to become naturalized and
remain here. They like the new mode of
life. and as an earnest of their intentions
toward their new country, many Of. them
buy their own homes and either buy or
start business for themselves. Men who do
this are not likely to change and are an
asset to any country or community.
I'm return for the many benefits which
the ltalo American receives from his adopted
country, he brings with nm many things
of material benefit to the country. Among
these Is an appreciation OF the beautiful
in all media of expression, which centuries
Of close contact has instilled into even the
least educated Of the Italians. This has an
influence for good upon those persons in
this country with whom they come into
constant association.
Become Naturalized Early
AS SOou dS Tue ltuiluH decides tuHt ne
will remain here, he usually becomes nat
uralized at once; he does not wait until
some crisis makes 1t to his advantage to be
citizen Of this country. In the Federal
census of 1920 1t was shown that of all
the foreign born Italians then resident in the
United States and eligible by reason of age
to citizenship more than 33 per cent Of
them had already been naturalized
'"rhe largest number of Italian immi-
grants remain in the Eastern States. es-
innate that there are about 1000, 900 resi-
dents of the United States either born in
Italy or born in this country of Italian
parents. | have eight States under my
jurisdiction, Pennsylvania, Delaware,
Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, North
Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia, and
in those States there are about $50, 900 of
these residents, by far the majority of them
being American citizens. OF these $50, 900
persons, 1000 We're born in italy, and
90, 900 born Of Italian parents In this
jurisdiction. The very fact that SO many
more were born here than came from Italy
is. TO my mind, ample proof that those who
come here come with the intention of be-
coming American citizens.
American Institutions Admired
"The Italians, both here and in Italy, have
n profound admiration for American in
stitutiOns and ideals. They Ike the gov
ernmental conditions under which they live
in the United States and also the economic
conditions which they find here. The
Italian Is usually law.sbiding and indus
trioug. He will, almost without exception,
give Of his best, both to his employer and