New-York tribune., 1922-12-02
2 Liners Claim
Victory in Race
ToLand Aliens
Both Giuseppe Verdi and
Conte Rosso, From Italy,
Ask Right IL Put Ashore
Almost the Months Quota
May Ask U. S. Decision
Almost Priceless Painting
of Columbus, Done in
1900, Is Brought Here

The immigration authorities are
again confronted with the vexAtious
problem Of determining which OF two
Italian liners entered the country hrst
in order TO show no discrimination in
the landing Of their aliens under the
monthly quota law. The Quarantine
observers reported yesterday that the
Conte RosSo. Of the Lloyd Sabsudo
Line. and the Giuseppe Verdi, Of the
Italian Transatlantic Line, arrived
simultaneously. but officials Of the
lines have something else to say in
the matter.
Both vessels. which are bringing
more than the LOO permitted TO land
in December, were outside Of the
territorial limits Thursday after
noon waiting for the time to pass so
they could enter Quarantine as near
after midnight AZ possible. Although
they were observed by the shore sta
tion IS entering neck and neck, the
pilot OF the Conte Rosso, taken aboard
AZ the Ambrose Channel Lightship. has
made an affidavit declaring that the
vessel passed the imaginary line about
a minute ahead OF the Verdi, thus en-
titling her 10 first consideration.
Verdi Calls II Tie. at Least
Colonel DR.. Merigio Serrati. head OF
the LLOYD Sabaudo Line and a pas
scncer on the Conte Rosso, substan-
tiated the statement Of the pilot, A. 5.
Roche. and further contended that the
anchor Of the Rosso was dropped be-
fore that OF the Verdi, so that the
former actually touched American soil
first. These arguments and those Of
the officers Of the Verdi, who were
positivo that the race at least was
tie. will be the chief factors that the
immigration authorities will have to
consider In passing the eligibles.
The Conte Rosso left Genoa on
November ie, and since her usual time
Ia nine days for the voyage 10 New
York. Captain Fulvio Cignoni. after
instructions by radio TO slacAcn his
speed In order to arrive here on De-
cember /. decided to call at Madeira TO
give the passengers n treat. She had
not proceeded very far. however. when
one Of her propellcrs struck sub
merged object. severing one OF the
blades. He then cancelled the pro
posed stop and headed direct for New
York at reduced speed, and was furtheT
handicapped by the hurricane ne en-
eountered last Tuesday, leaving just
enough time to enter the disputed race.
Repairs 20 the propeller viii be made
in drydock here.
The reason for the effort Of the two
liners TO vie with each other for the
honors OF arriving first is that the
Conte Rosso carried sos aliens and the
Verdi $50 OF the sos on the Rosso
the Ellis Island authorities, assuming
the ships arrived on even terms, viii
allow SOC TO enter. or the 1876 re-
iected, 1856, the officials OF the line
assert, have been here before and.
therefore. are not under the ban. That
leaves forty who still are in doubt. In
the case OF the Verdi. 49i Of her $50
are entitled to admission. and Ct the
remaining l59 virtually every one Is
said 70 have been a visitor TO this
country in the last two years. The
immigration authorities said yesterday
that they believed the excess on bOth
ships may BY chance be subject to
certain qualifications that woul per-
nit them to enter, but should there
be aEy over fhe quota II must be cf-
hcially decided which vessel entered
the country first.
Brings Painting Of Columbus
sigmund n. Sherman, an art col
iector Of Italy, who has not visited
America in mAnv years. arrived on the
Conte Rosso with an almost priceless
painting OF Christopher Columbus.
painted By Titan in 1900, or the fol-
lowing year, just before the death Of
the diseoverer Of America. The paint
ing, three by two feet, Is on canvas
said to have been cut from q sail OF
one Of the ships in Columbus's feet.
The painting was first held BY the
royal family Of Italy, and the reigning
king in the eighteenth century pre-
sented II to the Dixie Of Giogareni. his
aid. twenty-five years ago Mr.. Sher-
mann acquired it, he said, and he
brings IL here for exhibition purposes.