The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1922-11-11
Premier MussoIIina Says Fa-
scisti Not ReactiOnary.
Open Chamber Doors to Repre-
sentatiyes of People.
CAN DISARM THE FASCIST
Says No Official Order From
Government Necessary.
Thinks U. s. Capital Can Pro-
fit by Italian Labor.
(By The Associated Press.)


Rome, Nov. 11.-Premier Mussolini
has gone thru the baptism of oratori-
cal fire of the American correspond
ents in Rome. He received them yes
terday, announced his opinions on
most of the supposedly burning prob
lens of the world, and chatted at
length upon such timely topics as
prohibition and woman's suffrage.
The leader of the black shirted Fas-
cistf stood the ordeal of questioning
with a patience that beIied his fierce
and severe appearance. Many of the
inquiries, no doubt seemed trivial and
irrelevant to him but he replied to
them with courtesy and grace.
The interview was launched upon
the topic of reparations. Mussolini
said that n his opinion it was impos-
sible to separate the question of rep
debts, even where the latter affected
the United States.
Cooperate With America.
He was very cordial in his refer
ences to the relations between Italy
and the United States and said he
hoped to~add to the good will prevail
ing between the two countries in eco
nomic cooperation that would be
mutually beneficial.
1--WE have the working men; you
have capital" he said. ''I would be
happy if your country would amend
the law limiting immigrants from
Italy to the number of $4,000 a year,
extending it to at least 100,0 600. This
would benefit the United States, Italy
and the whole of civilization"
OF woman suffrage, Mussolini said
with conviction that he was absolutely
opposed to it. Then. seeming to feel
that his remark had not been properly
interpreted, he added that he did not
think general conditions were yet ripe
for such a franchise.
The prohibition question was popped
to him. He said he was not in favor
of complete dryness, but thought that
partly by legislation and partly by
persuasion, people must be taught to
drink less.
Not Necessary in Italy.
italians, as a rule, do not drink
much alcohol" he remarked. ''They
are the only people with whom 1 am
concerned about this subject just now.
During the whole period of the
Fascist revolution there was not a
single Fascist drunk
The world revolution so much
talked about by the Reds struck Mus
solini as something to discuss in a
jocular mood, and he could not help
winking at the mention of such
visions.
"The Fascist will disarm spon-
taneously," he declared, when the sub
ject of disarmament came up. There
need be no official order from the
government, all that is necessary is
that the Fascist be aware of my de-
sire that they disarm."f
Fascist Not Reactionary.
A frown cut across the brow of
Mussollini when some one called the
Fascist movement reactionary.
That's idiotic," the premier said.
Had L been reactionary I should have
established a dictatorship. L could
have easily done so. Where is there
a reactionary movementl which re-
convenes the chamber and asks par
lament to endorse the administration
of affairs of the country When
might have placed a lock on the doors
of the chamber, 1. opened them wide
to the representatives of the people"
Money debts are debts of honor,
and we must pay them" the Italian
premier said. we certainly hope it
will be possible for Italy to pay
America, but we think if the United
States realized the situation they
would change their point of view"