The Waterbury Democrat., 1935-02-27
Depastino Reelected
 By Italian F ederation
Popular Leader Chosen for Fourth Time-Manna De. fends Italian Race Employment Solution to Crime

The annual election of officers of the Italian American Federation of Societies and Clubs was held last night at the Provincia D'Avellino Hall with presidentds and dele- gates representing IS Italian Amer ican societies and clubs.
 John De PastIno accepted reelec- tiou for the fourth term. Other of- ficefB elected are: lst Vice Presis dent, Anthony Lepore. 2nd Vice President, Mrs. Joseph Pernatozzi; |; Orator, John Maflna: 1st Secretary. Humbert santopietro; End secre- tary, Peter DeLeo: Treasurer, Jo- seph Cicehiello; Trustees. Joseph De Luca, Anthony Petfiiio and Giulio Cordelli. Agostino Agostinl acted as chairman of the, election committee.
 The federation will follow the same program as heretofore. its aims and purposes being to unite the Italian Americans, in order to obtain equal recognition with those of other attractions. Many of the delegates spoke on the welfare of the federation and the program for 1885.
 De Pastino in a splendid speech the federation had made history for the local Italian Americans, that during the past year, many new societies joined, while several were organised under tho auspices of the Federated Societies. New Members
 He called attention to the rapid growth in membership in most of the societies since the federation was organized. He said Prior to the formation of the Federation all of the local Italian American societies were on the decline, you could rarely see a young man in our ranks, but today we are sur rounded with young people and at most every meeting of your soci- cities you have Q great number of new members"
 He assured them that the pro- gram of ridding the Italian Ameri- can citizenry of those who have ex- plotted for several years would he carried on as long as there would be a few left to carry on the cam. paign with him.
 There are more than 2500 mem- bers in this federation who are fol- lowing with interest what We are doing and the entire community Is need be we will combine with mi now watching us at every move. If norities of other attractions. Defends Race
 John Mama, orator of the fed eration, added that 1t would not be long before the Italian Americans would be on the same plane as those of any other extraction.
 He said eve want to be inferior to none in duty and in rights. He called the delegates attention to the claim that more Italian Ameri- cans are arrested than those of other extraction, adding that in the first place we constitute the most numerous element, in the second place our class Is the hardest hit by the depression and people in despair lost their control and res- pect for the laws easier than those who are not in want. :. But he said. the newspapers of the country reveal that most of the uILOCAOuS duu COtu DlOOQeu CEHtlSs are committed by non-Italians. He said. "Give the people jobs and plenty to eat and they will not commit crimes" He further added that there are plenty of Italians left who do not fear the loss oi their jobs, to carry on the good work which the federation has started. He advocated creating a contact with leaders of other ex- fractions, in order to come to an understa nding.
 He said. the federation could neither be Republican, Democrat, Socialist nor Anarchists, but must support worthy Italian candidates on any political ticket. He added that we do not want all but we want our portion.
 The session was the most inter- esting one ever held and enthusi- asm was at its peak.