Evening Star Newspaper, January 2, 1921, Page 16

16 \ ITALIAN PEASANTS | FIGHTING FOR LAND 'gttempting to Do Away With | “Gabellotto,” the Greedy Middleman. REVOLUTION IS GREATER i THAN INDUSTRIAL WAR New Day Seen for Southern Haly | _as Poor Struggle to Own | Property. [ BY EDGAR ANSEL MOWRER. By Cable to The Star and Chicago Daily News, (Copyright, ) ROME, January 1.—From one of the best known Italian writers, who pre- fers to remain anonymous, I have re- ceived the following article on the Italian land situation: The metal workers have been un- able to bring about a revolution in Italy; will the peasants be any more successful? S]ow‘l)‘ a great revolution is taking place in Italy in regard to the land, perhaps more than in the industrial world, but So far it is quite peaceful. One-third of Sicily has been occupied by the peasants and 100,000 hectares (240,000 acres) have been conceded in all Ttaly by the government, without any serious conflict. Only. here and there, in Sicily, the owners have or- ganized white guards, in the form of mafia (secret associations) who as- sassinated some of the peasants’ le: ers, but this was really more private | Vengeance than a social conflict. In north Italy things proceed dif- ferently, the social conflict is more bitter and_the conflicting parties are better organized. One must dis- tinguish between them. They are two * different worlds. Few Control Much Land. In Sicily, the most typical region of ; the south, small proprietors are found only on the coastal region, where the ground is fertile. Inland the ground is divided among few proprietors. The latest agrarian statistics showed that one-sixth of the island was divided among 173 persons; one-third of it among 787 persons, motwithstanding ! its 4,000,000 inhabitants, of whom one- i half, roughly, live by agriculture. These large landowners neither live on nor cultivate their land. They live in the Sicilian towns, in Rome and even abroad. They rent the land to a personage typical of Sicily, the gabellotto (the | Irish “gombeen man”), a shady figure generally, a peasant become rich through usury. who advances the owners the income of a year or more sand then sublets the property in so ‘many allotments, which in turn are often fesubdivided before reaching the .CASH, YOUR CREDIT " Brussels Rugs $18 Grass Rugs in this sale. ‘W $27 Brussels ‘M Rugs in this $37 Brussels Rugs in this sale Buffets $39 Buffets BB $29.50 $39.75 $48.98 $47 Buffets in this sale..... $65 Buffets Library Tables $28 Library Ta- bles in this sale. $50 Library Ta- bles in this sale. Kitchen Cabinets $40 Kitchen Cab- inets in this sale $45 Kitchen Cab- inets in this sale $50 Kitchen Cab- inets in this sale $14.75 Iron Beds in we.... $11.98 $27 Iron Beds in ak.... $19.75 sale.... $50 Brass Beds in k... $39.50 sale. . «. Extension Tables $15 Oak Tables in ar.... $10.85 $28 hi!;xtension Tables e $19.85 $38 Extension Tables e $26.50 sale J..w appre Period Bedroom Sets $175 Three-Piece Bedroom Set in this sale. cevene-e $129.5 $265 Three-Piece Bedroom Set s . $195.00 i‘:‘!.il ghne-l’im Bedroom Set sale. o ow THE MAXWELL FURNITURE CO. -3 OFF INVENTORY SALE A SALE OF HIGH-CLASS HOME FURNISHINGS AT A SAVING OF 33 13%. . | CONSIDER WHAT THIS MEANS TO YOU. OTHER STORES’ PRICES GOING UP, OURS GOING DOWN. TWICE EACH YEAR WE CLOSE.OUT ALL OUR STORE SAMPLES AT ONE-THIRD OFF THE REGULAR PRICE. COME EARLY AND GET THE .$12.50 ... $19.85 $18.98 bles i this sae. . 92000 $39.50 $29.50 338.50 $42.50 Iron and, Brass Beds has a Grawer. leather. $225.00 peasant, the worst treated of all, tyrannized by the last gabellotto, who watches over him with armed guards. The peasant is poor and has to bor- row from the gabellotto the money to buy seed, pay the rent of his cot- tage and buy food and the gabellotto lends him the money at 30 to 50 per cent interest. s It is not easy to break up this eco- nomic organization. The latifondo (great estate) is not a caprice of his- tory. It comes into being through lack of water, through malaria which prevents the peasants from living on the land, through lack of roads, lack of police, which renders it inadvisa- ble for men, women and live stock to stray far from the villages. Struggle Without Vielence. Under these conditions one can un- derstand that the agrarian struggle has gone on for a hundred years in Sicily. The peasant wants the land, but if he obtains it he often has to abandon it for want of capital, and security to the large landowner, or especially to the gabellotto. This lat- ter, on account of his usury and ex- tortion, is the most hated men. But this struggle is not violent. The only eXception was the case of the Duke of Bivona, a Spaniard living in Spain and possessing a large prop- erty, an_inherited feudal tenure, at Ribera. He came to Rome this year to sell part of his land to the gabel- lotti. In Rome he found representa- tives of the soldiers’ co-operatives who offered him 3.000,000 lire (nor: mally §600.000). He went down to property, perhaps to get better ter But during the night, the whole lage, Catholies and soldiers, assaulted the castle with stones, besieged it, invaded .it and forced the duke to agree to cede the land they wanted. “Land to the Peasants." The invasion of land began after the war, at the time of the elections (November, 1919). The Hon. Drago, reform socialist, had started during the war a cry of: “The land to the peasants.” But the Catholics have the historic merit of starting the inva- ons at San Giuseppe Jato and San Cipirrello in-the province of Palermo. These invasions were of a peaceful nature. The leaders did not intend to invade the land. but wanted only the right to cultivate it, paying so much to the owner. The peasants started from their village, on foot or on mule- baek, carrying red or Italian flags, or both’ together, or the cross, and led by an ex-officer. by one of the mid- dle classes, by a priest or a friar on lhorseback. When they reached the ground the flag was planted and arm- ed guards.were left. while the rest went off to ask permission of the au- thorities to legalize their conquest. If the prefects refused this authoriza- tion there was no resistance. Government Remains Inactive. The government took the same at- titude in this matter as in the strug- glc of the metal workers. Giolitti is convinced that tne social transforma- tion movement ought not to be hin- dered. Nitti also held this view. Therefore the decrees of Visocchi, of Falcioni_and recently of Micheli au- thorize the invasion of land consid- ered uncultivated by a commission composed of landowners and peas- ants, representatives of the govern- ment and experts. The Micheli decree authorizes the annulling of contracts with the gabellotti, who have them- selves sublet. This is .the greatest IS GCOD. polished and very durable. silver drawer, inches, Extension 'l'-ble‘;oN match Six-Piece Dining Room Suite in Oak o e~ bargain like this. Just like the pi Consisting of Four Diners, with imita- tion Leather feat, Buffet with glass doors and lined beveled French-plate Mirror, 10x28 67.50 . THE SUNDAY victory of the Sicilian peasant. The owners complain loudly of what they call the passivity o the gov- ernment, but they are in turn ac- cused by the socialists of having tried to assassinate the leaders of the agi- tation. 2 The aims of the political parties who head the struggle are divergent. The Catholics aim at a division of the land. Their dream is to substitute for the large owners many small proprie- tors, who are conservative and re- ligious. Therefore, they demand rentings” to the peasants’ co-opera- tives. They have not, however, a large following in Sicily. Wants Promises Made Good. The effects of the propaganda dur- ing the war are evident in this agra- rian agitation. home bettered their condition. Those who did not fight noticed the growth of their value as individuals, became capable of organizing themselves and got accustomed to a standard of life (wine, coffee, bread), greatly superior to what the Si used to. The reserve officers, belong- ing to the middle classes, became their ratural leaders. A great effect was produced on the minds of all by the ideas of greater justice, the promises of the government during the war to the defenders of the country, and “collective above all by the cry, “The land to the | peasants.” The peasant class, which is develop- ing socially and sentimentally. is about to take the place of the absen- tee proprictors and of the miserly widdlemen. Quite another thing is the social and agrarian movement in the north. BUGLER HELD AS SLAYER. Kills Navy Recruit in Fist Fight at Norfolk Base. hTe peasants left at | lian peasants were | Trader Brings Back. One of Mysterious Blond Eskimo Tribe NOME, January 1.—Apukta- wana, a_male member of the far northern mysterious tribe of “blond Kskimos,” the dis- covery of which has been credited to Vilhjalmur Stefans- son, Canadian explorer, recently was brought by traders to Nome from his home, on the southern shores of Coronation gulf, located on Canada’s northern rim. Nome residents thought that only in his dress did he differ from the Eskimo of this region. Joe Bernard, Nome trader, who brought the “blond” Eski- mo out, said he intended to take him to the states to show out- siders what sort of people the strange Eskimos are. The na- tive was of stout build, with copper-colored skin, straight black hair and dark brown cyes. Bernard said he was an example of the males of the “blond” tribe. Some members of the tribe, Bernard asserted, haye reddish brown hair and light eyes. They are scarcely light enough, how- ever, he thinks, to be aescribed as blond. 1t was recalled here Wwhen Apuktawana arrived that Stetansson never described the tribe as “blond,” and always said newspaper men exaggerat- ed his story and gave this mys- terious tribe the name. Stefans- son's description was similar to that of Bernard's. NORFOLK. Va., January 1.—J. E. McKean, bugler at the naval opera in base here, is awaiting court-mar- tial on a charge of killing J. W. Chaney, a recruit, who died late yes- terday fpllowing a fist fight. A blow between the eyes knock=d Chaney un- conscious, death resulting within an hour. Chaney’'s home is in Clinton, ors Stop and Think! The past year and perhaps several ycafi; you have been paying out good, hard-earned dollars with nothing to show for them today but rent re- ceéipts. Is it not time that you made a New Year resolution to lay by a little each month toward owning your own home? That should be your Idea for a Happy New Year. No matter what your present earnings are, come in and talk it over or write to W. B. STILES, 412 Evans Bldg., 1420 N. Y. Ave. icture—made of solid oak, highly EASY TERMS. Chiffonier apd Dresser, Take Advantage of This Bedroom Suite, Bed, Dreuer A:and Chiffonier, Complete Here is a complete Bedroom Suite, including a Metal se, .. ..ne in Genuine Golden Oak or Mahogany finish, with French Plate Mirror. This Suite is the most wonderful value ever offered for.. $69.50 ON EASY TERMS. Must be seen to be ciated 0 ................... = FURNITURE CO. 415 SEVENTH STREET N. FOUR-PIECE FUMED OAK LIBRARY SUITE 415 SEVENTH ST., BETWEEN D AND E "PICK, AND IF YOU HAVE NOT THE $7.50 Wood Burning Stove in this sale ......conew $12.50 Egg-heater in this sale.... $16.50 Egg- heater in this sal $6.50 Boudoir dn this BAlE .o o oernten $12.50 Table Lamp, gas, in this sale.. $16.50 Table Lamp, in this sale ..oeeeoma $9.50 Parlor Table $12.50 Parlor Table in this sale...... $15.00 Parlor Ta- ble in this sale. . | $95.00 Parlor Suite in this sale . $150.00 Parlor | Suite in this sale $295.00 Three-Piece Cane Suite in this sale ..... A complete room of furniture at this very low price, very durable and beautMnl, 1l made and constructed, includes a Rocker, Chair, Sofa and Library Table wh: This set is covered in a good grade of brown imitation G==T.==S. SERVICE IS THE KEYNOTE OF SUCCESS ‘IN BUSINESS This organization is composed of men whose knowledge and expe- rience in Real Estate affairs is most valuable to clients. .IF YOU WANT TO SELL IF YOU WANT TO BUY IF YOU WANT TO LEASE IF YOU WANT A REAL ESTATE LOAN CONSULT US Our advice and service will tect as well as profit you. Office of Graeme T. Smallwood 727-729 14th St. Main 5070 pro- G.=T.=—S. JUST STOP AND Heaters - $3.98 $8.75 $10.85 Table Lamps Lamp, Elec, $4.95 $8.75 Elec,, $11.95 Parlor Tables $6.25 $8.75 $10.85 Parlor Suites $74.50 $98.50 $198.50 China Closets :fi? China~ Closets in e . $32.00 ?:155 China Closgts in sale ... $43-75 $75 China Closets in e ... $57.50 sale ... Dressers $29 Dressers in ;'El;: .f).r§523 }r.s4 § ... $39.00 Period Dining Room Sets e, §12450 ae......... $169.50 .zgwgna“: $325 Dining Room Set in mi......... $240.00 | FOREGN O PELD AMERGANS EOAL Rumanian and Bessarabian Lands to Be Subject of Conference. Cross-Atlantic Cable Service to The Star. LONDON, January 1.—That Ameri- can interests are about to succeed to the control of the Rumanian and Bessarabian oil fields is the word here. “There will be a conference repre- senting billions of dollars of interna- tional capital,” says C. B. Stackpole, an American oil promoter, who is here | serve.” |a campaign would revolutionize the oil STAR, JANUARY 2, 1921—PART 1 atter a trip to Paris, where the con- ference will be held. “Vice President Pratt of the Standard Oil Company of New Jersey will be the American representative at the conference. “I understand that the British gov- ernment, which has controlled these fields, is withdrawing for lack of | funds, and that the American inter- ests are prepared to finance the work- ing of the wells. “There is no question but that such business for the world. Reopening of this field is sure to wffect the Ameri- can oil market, because Europe is now depending almost entirely on the Unit- ed States for its oil, and this fleld is situated in a most advantageous posi- tion to supply Kurope's needs. “It is_reported that Lord Beaver- brook, who went to Paris today, may become interested in the deal. The talk of a world's scarcity of oil is all twadlde, as is the report that Britain is capturing 90 per cent of the supply of the world. Mexico alone has enough oil to run the world for twenty vears and there are the tremendous resources N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N of Rumania and Mesopotamia in re-|N LI I Learn the Real Estate Business ' A special inducement, an extra large commis- sion is offered with a bonus. It need not interfere with your present employment. We will teach you free of charge Classes will be held every evening at 5 P.M. in the offices of John \W. Thompson & Company, Incorporated. 821 15th St. N.W. Under the auspices of the Gibson Bros. A 7107777 vou for the next three months— LA LA P AP A LA L 22D The Stag’e is Set---for Hahn's Annual - Midwinter Clearance Sale After all the big events we have had this fall, possibly you didn’t look for a Clearance Sale at “HAHN’S” this January— but here it is! And there are a few important with facts connected or winter. it that son. nake it entirely different from - all other Clearance Sales to be held in Washington this year! Most important of all,” prac- 1.500 Prs. Women's $10 to $16 "Boots and Oxfords in part are: Nine, Ten and Twelve Inch Nov- elty Louis Heel Dress Boots and Military Heel Walking Boots, in Blue, Brown, Camel shades of Kid and Suede—some Sat- in trimmed and other combinations. Also Black and Brown Calf and Kid. .. Men's Shoes! | one of the greatest * Sales ever held i $8.35 Values from $12 up! Starts It is the result of a great “shopping tour” through the New England shoe districts recently made by our buyers, and%some truly wonderful values were secured. Just to give you an idea of the values included : . Genuine Shoes and Oxfords. Genuine LEATHER-LINED Black Kid Shoes. Young Men’s “BROGUE” Winter Oxfords and High Shoes. New Brown and Black Calf Shoes tomorrow—but mention it in this announcement. about it later in the week. high-grade «styles. and othet new Dress Oxfords. tically every pair in this sale isa brand-new style, bought this fall The stores have never carried over shoes season after season. few other stores that we know of bought many new shoes this sea- “HAHN” But " Therefore, the shoes in this sale are not only new goods, but they are all the striking novelty Sizes incomplete in most of the Included also are several hundred pairs of $10 to $13.50 Walking and Wing and straight tip “BROGUE” effects—our own distinctive novelty creations. All at $7.45 pair! creations for which we have be- come famous. And finally, the quantity to be disposed of is limited, so that the sale cannot possibly continue more than a week or two at most. All reasons why you should get here just as early as you can tomorrow morning! $7.45 All the shoes illustrated above and more. Our highest-grade $12 to $16 Novelty Boots—most of them from ,the finest factories in Brooklyn. But in most of the styles sizes are incomplete. Included OMEN'S new cross-strap effects, “Sabot™ Pumps and “Tailleur” Oxfords—and other smart novelties in Brown, Gray. Black and Henna AISO BYOWH and Blaclfl.,Calfskin and we barely More CORDOVAN L — on new French and modified English v lasts. And a number of other styles! Not a sale of broken lots—but com- plete lines in sizes from 5 to 12, AAA to' E. And values from $12 up! Four known brands. 1y No ONDS." Suede. Black Satin. great.” Clearance Groups of Wom- en's Kine Silk Hosiery. The best standard Positive- 95¢ & $1.79 $1.95, & $2.95 clearance, at - - i iieenntans Three Great Sales of Boys' and Girls’ Shoes! Three great Clearance Groups of our famous-“GRO- NUPS” Shoes for Girls and Boys. priced grades included; also special purchases recently _made—saving you many dollars on your Children’s Shoes : '$2.95-$3.95 and $5.45 “SEC- 25-different $10 to $15 models included at- - .- -oounnnnnnn «« QPORT LINES" of Women's Novelty Strap Pumps and Evening Slippers, in Satin and Black Calfskin. And badly broken lots of Cloth of Silver. Cloth of Gold and Brocaded Satin, Bro- caded Silver and plain Satin Slip- pers. Kinds that were $7.50 to $13.50 UNDREDS of pairs Women's Tan, Brown and Black “BROGUE™ Oxfords that were $6.50 (really $8.50 values). Also broken lots and discontinued styles of $8.50 to $12 Dress and Walking Boots, in Brown, Black, Gray and other colors, in Kid and Calfskin. two-tone effects. Now, for quick $8.75 $5.95 Also $4.95 Some of the highest-