Indianapolis Times, Volume 37, Number 286, Indianapolis, Marion County, 1 April 1926 — Page 9

APRIL 1, 1926

FROM POVERTY TO POWER IN FIFTEEN YEARS Once a Scorned Radical, Mussolini Now Is Stern Dictator. Sii SEA Service HOME, April 1. —Fifteen years ago the authorities of northern Italy were greatly excited over the activities of a wild young socialist agitator. He had a great following and feared nothing. He was a radical of the “reddest” type. Violence was a major item on his program of social reform. The Italian police were not the only ones who were aware of his existence. Police in Switzerland and France knew him, too; had arrested him, indeed, for ultra- radical activities. All In all, it was quite agreed that this young man, by name Benito Mussolini, was a dangerous revolutionary. Leader of Autocracy That was fifteen years ago. Today Mussolini stands as chief protagonist of the forces of autocracy, leader of the foes of liberalismdictator of the Italians, spiritual successor of the first of the Caesars, put there by the force of his own indomitable will. The wdld radical of pre-war days has mounted to the seats of the mighty. In the rise, his cloak of radicalism has been sloughed off like an outworn garment. He is the most picturesque character in the world today. And there is drama in the story of Mussolini. • He was born in 1883 in the mountainous district of Romagna. His father was a blacksmith and a wild-eyed radical one, to boot; his mother had been a school teacher. The family lived in poverty. Getting an Education Through sacrifices on the part of his parents, young Mussolini attended such schools as were available, getting about what would be equivalent in this country to a high school education. Then he flung himself into the Socalist cause. But before he could settle down in his home town he must satisfy the restless urge that demanded that he travel. So, early in 1902, he borrowed a small sum from a friend and set out. By the time he reached the Swiss border the money was gone. He (’"ent on afoot, sleeping w'here he >uld and getting odd jobs here and .ere to keep from starving. He stayed two months in Switzernd, studying and using his eyes, dpping his youthful theories of soal uphea,val and reform more and ore closely. He led laborers in rikes and riots, for it was imposble for Mussolini to believe a thing ithout acting on it; accordingly, he soon landed in jail, and on his release he found himself constantlyshadowed by detectives. Beaten by poverty, unable to get work, he drifted back home. There he subsisted for a time on odds and ends of literary work, translating the works of the German Heine, for example, for some $5 or so, trying unsuccessfully to secure a town clerkship, teaching school for a time in a country town —and always taking an active part in the doings of the Socialists of his neighborhood. The police dogged his footsteps continual!.-. Disgusted, he went to Franco. There, too, he gained notoriety as a radical agitator. He led strikes, participated in riots, felt the hands of the police on his shoulders, and eventually was deported. He took refuge in Switzerland. He stayed in Switzerland seven years. He studied constantly, doing odd jobs to pay for his books and lodgings, and always dipping into the activities of the radical element. At length his flery advocacy of Socialism got him into trouble again, and the Swiss deported him. Again he went back to Romagna. Twice now he had left home to

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seek his fortune, and each tUne he had come back penniless and in bad repute. An inauspicious start, perhaps? It may have seemed so at the time, particularly to his rough old father, who wanted him to content himself with a blacksmith’s life. Mussolini entered newspaper work, rising at last to the editorship of the official Socialist organ, Avanti. And then the war broke out. Mussolini for War Here came Mussolini’s break with the socialists. The soc'alist party was all for neutrality. Mussolini cried loudly for entrance in the war, on the side of the allies. He was expelled from the socialist party; he continued to shout, this time through the columns of the Milan paper, Popolo d’ Italia, of which he became editor. Italy finally entered the war. Mussolini's agitation had helped. And when war was declared Mussolini was one of the first to colunteer. He saw active service with the Bcrsagliere, being wounded twice and scorning a safe behind-the lines job that a politician offered him. He was decorated for bravery. After the w-ar he went back to his newspaper. Gone were his socialistic leanings. The tide of communism began to run high among Italian workers. Mussolini scowled. Ten years previously he would have cheered. Strikes became almost daily events. The government seemed powerless. Industry was paralyzed. And Mussolini banded together a few dozen friends, sturdy young war veterans, into a black-shirted organization that was to become known throughout the world—the Fascisti. Gaining Power The Fascisti slowly gained strength. They drilled. They became a compact unit, welded together by perfect discipline and by a unanimous regard for Mussolini, the leader. Their moves at first -were sporadic—directed against a smalltown strike here, a. minor radical weekly newspaper there. As always, Mussolini preferred action to words, so the Fascisti used clubs and revolvers rather than pamphlets. The reaction to the war-bora radicalism that had swept Italy was setting in. More and more people flocked to the Fascisti. The body became stronger and ever stronger. Then came the climax. A nationwide strike -was called in the summer of 1922. While the government stood powerless Mussolini and his Fascisti put it down. Then, in triumph, the black-shirts moved on Rome, “captured” it, turned statesmen out of office—-and Mussolini became premier. From then on the tale is familiar. Bit by bit Mussolini gathered power, such as no ordinary premier ever held, into his hands. One by one the constitutional limitations were swept away. The Fascisti, nominally “state police” and “national guards,” became the army, answerable only to Mussolini. Opposition newspapers were suppressed. The parliament became a collection of puppets, moving in obedience to the scowling dictator who pulled the strings with only a pretense at concealment. Building Permits , Harra- Goldsbore. reroot. 3935 Graceland. $224. P. Johnson, reroof. 33 S. Warman, John Hoffacker. excavate. Linden and Lesrande. $250. Branson, addition. 4620 Carrollton. Harry Sargent, addition. 3902 N. Capitol. SI,OOO. J. J. Cole. move. 4212 College. SSOO. . Charles Eaton, garage. 1018 Parker. $250. Charles Eaton, dwelling. 1016 Parker. $4,550. John Femkas. door. 1767 Howard. S2OO. Albert Hanson, move. 720 King, $225. T. B. Holliday, dwelling. 6518 Carrollton. $6,100, B. Holliday, garage. 5c 18 Carrollton, C. E. Heinrich, repair. 2137 N. Capitol. $1,650. E. J. itunvan. garage. 1431 E. Vermont. $225. Morris Jaffe. repair. 339 N. Noble. $250. Stanley Johnson, move. 1257 W. New York, $250. L. J. Jones, addition. 1728 S. Belmont. S2OO. William Goos. dwelling. 3823 Hoyt. $1,860. George M. Risk, dwelling. 1014 Troy. $1,500. Thesie Bedingham. addition. 1638 Union. S2OO. Floyd Meleck. garage. 6114 Evanston. SSOO. Western Oil Refining Company, garage, 1114 Chadwick SB,OOO. William Burleson, heater. 3821 E. Thir-ty-First. $445. Fred Henry, garage. 821 W. Thirtieth. $305. Oval & Roster, addition. 700 W. Washington. $22,000. The best bird singers have sober colored plumage.

WOMAN DENIES SHE IS RUNNING ON WET PLANK Miss White, Candidate for Congress, Favors Only Modification.

Hj§b.< x at * Bag; ■* §■§&*-'' ',3B* % jjfip Miss Esther t. White

811 United Press RICHMOND, Ind., April I.—Miss Esther Griffin White, local newspaper woman, today denied she was seeking the Republican nomination for Congress on a wet platform. She said she favored only modification and not repeal of the prohibition law. Miss White, who is opposing the renomination of Representative Richard N. Elliott of the Sixth District, declared her stand for modi-

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THE INDIANAPOLIS TIMES

fication came from her long observance of liquor cases before the courts in her capacity as a newspaper reporter. Miss White has reported police and Circuit Court cases every day since the enactment of the Volstead Act and said she saw the futility of enforcing the law qs it stands. “I am a teacher,” she said. “I drink nothing stronger than tea. I am not running on a wet plank for I am not in favor of the repeal of the Volstead Act. I am convinced however, that the Volstead Act as it stands now cannot be satisfactorily enforced.” Representative Elliott has accepted Miss White’s challenge and will run for renomination on a strictly dry platform, opposed to any change in the law.

MAN FINED IN STABBING CASE Fight Said to Be Over Liquor Tip to Police. Harry Koviach, 3014 W. Tenth St., poolroom proprietor, was fined SIOO and sentenced to ninety days on the Indiana State Farm today by Special Judge John W. Holtzman, when found guilty to a charge of assault and battery. Koviach, who faces four charges of liauor law violations, is alleged to have cut John Klarich, 733 Haugh St., twice with a knife. Klarich testified Koviach accused him of “tipping him off” to the police, which resulted in his being indicted for operating a still. Koviach and his wife last week were charged with blind tiger. The case is pending in municipal court. Two indictments and another municipal court appeal are pending in Criminal Court. Alvah J. Rucker, city corporation counsel, and defense attorney, admitted his client was “a bad egg and bootlegger,” but denied Koviach cut Klarich. Rucker said he probably would appeal.

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DECLARATIONS OF CANDIDATES COME IN RUSH Only Two Days Left for • Aspirants to File at Statehouse. With only two days remaining for congressional and State legislative primary candidates to file declarations, the office of Secretary of State Frederick E. Schortemeier was deluged today with applications. Morris Greenleaf, 617*4 S. Illinois St., a Republican, filed notice of his candidacy for the Seventh district congressional nomination. John Corrigan, 643 Dorman St., a Democrat, filed as primary candidate for Marion County Juvenile Court judge and Vinson Manifold, 37 Sherman Dr., a Republican, filed for Marion Circuit Court judge. Would Be Representative* Two candidates for State Representative from Marion County filed, Adam S. Larison, 3826 E. Thirtieth St., a Republican, and Floyd E. Williams, 316 N. Gladstone Ave., a Democrat. Herman L. Seeger, 1427 Olive St., filed for the Republican nomination for State Senator. Byron K. Elliott, 27 W. St. Joseph St., Marion County deputy attorney general, filed notice of his candidacy for the Republican nomination for judge of Marion Superior Court Room Four. Democrats filing for the State Senate were Tod Whipple, Portland, and Andrew E. Durham, Greencastle. Chris H. Kassendick of Versailles, a Republican, filed for the Senate. Candidates for House Democratic candidates for the House were Olis J. Jamison of Linton; John M. Fields, Kokomo; Allen R. Bemenderfer, Goshen; Henry A. Link. Waterloo; Robert Grieve, Rockville; Edward B. Edwards,

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Kokomo; Grover Bishop, Kokomo; Harry T. .Ferguson, Jefferson; ville; Arthur Reglein, Chesterton; Thomas J. Davis, El wood, and William O. Boren, Cynthiana. Republicans filing for the Houso were Charles M. La Follette, Evansville; G. R. Turnbull, Michigan City. S. Milton Beckwith, South Bend; Thomas Grant, Lowell; Albert J. Wedeking, Dale; Harry W. Brown, New Albany; Presley H. Self. Farmersburg, and Ray F. Abbott, Hammond. DO NOT STEP OUT IN STREET Warning Against Practice of Motorists Given. Beware of stepping from your auto into the street, was the warning to motorists today of Todd Stoops, sec-retary-manager of the Hoosier Motor Club. “Many accidents and accidents narrowly averted are reported to the club,” said Stoops, "caused by drivers absent-mindedly opening the door next to them and stepping right into the path of an oncoming vehicle. Sometimes a door is knocked off and sometimes the motorist is knocked down and seriously hurt as a result of his carelessness. “Too much heedless haste is causing the accident toll to mount higher. It takes but a second to get out of an automobile next to the curb, and a second lost for the sake of safety will not Inconvenience anyone.” FLORISTS WILL MEET Indianapolis florists, meeting with the State Florists’ Association next Tuesday night at the Smith & Young Cos. store. 339 N. Capitol Ave,, will discuss plans for a cooperative display at the Home Complete Show, April 10 to 17 at the State fairground. The affair will be the April meeting of the State association.

Scout ‘Mayor’ Asked Some Hard Ones Finds, During Hour in Office, Why Chief Executives Go South.

Why Indianapolis mayors go South. Walter Johnson, 3112 Bellefontaine St,, an Engle Boy Scout, learned the answer to that question today between 11 a. ni. and noon, as he acted as the city’s chief executive. But his decisions were plausible to City Controller William C, Buser, who was at his elbow as a loyal counsellor. Favors Band “Mayor” Johnson, for instance, favored continuation of the Police and Firemen's Band, with the understanding, however, that the clefs of the police and fire departments would agree It would not interfere with the service. The chief executive insisted R. Walter Jarvis, parks superintendent, state when the tennis courts would bo opened and Jarvis proclaimed April 2. Johnson decided parks department finances would not permit operation of playgrounds all year round and "besides the ground is too soft.” Traffic Ordinance Orville Scott. Buser’s assistant, was sent to the traffic inspector following submission of a proposal to eliminate the one-way traffic rule for Meridian St. "Inflated values.” commented "Mayor" Johnson on a requisition for tires sulimitted by City Purchasing Agent John Collins. Whether children under twelve

must buy bicycle license# was almost a puzzler. ••Ask tho legal department f*r in opinion,” was tho final decision. Buser, acting mayor, whllo Ihivsll tours in the South, resumed histatus as city controller for the houi of the proceedings, Alfred Choulnoard, IS, of 106 W North St., an Kuglo Hcout and holder of forty-two merit badges, acted as Governor from 1 until 2 p. m. today. Charles Shields, 16, of 3768 Park Ave,, member of Troop 36, an Eagle Scout, and bolder of thlrty-ono merit badges, was chief of police from 12 I noon until 1 p. m. Scouts directed traffic on downtown corners at noon.

ACTORS IN SHOOTING Argiuneni Over Alleged Held; Wounded Man in Hospital!. Eddie more, Mil., is held in city prison today in default of a $10,00(1 bond charged with assault and battery with Intent to murder, r.nd Charles Howard Oldon, 34, Negro, of New York City, is in tho city hospital in a critical condition with a bullet wound in the abdomen. The pair, both member* of a musical comedy show, “Steppln' Babies playing at. a local theater, 621 Indiana Ave., are said to have engaged in an argument over money that Lemon la alleged to owe Olden. Nine women and three mon witnesses told Sergt. Don Cummings that Lemon pulled the gun from his pocket, shot Olden and then hit him on the head with the butt of the gun. Witnesses were held under S6OO vagrancy bond. 60-DAY TERM GIVEN Man Get* *2OO Fine, Sentence, ou IJqour Charge. Albert Nush, 561 E. Court St., was fined S2OO and sentenced Hirty days on Indiana State Farm on a blind tiger chargo today In municipal court. • Fred Leacock. 772 Keteham Hi., was given a suspended thirty-day jai] term nnd SIOO fine.

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