July 26.
There will be general mpathy for the Italian people in the latest manifestation of the hostile forces of nature to which their country has been exposed. It is ever a wonder that Italian: are enabled to meet these periodical visitations with such phlegmatic courage and indomitable resource. Characteristic of the present Italian regime is the prompt ban by Signor Mussolini on any appeal to public charity on behalf of the victims of the latest disaster, gives a vigorous sidelight the strength of the Fascist Prei administration which i fully alive to the practical needs of the moment, in its despatch aeroplanes and troops to assist the sorely-stricken inhabitants of the afflicted areas. A vivid note of heroism is already forthcoming in the exploits of the men, of the disciplinary regiment, who have so bravely come to the rescue of their compatriots that it is highly probable that their status as virtual prisoners will come to a glorious end. The tragic episode of Messina in 1908 naturally comes to the mind on reading of this latest earthquake, but even more recently—only ten years ago in fact—North and Ceniral Italy were subjected to grave devastation by a violent earthquake. The present calamity arouses anxiety, because of the reports of the activity of Pozauolo and the threatening aspect of its more famous neigh-hour, Vesuvius.
The earthquake of Messina was not accompanied by any volcanic catastrophe, although Etna and Stromboli were both
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.