A Nation Mourns

"I request your Excellency to proceed to Pittsburgh in order to pay the homage of the Italian Government to the great actress just departed and to take steps to insure the transportation of the body to Italy at the expense of the Italian Government."

This was the unusual message sent to Prince Gelasio Caetani, Italian Ambassador to the U. S., by Premier Benito Mussolini; for seldom it is that a Government takes official cognizance of an actress, even so great a tragedienne as the late Signora Eleonora Duse (TIME, April 28, MILESTONES).

Following the instructions of his Chief, Prince Caetani hied him to Pittsburgh, there to take part in the simple funeral service held in an undertaker's chapel. Arrangements were made to ship the body to Italy and it was subsequently placed aboard the liner Duilio, bound for Genoa from Manhattan. At St. Patrick's Cathedral, Manhattan, a public service was held in memory of the great actress.

The Prince of Montenevoso (Gabriele d'Annunzio) sent the following telegram to Premier Benito as soon as he heard of the death of his former love.

"The tragic destiny of Duse could not have been fulfilled in a more tragic manner. Far from Italy, the most Italian of hearts has been stilled. I beg that the beloved remains be brought to Italy at the expense of the State. I am certain that my grief today is shared 'by all Italians."

Benito replied: "The fate of Duse, whom, a year ago, I offered a pension, so that such a great artist might not leave Italy, has affected me grievously. Immediately upon being informed of her tragic death, I telegraphed Ambassador Caetani to proceed forthwith to Pittsburgh and, on behalf of the Italian Government, make the necessary arrangements to bring the body to Italy at the cost of the State."