Mobbed

At Palermo in Sicily onetime (1917-19) Premier Orlando said:

"I do not need to tell you that we do not live in a regime of liberty. Then it is infinitely better to live under an autocratic government. We cannot deny that autocratic governments have written luminous pages in the history of peoples. Under autocratic government citizens' liberties may be restricted, but they are guaranteed by laws, which may be severe but constitutional."

He concluded his speech by asking his audience quietly to leave the hall in which they were. The audience did as requested, but as soon as Signor Orlando appeared outside, a mob of Fascisti rushed at him. Carabinieri immediately rushed to the old man's assistance and with some difficulty he was escorted safely into his car.

Maddened at thus being thwarted, the Fascisti vented their anger upon his automobile, broke the windows with sticks and stones; some revolver shots were fired, fortunately without damage.