224
THE SOCIALISM OF TO-DAY.
causing bloodshed, are constantly breaking out both in the
north and in the south. In 1882 that of Calatabiano, in Sicily,
threatened to extend. As Marquis Pepoli, speaking of the
troubles of Budrio and Molinella, said, it is empty stomachs
that revolt The captain of carabineers who put down these
disorders replied to the prefect, questione di fame “It
is a question of hunger.” It is not uncommon to see muni
cipal authorities favouring these risings. To take one character
istic incident from many others, at San Giovanni-Rotondo, in
La Puglia, the mayor used to give Socialistic conferences, and
the municipality used to have the reports printed and circulated
at its own expense. At San Nicandio and at Lezina the
mayors urge the peasants to divide the lands amongst them
selves. When property is the privilege of the few, spoliation
becomes the wish of the many.
Next, with regard to the cosmopolitan and Nihilistic
Socialism—a case against an association of Internationalists
was recently tried at Florence. The prisoners, to the number
of fifteen, were almost all very intelligent working men. They
had been enlisted by two ladies, one of whom, Madame
Kulischoff, is a Russian, and the other, Madame Pezzi, is an
Italian. Madame Kulischoff is very well informed. She
speaks several languages, pursues scientific studies, and has
been through the course of the university of Pisa. At the
court of Assizes she was full of witticisms. When the indict
ment was being distributed, “ Quite right,” she said ; “ hand
round the libretto before the performance begins.” She boldly
proclaimed her Communistic theories on all subjects. Madame
Pezzi was at the head of the Florentine section of Lady Inter
nationalists. Natta, the principal prisoner, is a very able
engineer. He developed the programme of the Socialist party
to which he belongs. He desires anarchy, collectivism, the
destruction of the juridical family, and the abolition of all
official religions. It is easy to recognize the teaching of
Bakunin.
In all parts of Italy I was informed that Socialism is gaining
over the working men and the youth of the nation. At Naples
the students said to me, “The most advanced of us are no
