1914-09-30qq

As the month of September was coming to a close, there were still reports of Hamiltonians arriving home, escaping the war zones in Europe.

Miss Marion Mattice had been home just a few days when she was interviewed by a Spectator reporter about her recent experiences. She was an artist and had been sketching on the continent when the war began.

After arriving at New York City from Italy on the steamer, San Guglielmo, of the Siculo-Americana line, Miss Mattice journeyed the rest of the way by train.

Upon arrival home, she had a riveting tale to tell her family, and later the man from the Spectator:

“Miss Mattice describes her stay since the war broke out, and her journey home as one not to be forgotten.

“She was more fortunate than many, being able to get her checks cashed, which helped her overcome many obstacles. At first, the tourists were very much disconcerted when they found that they were unable to get money unless holding the American Express checks; that in most cases their steamer tickets to return home were absolutely useless because of the boats that were withdrawn; the loss of their baggage while fleeing from various cities, and the necessity for many to walk miles to reach a neutral country, the trains being used for mobilization; but it was not long before the counsuls were doing all in their power to give assistance, obtaining money, steamship passages and railroad transportation for those in need.”¹

¹ “Miss Mattice Arrives Home : Has Some Exciting Experiences Abroad.”

Hamilton Spectator.    September 30, 1914.

Marion took pains to note the excellent treatment she receives in one country:

“Much kindness was shown by the Italians in Venice and other places who, when their banks were closed for several days, without money themselves, kept their hotels and boarding houses open to many of the penniless refugees who came flocking into their country.”¹

Marion concluded with some remembrances of her passage across the Atlantic and arrival at New York City:

“Upon very short notice, the San Guglielmo left Naples with some 800 cabin passengers, and other 500 others, who were forced to take steerage passage, for which they paid $110. Poorly-cooked food caused several to become ill and because of the crowded condition and warm nights, many of the passengers were unable to sleep in their berths, and made improvised beds on deck.

“A good deal of excitement was caused near Gibraltar, when the San Guglielmo was pursued for some distance by a torpedo boat, but the neutral flag saved the vessel from any serious delay.

“The dock at Brooklyn was decorated with flags, a band played and the waiting crowd cheered lustily as the boat approached its landing place.

“Tearful faces told the tale of some who had been unable to get in communication with their friends who were abroad.”¹