“A
meeting of prominent Italian Canadians has been promoted by two well-known
Italian-Canadians of Hamilton, L. P. Scarrone, who has been 25 years in Canada,
and Doctor Louis Aldrighetti, editor of Corriere di Hamilton, Italian Weekly.
Hamilton Spectator. August 8, 1914.
During the first few days after the
declaration of wide-scale warfare in Europe, there was a considerable amount of
activity in Hamilton’s Italian community regarding the situation.
On one hand, many Italians who had been
living in Hamilton felt that they should return immediately to their native
country :
“In view of the fact that there have
been numerous dispatches concerning the attitude of Italy in the present crisis
in Europe, and the fact that Italians have been recalled to service, many of
the local sons of Italy are making prepartions to return.”1
1 “Back to
Italy : Many Will Go From Here If Country Goes to War.”
Hamilton Spectator. August 8, 1914.
It was deemed very likely that many
Italians would be making hasty departures from Hamilton for their native land.
At the same time, there was an effort
being made for Hamilton’s Italian men to react to the news of war in Europe in
a different way.
Two meetings were scheduled for
explain how Hamilton citizens of Italian might respond:
“Arrangements will be made to form a
company of Italian Canadian volunteers, which will be placed at the disposal of
the local military authorities.
“Strong enthusiasm reigns in the
Italian colony and the members hope to see a company sent to the front as soon
as possible”2
2 “Fine
Spirit : Hamilton Italians Will Form Volunteer Company”
Hamilton Spectator. August 8, 1914.
By August 12, 1914, the initiative to
form an volunteer company of Italian Canadians had progressed substantially :
“Not even the British born of Hamilton
excel in their enthusiasm the patriotic spirit displayed by the Italians here,
who have already raised a volunteer company of 100 men to fight for the
empire.”3
3 “Fervid
Appeal From Italians : Call on Their Countrymen to Rally Around Colors ;
Promise to Furnish Company of 100 Men.”
Hamilton Spectator. August 12, 1914.
The following appeal (English version)
to attend a meeting was circulated among the Italians of Hamilton:
“From all parts of the civilized word
comes an outcry of protest against the Austro-German arrogance and the temerity
which these countries are trying to trample down the most sacred rights of the
people. Everywhere companies of volunteers are being organized for the purpose
of opposing the armed forces of the Teutonic peoples. In the old country our
brothers, in view of the temporary neutrality very wisely declared by our
government, have already in men legions of volunteers in aid of Servia, France
and England.
“We, Italians of Canada, must show
that we are second to none in coming to Britain’s aid.
“England has been always a true friend
of Italy. England, with France, has co=operated in the unity and independence
of Italy. We, exiled sons of Italy, must be grateful to the great nations. We
must demonstrate that we love this adopted country, which is part of the great
British Empire. To prove this we must organize a strong company of
Italo-Canadian volunteers, and put our lives at the disposal of the Canadian
military authorities.
“Everyone who is a true Italian by
birth and sentiment should come to the meeting, which will be held in Kennedy
hall tonight at 8 o’clock. Nobody should fail.
“Long live Italy! Long Live Canada!
Long Live England!” 3
The final
words of the appeal were repeated loudly by all when the recruiting meeting ended:
“Those were the cheers taken up by 300
stalwart sons of Italy who gathered last night in Kennedy’s hall in response to
a call for volunteers among local Italians to fight for the empire in the
present war.”4
4 “Sons of
Italy to Fight for Old Britain : Cheer Frantically For Italy, England and
France : Three Hundred Have Already Volunteered Service : Arrangement Completed
for a Big Parade Tonight”
Hamilton Spectator. August 13, 1914.
The main speaker of the main was Dr.
Aldrighetti, 39 Robert street. The doctor, editor of the Hamilton weekly
newspaper, called, in English, The Italian Courier, well-known in the Italian
Hamilton community. He was also was well-regarded as a fluent, enthusiastic speaker
The doctor employed
his oratory to the greatest degree in the Italian language and he was
interrupted frequently with loud and prolonged cries of “Long Live Italy, Long
Live Canada, Long Live England,”
“Hats were thrown in
the air and the greatest excitement prevailed, especially at the conclusion of
his address, when Dr. Aldrighetti asked for a showing of hands from those
willing to volunteer in England’s cause.
“Hardly had the
request been made before hundreds of hands were thrust high in the air. Many of
the volunteers, fearing that they might not be seen, jumped on chairs and
raised both hands at the same time, all joining in the cry, ‘Long Live England.’
”4
Within a half hour of
the end of Dr. Aldrighetti’s address, upwards of 200 names were put on a list
of those willing to volunteer.
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