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SMAD. An Organ of Student Opinion. 1931. Volume 2. Number 6.

Fascism

Fascism

On September 10 came Signor Formichella, under the auspices of the S.C.M., to speak on "Some Aspects of Fascism."

In introducing him to the meeting Prof. Cornish expressed the interest which everyone must feel in the social experiment at present being tried in Italy. He regarded Mussolini as the greatest living man of affairs, a great contrast to such men as Lenin in his sanity, justice to all classes, and his efforts to build up a nation. He suggested the loan of Il Duce to the British Empire for a short period when Italy had finished with him.

Signor Formichella outlined the political history of Italy from 1861 to the present day, describing the disunity and backwardness of the country, and her corrupt politicians. Even after political unity had been achieved there was no national unity. In spite of these difficulties Fascism has developed a national consciousness—has "created Italians"—and Italian politicians are now actuated by a desire to promote the prosperity of their country. In 1914 Italy entered the war on the side of the Allies and Benito Mussolini left his editorial chair to fight for his country. At the close of hostilities Italy had had 600,000 killed, a million and a-half wounded, and half her total wealth destroyed. There was much unemployment, and a spirit of unrest was abroad, making Italy a favourable field for Communist propaganda. The Communists tried to get control of the State, and there was much lawlessness and bloodshed. In 1918 loyal Italians in Milan, under the leadership of Mussolini, began the movement to stem the tide, and to regenerate Italy. Then came the famous march on Rome, after which the King of Italy called Mussolini to form a government.

The first consideration of the Fascist government was the restoration of financial stability. The Budget, which showed a deficit of £15,000,000, was balanced, and has since shown a surplus. Satisfactory arrangements were made regarding "war debts, and the railways were turned into a paying proposition. Many public works were begun, including extensive road-building, irrigation, afforestation, and draining of marshes. Italy has a larger percentage of its population on the land than any other country, and special efforts were made to improve agriculture. The tide of emigration was arrested. the educational system completely revised. Arbitration Courts were established, aiming at the prevention of disputes and social disorders.

Fascism, said Signor Formichella, stands for law and order, and peace both at home and abroad. Evidence of this is seen in Italy's readiness to reduce armaments, and in the settlement of the Roman question. Mussolini represented democracy in the highest sense of the word. He was a democrat of democrats, an Italian of Italians, and Italy was proud of him.

In reply to a question as to the trouble between Church and State, Signor Formichella explained that the Holy See requested the suppression of all religious propaganda except that of the Catholic faith. The refusal of the State caused dissatisfaction in Catholic circles, and Catholic clubs began to meddle in politics. As the Pope had promised that this would never occur, measures were taken to restrain them. Signor Formichella also said that all Masonic societies had been suppressed, as in Italy they were anti-religious, and against the State, not merely the social societies of other countries. He explained the system of electing representatives to the Italian parliament by saying that the nation is divided into unions. The unions elect a federation, which nominates candidates. These are voted for by the whole nation.

In moving a vote of thanks Mr. A. E. Hurley said that the S.C.M. tried to promote better feeling between countries. The enthusiasm behind the Fascist movement stood out in Signor Formichella's address, the Signor himself being an outstanding example of that enthusiasm. The motion was carried with acclamation.