Fascismo and the Masons

Press attacks launched against the Masons by the Catholic, Nationalist, and Fascisti parties absorb the attention of all Italians. The Grand Fascista Council, at a meeting in Rome, requested its Masonic members to choose between Fascismo and Freemasonry. A sequel to this "order" was enacted at a meeting of the Rome Municipal Council, at which a motion was presented that only Nationalists, Fascisti, or Liberals not belonging to the Masonic Order should be eligible to fill existing vacancies in the city administration. The motion also included a statement that if for any reason it was found necessary to nominate members of other parties, they should be required to sign a declaration stating on their honor that they were not Freemasons.

Mussolini, always against the Masons, has been drawing closer to the Catholic Party. He is becoming almost subservient to the Vatican. His policy of reintroducing religion, into the curriculum of the public schools as a favor to the Pope aroused the ire of the Masons. The Premier, mindful of the support of the Catholics, told the Masons: "Fascisti cannot at the same time serve the cause of Masonry and that of the Nation."

Preparations are under way for the erection, in Milan, of Italy's first skyscraper. "Reserve for me an apartment on the top floor!" said Mussolini.

"Whoever does not vote is ill. Whoever is ill needs castor oil." This Fascisti bill, placarded throughout the small village of Arona in northern Italy, resulted in a rush of the populace en masse to the polls.

Industrial and Labor Information, weekly publication of the International Labor Office of the League of Nations, states that within the last few months a number of workers' organizations, wishing to contribute to Italy's financial reconstruction, are working one hour overtime each day and handing over the extra wage to the State.