ITALIAN SENSATION.

Press, Volume LX, Issue 18101, 17 June 1924, Page 7

ITALIAN SENSATION.

THE MURDERED DEPUTY.

(Bf CASM—HUBBS ASSOCIATION COtTRtaBT.) (A.tJS'TEA.tIiK ANO B.Z. OABLB ABSOOUMOH) ROME, June 15. It is believed that the kidnappers did not mean to murder Mattootti (the Socialist Deputy who was found dead in a wood), but in fcli6 struggle he was struck a heavy blow, which fractured his skull. The kidnapping has caused a most serious position in the Italian Chamber, ' from which the entire Opposition re- ! mained absent as a protest. Signor Mussolini and other Fascist! oppressed execration and horror against the murder, and promised that if the perpetrators are caught 'they will be brought to speedy justice, Fascisti expressed the > hope that the Opposition would not utilise the incident for party purposes." In consequence of the absence of the Opposition, the Chamber voted estimates to the end of the year and adjourned sine die. Signor Mussolini' stayed at his, office all night long personally superintending the police search. Three arrests have been made.

"FASCISM ON ITS TRIAL."

(Receivod June 16th, 9.40 p.m.) BOMB, June 16. There is much excitement at the fate of Deputy Mattcotti. Public Opinion considers that Fascism is on its trial. Signor Mussolini says he is determined to bring thk -instigators of the outrage to justice. Several Fascist! have been arrested, including the editor of a Borne newspaper who was caught attempting to escape on a northbound express. Two minor members of the Mussolini Ministry resigned, as their nameß had becu mentioned in connexion with the outrage, and they wish to'defend themselves. '

BLAME ON FASCISTI.

(Keccived June 17th, 12.40 a.m.) . LONDON, June 16. The Borne coirespondent 6f "The Times" states that Fascisti are now definitely accused of kidnapping Signor Mattcotti. Newspapers are pointing out that Signor Mattcotti was known t6 be in possession of certain information relating to State contracts which he intended to disclose in Parliament. Had he done so, it is stated tho cause of Fascism would hrive been seriously .compromised. . ' "No crime in recent years has so shocked the public," says the correspondent, who declares that according to private information given by a certain deputation, Matteotti was first stabbed, then buried in the wqod, which police are now guarding.