FATE OF ASSASSIN

Evening Post, Volume CXII, Issue 107, 2 November 1926, Page 9

FATE OF ASSASSIN

DONE TO DEATH BY MOB

MUSSOLINI'S COOL COURAGE

ROME, 31st October

Further details of the attempted assassination of the Italian Premier, Signor Mussolini, at Bologna, have been received. Previous to the attempt the Fascist leader had opened a huge sports stadium, accommodating fifty thousand people, and was -wearing the uniform of commander of the militia. He rode on horseback into the -vast arena and halted in the centre, amid deafening cheering lasting for several minutes. From the saddle he harangued tho assembly, which punctuated his address with cheers, especially hia references to the King.

ADDRESS TO FASCISTS,

"As the supreme commander of tho army and militia," he added, "to-day's ceremony is the crowning feature of tho celebration of the Fascist march to Rome. It is unprecedented in character and significance, because it signifies that a people under arms is enthusiastically acquiescing in the Fascist regime, a people willing to follow me

everywhere. Fascism is now the civil religion of every Italian worthy of tho name." Then rising in his stirrups ho exclaimed: "Blackshirts, raise aloft your rifles; let the world see this forest of bayonets, and feel the beating of your hearts, which are resolute and invincible." Later Signor Mussolini took the salute in a inarch past of the regulars, militia, and Fascists. UNABLE TO FIRE SECOND SHOT, The would-be assassin managod to get near the cordon of troops and police guarding the route to the station before they were aware of his intention to fire at Sigcor Mussolini. He was immediately seized by an officer and fascists before he. was able to fire a second shot. The first bullet was found in Signor Mussolini's car.

Directly the shot was heard the crowd realised that another attempt had been made to murder Signor Mussolini. A yell of horrified anger was raised, and before the detectives guarding the Dictator were able to save the assailant, the crowd threw themselves upon the boy, using their fists, sticks, and even boots. The youth died within five minutes. Finally the maddened mob dragged the corpse into the middle of the street and left it lying there.

When the body was taken to the police station, nothing was found on the clothing to reveal the man's identity. A medical examination showed traces of strangulation and fourteen deep knife wounds. The man must have been dead in a little more than a minute from the time he fired the shot.