BLOW TO FASCISM

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LVI, 26 June 1924, Page 5

BLOW TO FASCISM

MURDER OF A DEPUTY

STATEMENT BY SIGNOR

MUSSOLINI

(By Eloct.rio Telegraph.—Copyright.) (Bubliahei in The Timed.)

ROME, June 24

In the Senate the President, Signor Tittoni, expressed indignation at the murder of Deputy Matteotti and repugnance at tlie motives of self interest surrounding the crime. The Senate’s decision was that the full penalty fall on those responsible. Sisgnor Mussolini reiterated his extreme regret and horror at the crime and declared that Fascist! were among the first to condemn it and that justice he meted out irrespective of persons. The Government would stand fast, but this did not mean it might not he reconstructed in order to enable it better to achieve national pacification. There was no question of his clinging to office, hut he would regard himself as one of tho most cowardly of men if he shirked moral and political responsibilities at a difficult moment. lie refused to agree to a dissolution. Fascism had certainly received a blow hut had already profited and would continue to profit therefrom in getting rid of the had elements. Fascism would refuse to how to the storm of reproach. ■ The incidents at Bologna were indicative of the moral and political tension, which had reached a maximum, particularly- in north and central Italy, where Fascism is not. strongly represented. Everything must he done to prevent the situation becoming worse.