THE OUTRAGE IN ITALY.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIII, Issue 19298, 10 April 1926, Page 11

THE OUTRAGE IN ITALY.

PREMIER IN GOOD SPIRITS. NOT AFFECTED BY WOUND. POSSIBLE CAUSE OF CRIMETHE WOMAN'S MIND UNHINGEDBy Telegraph—Press Association-—Copyright. (Received 10 p.m.) A. and N.Z. LONDON. April 0. Despatches from Rome state that the Primo Minister, Signor Mussolini, who was shot at and slightly wounded by the Hon. Violet Gibson, an Irishwoman, yesterday, sailed for Tripoli this morning. Signor Mussolini was as sprightly and radiant in bearing as ever. There were indescribable scenes of enthusiasm on the arrival of Signor Mussolini at Piuinicino to embark for Tripoli. Salvos were fired, the ships used their sirens and there were cries everywhere of "Viva Mussolini!" The populace was so excited that the carabinieri had difficulty in protecting the Prime Minister from his ardent admirers. The bugles rang out as Signor Mussolini boarded the battleship Contcde Cavour, whose decks, masts and rigging were lined with cheering sailors. " I Am Not Yet Dead." The departure of Signor Mussolini for Tripoli, accompanied by an imposing fleet, is given prominence in the London newspapers, particularly in view of the interest, in Italy as a sea Power. The Daily Express, with s[>ecial permission, has a correspondent, Mr. Green well, aboard the battleship Giulio Cesare. In a wireless message the correspondent says that .Signor M.ussolini shouted to him from the dock of the battleship Contcde Cavour: "Tell England I am not yet dead." Most elaborate precautions were taken at the port of embarkation, Fascists being everywhere. Signor Mussolini is duo at Tripoli on Sunday morning. The life of the Prime Minister having been spared, interest centres on the motives which prompted the Hon. Violet Gil)sou to attempt to assassinate him. Questioned by the authorities, she said an angel strengthened her hand to kill the Popo or Signor Mussolini, but it would have been better to kill the Pope. The police found the. woman's room like a private chapel, with images of the Saviour and the Madonna. It is stated that after being discharged from Semester Mental Home she took up spiritualism, and often declared that tbe spirits of great men met in her room. Statement by Woman. In roplios to questions, the woman said that, considering herself guided by a supernatural force, she accomplished what she believed to be the lofty mission entrusted to her. This statement is contradicted by an army medical officer, Dr. Tavani, with whom the woman will accordingly bo confronted. Dr. Tavani declares that on March 28, the anniversary of Fascismo, he a white-haired, elderly woman resembling the Hon. \ iolet Gibson, approach Mussolini, who was addressing a crowd. She was holding a bouquet in her left hand, while her right, hand was concealed in a pocket. Dr. Tavani prevented her approaching nearer. As a girl the Hon. Violet Gibson possessed a bright temperament and a. beautiful voice. She becamo engager! to a young London artist, who died, whe.roupon she buried herself in sorrow, reading the lives of the saints. She was converted to Romanism in 1900 and decided to copy the lives of saints. These developments led to her friends putting her under restraint. Deportation Probable, The death of her brother was follcrved by paroxysms of grief, which unhinged her mind, and since her mother's death recently sho has been depressed and silent. She was always accompanied by a friend. It is expected that the Italian authorities will appreciate the history of insanity and quietly deport her to England. Ixird Ashbourne, the brother of the Hon. Violet Gibson, has telegraphed to Signor Mussolini from' Dublin, saying that the. woman's family deeply regret her action in shooting at him, and express 1 their profound sympathy. Mr. W. T. Cosgrave, Premier of the Irish Free State, also telegraphed to Signor Mussolini on behalf of his Government, congratulating the Italian Premier and people on the providential escape from an odious attempt on his person, and hoping for his speedy recovery, adding that the infamous attempt had caused much indignation in the Free State.