SIGNOR MUSSOLINI

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19760, 10 April 1926, Page 11

SIGNOR MUSSOLINI

ATTEMPT ON HIS LIFE. ASSAILANT QUESTIONED. MENTALITY OF A FANATIC. (Press Association —By Telegraph—Copyright.) ROME, April 8. The authorities lengthily questioned Miss Gibson, who said that an angel strengthened her hand to kill the Pope or Signor Mussolini. It would have been better to kill the Pope. She declared that she was guided by a supernatural force. She had accomplished what she believed to be a lefty mission entrusted to her. This statement is contradicted by an army doctor. Signor Tavani, with whom Miss Gibson will accordingly be confronted. Dr Tavani declared that on March .8, the anniversary of Fascimo, he saw a whitehaired, elderly woman resembling Miss Gibson, try tc approach Signor Mussolini, who was addressing the crowd. She was boldine a bouquet in her left hand, while her right hand was concealed in her pocket. Dr Tavani prevented her approaching nearer. The police found Miss Gibson’s room like a private chapel, with images of the Saviour and the Madonna, It is stated that after six months in a mental home she took up Spiritualism, and often declared that the spirits of great men meet in her room. —A. and N.Z. Cable. HISTORY OF INSANITY. A RELIGIOUS MANIAC. LONDON, April 8. (Received April 9, at 5.5 p.m.) Miss Gibson, as a girl, was of a contagious gaiety' and possessed a beautiful voice. She became engaged to a young London artist who died, whereupon she buried herself in sorrow, reading the lives of the saints. She was converted to Roman Catholicism in 1900 and decided to adopt a saintly life. The developments led to her friends putting her under restraint. The death of her brother was followed by paroxysms of grief which unhinged her mind. Since her mother’s death recently, Miss Gibson was depressed and silent. She was always accompanied by a friend. It is expected that the Italian authorities will appreciate the history of insanity and quickly deport her to England.—Sydney Sun Cable. MESSAGES FROM IRELAND. FAMILY EXTENDS ITS SYMPATHY. LONDON April 8. Lord Ashbourne telegraphed to SSgnor Mussolini from Dublin the regress of Miss Gibson’s family' at the incident, and expressing their profound sympathy. Mr Cosgrave also telegraphed to Signor Mussolini on behalf of the Government of the Irish Free State, congratulating Signor Mussolini and the Italian people on the former’s escape from an odious attempt cn his person, and hoping for his speedy recovery. He added tnat tlie Infamous attempt had caused muen indignation in the Free State. —Reuter. SCENES OF ENTHUSIASM. MUSSOLINI EMBARKS FOR TRIPOLI. ROME , April 8. In the presence of 100,000 persons, Signor Mussolini embarked for Tripoli, as sprightly and radiant as ever. At Fiumicino, the port of embarkation, there were indescribable scenes of enthusiasm, Salvos were fired, the ships blew their sirens, and there were cries everywhere of “Yive Mussolini.” The populace was so excited that the carabiniere had difficulty in protecting the Prime Minister from his ardent admirers. Bugles rang out as Signor Mussolini boarded the Cavour, whose decks, masts, and rigging were lined with cheering sailors.—Reuter. “TELL ENGLAND I AM NOT DEAD.” LONDON CORRESPONDENT WITH FLEET. LONDON, April 9. (Received April 9, at 9 p.m.) Signor Mussolini’s departure for Tripoli, accompanied by an imposing fleet, is given prominence in the London newspapers, particularly in view of his reference to sea power. The Daily Express, with special permission, has a correspondent on board the battleship Guilio Cesare, who is wirelessing his despatches by courtesy of the Italian Navy. He says that Signor Mussolini shouted to him from the deck of the battleship Conte de, Cavour ‘‘Tell England lam not yet dead.” The most elaborate precautions were taken during the embarkation by the Fascists everywhere. Signor Mussolini is due at Tripoli on Sunday morning.—A. and N.Z. Cable.