FOR THE LOVE OF LENINE

The Little Red Gods, or whoever it is that presides over the destinies of the Bolsheviki, have proved unduly neglectful of one of their most ardent votaries-- Deputy Misiano of the Italian Parliament. During the War, Misiano resided is Switzerland for his health; but the Italian government was so unsympathetic as to brand him as a deserter from the army. This did not affect his popularity in communist circles, however, for, in November of 1919, he was returned to the Italian Parliament from Genos, and even allowed to take his seat after the grant of general amnesty by the Nutti government. Subsequently he made a triumphal entry into Rome, where he immediately became active in "red" disturbances of all kinds.

Then it was, that the attention of the Little Red Gods was distracted by more pressing matters in other parts of Europe, and the misfortunes of signor Misiano began. He managed to become involved in a lawsuit with a Neapolitan newspaper, which obtained possession of and proceeded to publish some of Misiano's exceedingly private correspondence. Therein it was revealed that the Genoese Deputy, some two years before, had taken the precaution to become a naturalized Russian citizen in case of accident. Inasmuch as a box of Bolshevik gold, destined for work in Italy, had just fallen into the hands of the authorities, people were not slow to connect the two facts. At once a storm of ridicule broke out. Everyone in Italy knocked off work to poke fun t Misiano. From hotel, from restaurant, from the theatre, and then from city to city, he has been hounded by the none too gentle jibes of his countrymen. Everywhere he is recognized and hooted. Hurling epithets and brickbats at "Misanoff", as they have nick-named him, has become the national sport of the hour. The Disciple of Soviets has been forced to leave the country. The Little Red Gods, oh! where are they?

Not much sympathy will attend the fleeing Deputy. The common opinion is that duplicity has only got its due, and sober Italians will be more than glad to be rid of so dangerous a plotter against law and order. Indeed, the fate, of the would-be Italian Lenine is possibly an indication that Bolshevism is on the wane in Italy: Given a full dinner-pall and the mishaps of the "Russian Deputy" to chuckle over, the Italian workman will perhaps prove safe for democracy. As for Misiano, he will doubtless soon be on his way once more to his Russian fatherland. The Red Gods grant him a safe journey!