HE ENGLISH NATION

E PEOPLE OF MALTA

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July 1901. THE PEOPLE OF MALTA

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The Maltese find themselves since a century under British Rule and during all this period have always given constant proofs of loyalty. It was not through conquest that they have formed part of the British Empire, but at their own free will they applied for the Pro~ectorate. Towardi:3 the end of the XVII century Napoleon Bonaparte had taken the Island from the Knights of "St. John; but within a very short time after this event, the Maltese, who could not adapt themselves to the conquest, rose in arms against the Republic, unaided, without seeking anyone's help; and after that they had, alone. already fought for a long time, they were provided \vith arms and ammunitions fl'Om England and from other powers. They were fighting for their freedom and their own indipendence and they were winning. General Graham recognizes all this in his proclamation of the • 19th June 1801 where he says: "Brave Maltese !.... given in prey of invaders .... an eternal slavery seemed to be your inevitable destiny .... you broke in pieces your chains .... your courage confined your enemy behind the ramparts .... To arms, then, 0 Maltese, for GOD and your COUNTRy!.... Success will recom­ pense your labour, and you will return instantly into the bosom of your families, proud, justly proud, of HAVING SAVED YOUR COUNTRY! My Master sovereign of a people free and generous, sent me to support you. " -God gave victory to the Maltese. But the Treaty of Amiens decided to give tbe Maltese back to the Govern­ ment of the Order, much against their will and to th.eir great disappointment. They petitioned to the King of England that H. M. might be pleased to ~ake Malta under His protection. The Treaty of Amiens was annulled, and 111 the Treaty of Paris of 1814 the wish of the Maltese and the yoice of Europe (llIelitensium amor et Europa' Vox) gave these Islands to Great Britain. The Maltese were ahrays and are still poud to belong to England, but they have always claimed, in Yain, that part of benefits, which from tbe union should accrue to them. Because it is evident, that, although explicit agreements there were few, yet this union should have meant as a thing desired for reciprocal interest. England by acquiring Malta, had a strategical position in the Mediterranean truly enviable, splendid harbours, and first rate fortresses. Malta longed for a political freedom in the administration of its internal Governlilent,-that freedom whi.ch is an indispensable element wherewith a people may deyelop its own resourses and follow the European progress. 4 It is painful to us to record that we have never had this freedom. It was only in the year 184~ that a mock representative Government was granted to us; but the Elective Members of the Oouncil were in a minority and the Officials, bound to support the Government, always won through their nume­ rical majority. In 1887 the constitution was improved; but soon after the principal parts of it were destroyed, and what remains became null and void through the abuses of the veto of the Governor, through the corrupted and corruptive policy of the Government, and through the Orders in Oouncil. The Government, seeing that the population were suffering in silence, wished to push their pretensions to the point of attacking the Language of the Country-the Italian. Since 1880 a very unequal struggle is taking place between the people and the Government, and no end of abuses and unjustices were committed with that end in view. The Maltese have so far claimed, in vain, to have their home rule. They have uselessly· applied to the Imperial Government, through a deputation sent to London in 1899 with a view of protesting against the f3ubstitution of the English Language to the Italian and of obtaining the political freedom to administer their own Government. Their just claims have been obstinately rejected and they are now groaning under a Military Goyernment always Severer and harsher. They have now decided to make an appeal to the generous English People, hoping that their moderate pretensions may be taken up by the British' Parliament. England has always been the School of freedom, and we are, therefore, sure that our appeal to the generosity of the English N alion will not be in vain. The reasons of the Maltese have been dealt with in the various correspon­ dences between the Members of the Deputation sent to London in 1899 and the Secretary of State for the Oolonies, to which we beg expressely to refer ourselves, having been informed that their publicatio11 has been promised in Parliament. ,Ve may only add some informations relative to the meetings of the 5th May and 2nd· June ot this year. These two meetings were, indeed, very important, for the number and quality of persons attending them. To the first of these meetings no less then 25 to 30 thousand were present, and that out of population of 165264 souls: at the second, from 4 to 5 thousand assembled, out of a population of 19789. ·When the initiator of these meetings. made known his intention of assembling the people, he invited all constituted bodies and corporations to express their intention whether they snpported or not bis views, and such was the assent of the public, that it can be said that a plebiscite in writing has been given before the meeting could take place (1). The decision of the People could not be more unanimons, on both questions that were pnt to the Assembly, viz: on the language question and on that of the taxes which were the principal points at issue, an~ the Resolutions passed at these meetings were duly submitted to His Excellency the Governor (2). On these meetings the Ele'cted Members of the Oouncil of Government have also addressed His Excellency the Governor on the 16th of this month, anrl we think it useful to reproduce here the following paragraphs of their letter: " 7. 'iYith reference to the language question ,ye beg to state that those Official Members of the Oouncil of Government, to whom the task is entrusted of bringing about the substitution of the English for the Italian language, have frequently misrepresented the bearings of this subject: it is, therefore, our duty frankly to declare that no one is contrary to the teaching of the English language and to its diffusion in Malta, but that all Maltese are contrary to its substitution for Italian and are contrary to the exclusion of the latter from these islands. " This opposition of the Maltese, being thus breafly and clearly defined, its justice is self· evident, and it becomes quite.intelligible that the Maltese

(1) See Appendix 1. (2) See Appendix II. 5 are asking for' what they have a right to maintain, and what the -Government cannot deprive them of, without committing an act of the most odious violence. "8. The Maltese have possessed this language from the time ,yhen it first sprung up, and it is an historial fact that the first Italian "Canzoni" were sung in Malta before they were in northern Italy. " The O.31cial Members of Government did not hesitate to falsify history, and, from the fact that till the end of the XVII century some notarial and judicial acts used to be written in Latin, they wished to infer that the Italian language was introduced into this Island only 200 years ago. These gentlemen should see the emptiness of their argnment reflecting that, on one hand, it is a: fact that even in Italy, up to th~ end of the XVII century, many notarial acts anel forms of judicial procedure were written in Latin; and, on the other hand, that in Malta many notarial acts and forms of judicial procedure, anterior to the XVIII century, are written in Italian. This proves that Malta, at that time followed, as far as the language is concerned, the Italian evolution. "But even supposing that the Italian language bad not been adopted by the Maltese but 200 years since-or even less-would that entitle the Government to deprive us of it and to substitute English in its stead? "9. The Petition made by the Maltese to King George III asking Him r to take Malta under His protection was written 111 Italian. It establishes the Italian language as the base of all our relations with England, and in this respect it is to. be considered as an inviolable contract, beeause it is on the strength of this Petition that in 1814, at the Treaty of Paris, this sentence was written: " lVIagnm et InvicttB Britannim Melitensiutll Amor et Europi:B Vox has Insulas confirmat. " "10. Malta was not conquered by England: the Maltese, after regaining their liberty, spontaneously asked for the protection of Great Britain, to which they brought the splendid achantages offered by their harbours and fortresses. Today, in the XX century, it would be a crime against humanity if a conquering nation dared to impose its language on the conquered one: we leave it, therefole, to Your Excellency to judge what is to be thought of the conduct of our Government, who interferes, not with the language of a conquered race, but with that of a people, that, of their own free will placed themselves under its protection and contributed so much to its power in the l\lediterranean. " In spite of all this, however, (hiring one hundred years Malta has continually been attacked by the Government with that end in view, and especialfy during the last 25 years the Maltese have, been the victims of the strangest and most deplorable measures tending to that scope! "11. lVIalta, at its self-cession to Great Britain, received the most solemn promises from the King, that the rights of the Maltese would always be protected. Such explicit promises were certainly not necessary, as it was but natural that the Maltese, giving themselves to Great Britain, were not renouncing that liberty, they had gained at tbe cost of their blood. Certainly, both contracting parties had a right to reci procal ad vantages. But, fortu­ nately, explicit promises were added to the tacit agreements, and we ju~tly and reasonably declare to the Government that amongst onr rigbts we bave the Italian language and ,ve absolutely insist on its being maintained in its ancient position. "In 1831 the Government wished to compile a Code of laws and they ,attempted to draw it in the English language. The Maltese ~tllad,ean~ .. o.ppo­ sition to this, .5yhich ea.me. totheJ~nowledg(u~f the King, who ordered th.at the M~~se laws should always J~Jl.~~dr~~TI'p in Italian. Today the Government wish toorealfa:lso this ~oraei: of the King, 'wbich, under those circumstances, was a recognition of the old promises and a renewal of the same. "12. It is stated that the Government desire the substitution of the English language for the I talian, for the benefit of the Maltese. vVe declare 6 that the Maltese are well able to judge of their own interests. They reject this benefit, reminding the'Government, that" invito beneficium non datu!'. " "13. The determination of the Maltese is well known to the Government. and no misrepresentation on the part of the Government Officials can possibly persuade anybody that the Maltese consent to the substitution. Since 1880' the People have constantly faught against the Government to prevent the unscrnpulous design of substitution from being actuated; but the People have only limited means of expressing their opinion: - the Elections, Public Meetings and the Press. " In opposition to the independent Press, the Government succeds in finding the support of interested papers-and that very easily too 1 " Against Public Meetings laws of such severitywel'e made, that for seve­ ral years the Maltese felt the almost entire impossibility of assembling anel only the most stringent necessity has impelled them to break through all obstacles and to assemble in such great nnmbers ('n the 5th May and 2nd June. " The Elections alone (which are held secretely ~ll1d which consequently free from all intimidation on the part of the Government) remain to the as a sure and certain way of expressing their sincere desire; and the Elections have always, since 1880, given the most decisive resnlts in favour of the Italian language. The most determined opponents of this language, in Coun~~!,~are Count_StricklallJl~iteJ1a Catena ( chief Secretary to Government} aii1IJJ1~.'.~lfredo Naudi (Crown Advocate): both of them, obtained their position by means of having been Elected Members of the Council of Government, and ~~themllarva be.en, .. el€Jlted .. by the ~(o)QP1(3 .•~,g.glei!. cle.a~ ..~nd explicit p;:oml§'tl~iJl~~JuyouM alwaJ8.oppose the .SUbstl.t.utlOn ofEnghsh:ior H!l,lian. "14. The Government officials knew perfectly well what the feelings of the PopUlation really were, but for some time they have been stl'i ving to show the reverse. We protest against the means by which the opinion of the fathers. who have children in the Elementary Schools, is being investigated. If the Government WHe really willing to ascertain public opinion on the subject, they would have selected the fair m.eans proposed by us-that is, a plebiscits, by secret ballot, conducted by independent persons, anel under such reciprocal guarantees of honest procedure, as to ensure a true and genuine expression of -public sentiments. Moreover, to the public should be given an opportunity of expressing an opinion on the whole subj ect of elementary instruction, not only. on a part of it, as the Government are doing. Consequently, no man with honest intentions can rely on an investigation, which the Government is conducting through his subordinates, excluding even the presence of the Elected Members of the Council of Government, who applied in vain for being represented by one or two of them. This investigation cannot be approved by any body, and we strongly protest against it. "15. ,Ve humbly submit to your Excellency'S consideration the eloquent fact, that the Public are suffering the closing of certain schools, which was by the Government decreed in consequence of the rejection, on our part, of the salaries of certain Teachers in whose schools the English language has been subtitlltecl for the Italian. The Government thought that this step would have brought about our political downfall, but on the contrary the public suffer the consequences of our political measure, because they know that it is meant to averG a much greater evel-the substitution of the language. What greater proof is wanted of the determination of the Maltese on the language question? The People suffer and submit to sacrifices, with the hope that justice will finally prevail and a definitly favourable result will be obtained. "16. ,Ve say "definitely favourable result," because it is absolutely necessary that the Maltese be once for all liberated from every further attack on the Italian language. The language question has thrown Public Instruction into the ,troubled sea of politics, with great detri ment of all those that, since 1t1S0, have frequented or are frequenting public schools. We entreat Your Excellency to put a stop to this very great evil, depending on the unjust pretentions of the Government to force the English language in Malta. " 17. Your Excellency, on receiving the Deputation that presented to Your Excellency the Resolutions agreed upon at the meeting of the 5th May, said that among the reasons brought ~gainst the substitution of the English language for the Italian there is that of Religion, and argued that there is absolutely no intention on the part of the Government ever to interfere with the Religion of the Maltese. " 'Ve beg Your Excellency to observe that the Maltese have many reasons to oppose the proposed substitution apart of any religious motive. " However, we know well that on the religions reason alleged by some people public opinion is divided. There are the optimists, who maintain that no danger can ever be imagined on this point: there are the pessimists, who maintain that the Government will, as soon as possible, deal with the religious question in the same way as it is dealing with the Italian language. " vVe abstain purposely from expressing an opinion and, cOQsequently, from reviewina the history of the last century. We limit ourselves to state that the pessimists, have as much right to be on the alert and to admonish others to be on the alert, as the ellglish papers have a righb to attack the sentiments of the maltese in matter of Rel,igion and to threaten the maltese on this point. Now it is a well known fact, that the english press very frequently attacks the Maltese religious feelings, and threatens, more or less clearly, an interference. Your Excellency will admit the difficulty in which we find ourselves to give a complete quotation' of the articles to which we allude, but fortunately we have three at hand, and we quote them as specimen:

I. " The Broad A/TOIV of the 25th June 1896, after having condemned in the bitterest terms the action of our Bishop, for having reminded "the faithful that it is forbidden to Catholics to take part in concerts for the benefit of Masohic funds, concludes with these words: The Maltese have shown themselt~es quite unfitted to Govern .l-iJllropeans, and it £s high time that Valletta should be deelarelZ to be a .fortress and governed as Gibraltar very properl!f is, by a IJiilit:l1'Y Governor.

II. " The Modern Societ!f of the 5th January 1893 contains the following complimentary assertion: Malta is one of the few British Dependencies 1chere $elj-government is working badly, and this is ,~olely due to the faet that the manage­ ment oJ affairs is in the hands of a Roman Catholic mojorit!f, 1l'ho are absolutely unwilling to allow to the Protestant minority in :.IIalta the toleration which we concede to the Roman Catholic minorit!f in England. EFFORTS ARE XOW BEING MADE TO REl1IEDY thiulnusual state of things, AND IT WILL EJ7-iJIY­ TUALLr BE RElvlEDIED.

III. " The Liverpool Courier of the 13th April 16m, after having sharply attacked the Maltese for having prevented a lady from evangelizing them, as they have been already evangelized by the Apostle Paul, concludes thus: How long will Protestant Britain tolerate this muler coter of her flag? Jfillit be only a second ,edition of our experience in India that shall ,'ouse the nation from sllch ostrie/;-like blindness? We fvrse the heathen to tolerate our rnissiolwl'ies, whilst-here our ]JOIcer is 'llsed to suppress any attempt to evangelize our fellow su~ji!cts. Britain's lJOlceljul arm the shield of Papal supremacy. "18. The proposed compensation to those, who, when English is snbsti­ . tuted for Italian, will find themselves t he sufferers in t heir vested interests {loes not satisfy the Maltese, who in such substitution do not see an evil for a limited class of persons, and fOl; the present generation only, but 11 ruin in 8 the interests of the whole population, for the presen t and for the future. However, we are glad that Your Excellency has officialy promised a compen­ sation to those who would more directly suffer in their vested interest, because after such promise no' one can continue to maintain that the legal body is doing opposition for the sake of their own private interests. "19. vVith regard to the question" of taxes there is little to say: the unanimous declarations of all c\agses of the population, especially 0f the clergy and of t he legal body, to the effect t hat the Maltese are not in a position of paying heavier taxes than they now do, is quite an insurmon~able objection to t he creation of new taxes. Malta, once so prosperous, is now reduced almost to ,misery. "20. To this reason another may be added-and this is, t hat so long as Malta is deprived of the right of administrating its government" in as much as local affaires are concerned, the Government has no right to appeal for fnrthel' taxes. "21. ,Ve conclude by expressing cur hop:! that om just demands for a better constitution, and our most energetic opposition to the substitution or the English language for the Italian and the creation of new taxes will find the deserved appreciation in your sense of justice and humanity. vVe do not address your Excellency as our Governor only, but also as an honest, loyal and generous English gentleman; and we are certain that our humble appeal to Your Excellecy's best sentiments will not be made in vain." The Maltese, in the meanwhIle, earnstly pray Providence for the happy success of their cause, which they place in the hands of the English People. Trusting in the jllstice of Parliament, and with the certainty that amongst the Members of that august Assembly many generous Members will raise their voice in defence of this population-which since a century has been deprived of managing its own local concerns-since a century is vexed by the unjust pretensions of its Government especially on the language question-since a century is placed under an impossible military rule-while more than any other Uolony, perhaps, Malta deserves the consideration of the English Govern­ ment, for its spontaneons union to Great Britain and for its loyalty; they have reason to believe that before long a new era will dawn on these Islands.

July, 1901. APPENDIXES

APPENDIX I.

ADHESIONS (1) to Dr. Mizzi's proposal for a meeting to be held on the 5th. ~Iay 1901

FIRST AND S}~COND }~LEcrroRAlj DIS']'RIC1'S (Valletta, SHema L~' St'Julian)

1. COLLEGIATE CHURCH OF "S. PAOLO NAUFRAGO" Chapter Hall 17 April 1901. Sir, By order of the Most Revel. Chapter of this Collegiate Church, I have the honour to transmit to you, in answer to your letter of the 12th inst., a literal Extract from the proceedings of the Capitular Rennion held to day. I take meanwhile the opportunity of presenting you the sentiments of my most profound esteem, with which I am Your most devt. Servt. v. FARRUGIA, Ohancellor. The Honorable Dr. Fortunato Mizzi.

Litteral Extract from the Capitular proceedings of the Reunion of the Most Revel. Chapter of the Collegiate Church of « S. Paolo Naufrago» of Valletta, held on the 17th April 1901. . The Archpriest requested precedence of all other subjects to propose the question whether and how the Chapter should take part in future Meetmgs relative to the imposition of further taxes and the substitution of the language, to which Meetings the Chapter is invited by letter from Dr. F. Mizzi dated 12th inst. Having obtained precedence he proposes the question, on which­ The Chapter, On the proposal of the question made by the Rev. Can. Archpriest if it ought to take part in future public meetings on the taxes and language questions, which at the present time agitate the public opinion of the Country; Seen the letter dated 12th inst. sent by Dr. F. Mizzi, in which it is asked whether the Chapter wish to take part in the future meetings on the aforesaid questions; Considering that the question concerning an increase in the taxation of the people and that of forcibly changing the language of its education, are questions essentially vital to the country and can be the origin and cause of the extreme ruin of the people;

(1) Translated into english from the italian originals. 10 Oonsidering it the chief duty of the Oatholic Priest to defend the weak against any aggression from the stronger, as has been always done by the Bishops and Supreme Pontiffs; Considering that there is no doubt whatever that any tax imposed on the people must exasperate still the mis ery wllich weights at this moment on the population of this Island; and that of such actual miser:y those com­ posing this Ohapter can more than any other person bear testimony, being by reason of their office in continual contact with all classes ofpersons ; Oonsidering that the wish to substitute to the ancient language of the Country the English Language tends only. to vex the people and to further impoverish them without any aim or utiiity whatever; . Considering that all the People of this Island are contrary and opposed to any imposition of taxes whatever and to the substitution of the language, which things every member composing the Chapter can from his own knowledge personally testify; Considering that it was already the intention of the Chapter to take an active part in the .Meeting regarding the taxes and the language even prior to the receipt of the invitation fwm Dr. F. Mizzi above mentioned; On account of such reasons they declare- That this Chapter wert' prepared and resolved to take part in the meeting above mentioned even jf they bad not received an invitation; That they did not attend the meeting of the 7th inst. because on the day and hour at which the meeting was held, the Ohapter were engaged in their Ecclesiastical duties; That, however, the Chapter approve of all the decisions and resolutions passed by the meeting of the 7th inst. as if they had taken part therein; These declarations premised; the Chapter unanimously decide to accept the invitation of Dr. Mizzi to be present at future meetings regarding the questions of language and taxesancl they nominate to represent them on the platform mentioned in the invitation, the Hevd. Oanons Archpriest, C. Galea and A. Vella who .are willing to accept the task; to whom they give an express order to 8trenously and energetically defend the Rights of the people and to oppose by all constitutional means the imposition of further taxes, and the substitution of the language. The Ohaucellor is requested to send a copy of this decision to Dr. F. Mizzi. True extract taken on the 17th April 1901. V. FARRUGIA, Chancellor.

II. ST. PAUL'S PARISH OHURCH Valletta 1/5NOl. Sir, . In reply to your most esteemed letter of the 26th ult. inviting me to represent the Parish of St. Paul, Valletta, I have the honour to inform you that such representation does not appertain to me but to the Oanon Ourate F. Oamilleri, to 'whom I have submitted the question. He has requested me to answer that he accepts with pleasure the invitation as two vital matters are concerned: but obliged as he is to remain in the Ohurch for the administration of the Sacraments, he has deputed to represent him and our parish at the Meeting on the 5th inst. the same Revel. Oanons who are to represent our Most Revel. Chapter 'at the same Meeting. In fulfilling such a request and assuring you that on that day the proces­ sion of the Holy Jubilee will not take place, I remain, ,Vith feelings of true esteem Your most devot. servt. The Honorable P. AGIUS, Archpriest. Fortunato Mizzi L.L.D. 11 III.

SAN DOMENICO'S PARISH CHURCH Valletta 25th April 1901. Sir, I hasten to reply to your invitation, of to day's date. Only my very infirm state of health might prevent me from being personally present at the Public Meeting. In such a case·it will be my duty to be represented ll1 support of two questions equally just. Your most devot. servt. F. A. PORTELLI O.P. Porto Salvo. The Honourable Dr. Fortunato Mizzi.

IV. DOMENICAN CONVENT Valletta 19/4/01. Sir, We accept your courteous invitation for the forthcoming Meeting to be held on the questions of the Taxes and Language, and if circumstances permit, intend to be present or represented. Availing myself of the present opportunity I offer you my regards while I remain Your most humble and devtd. servant P. F. PIETRO PORTELLI O.P., Prior. The Honourable Dr. Fortunato Mizzi.

V. CONVENT OF THE CARMELITE FATHERS Valletta, 18th April 1901. Sir, I have the honour to inform you of the approval of this Religious \ Community to be represented at the forthcoming Gl;and Public Meetjng. With sentiments of esteem, Your most devtd. servant Fr. C. M. TABONE, Prior. To the Hon. Dr. Fortunato Mizzi.

VI. St. AUGUSTINE'S CONVENT Valletta, 19th April 1901. Sir, ~avjng no doubt that the questions of Taxes and of the Italian language are of the utmost vital importance for our Country, we intend to be repre­ sented at the Public Meeting, which will take place at the day already pubblished. . Your most devot. servt. FR. P. EJliIM. ABELA Provincial of the Augustinians. To the Hon. Dr. Fortunato Mizzi. 12 VII. St. FRANCESCO'S CONVENT Valletta, 23/4/1901. Sir, The Community and the undersigned have the pleasure of informing you that they have accepted your invitation of the 15th April to attend the Monster Meeting. I have the pleasure of being as ever with respect, Your most devot. and humbie servt. P. L. D. DE BONO Superior .M. C. To the Hon. Dr. Fortunato Mizzi.

VIII. CONVENT OF S. UARIA DI GESU' Valletta 1C/4/01. M03t esteemed Sir, I am sorry to inform you, in reply to your esteemed invitation of the 15th inst., that besides being prohibited by rule, other motives of conveniency would prevent me from acceding to your request. It will be our task, and our duty, howeo;;e1', to offer our prayer with increased fervour for t::e welfare and prosperity of this our country. Receive my most sincere regards, Your most hUlllble servant Fr. A. M. CESAL Provillcial o. F. M. To the Hon. Dr. Fortunato Mizzi.

IX. ASSEMBLY OF THE MALTESE NOBILITY Valletta, 25th·Apri11901. Sir, I have the honour to inform you that the Assembly of the Maltese Nobihty at a meeting helel to clay bas decided to be represented by the President and vice President, at the Meeting to be held on the 5th May. I have the honour to be, Your most devtd. TESTAFERRATA ABELA, President. To the Hon. Dr. Fortunato Mizzi

X. CHAMBER OF COMMERCE No. 40/1901. Malta-Valletta 20th April 1901- Sir, In answer to your letter directed to the President of the Chamber of Commerce bearing date 15th inst. inquiring whether tIle Chamber would finel any objection to be represented at the Public Meeting fixed for the 5th May next, I am directed to inform you that after mature deliberation given to your request and to the nature of its institution, the Chamber is sorry that it must abstain from nominating or deputing delegates to represent it at the aforesaId Meeting. Of the questions discussed at the public assembly held on the 7th inst. and which the meeting appointed by you for the 5th May next will but more amply confirm. one only can be said to fall within the 13

sphere of action of the Chamber of Commerce, and that is, that of the proposed taxes, which are of primary importance to the Commerce of the island as they almost entirely gravitate on it. On this question the Chamber in its letter of the 27th December last and in another of the 11th instant fully and reasonably laid before the Government the motives on account of ~vhich it must strenuously oppose the imposition of further taxation, having most fully s~1own the serious prejudice which their application would directly entail on the Commerce of the island, and as a natural consequence on the entire population. On. this point then the action of the Chamber would not be necessary. It is pleased to see'that the reasons urged by the Electiw Bench in the Legislative Council dur;ng the discussion on the second readmg of the proposed SChe'.11e of the Fll1ancial Ordinance 1001, which had reference to the said taxes, fully coincided with those submitted to the Government by this Chamber. I avail myself, therefore, of the opportunity to ask you to kindly interpret the most sincere sentiments of gratitude to the entire Elective Bench that by their unanimous yote of rejection of the proposed Ordinance fully justified the opinions previously expressed on the proposal by the Chamber. With reference to the other questions which might perhaps co'ne un(ler discussion at the forthcoming meeting and which wonld be of a l))litical and not of purely commercial character I would obsene, that the sphere of legit! action (the true nature of the institution being attended to) is circumscribed and exclusiycly limited to what directly or indil'ectly is eonneded with, or regaros tbe commerce of the Island. It has been the constant practice of the Chamber from its begining, to rigorously adhere to such a disposition which is incor­ porated in its Statute and Regulations, differing in this as in many other ways from that of other private Societies. Such things being premised, you wdl understanJ the reasonableness, and cOllYenience of such limitation and reserYation in the actions of a body constituted oy a law still in force, and that as such it has duties to perform incoillpatible with that abso­ lute liberty in the field of political action which private Institution naturally have. This however has never in the past nor does under present circumstances hinder any of the members composing the Chamber, in their individual and private capacity, from expressing their opinions or eyen to take an active plrt in the political movement which is being expanded. The Chamber moved by such consideration has tbaugbt propel' not to delegate representatives for the object of the Meeting announced, begging you, if you tbink it opportune, to haye this letter read. I ha~e the honour to be Sir, Yom most devot. scrvt. C. NICOSIA, Secretal'Y. The Honorable Fortunato Mizzi L.L.D. ecc. ecc. ecc.

XI. THE CO:\DIERCIAL BODY ~Ialta 3/V/0l. To the Hon. Dr. F. Mizzi Sir, .r hav~ the honour to inform you that after the invitation which was publIshed ~n your patriotic journal, signed by Messrs. A. Camilleri, A. Cassar, E. CastaldI and J. Bencini a reunion of Merchants '-bA

LIST of those gentlemen engaged 111 Commerce who attenelBel the Reunion held at the Imperial Hotel on the 2nd May 1901. Abdilla Carmelo, Agius Giovanni, Apap Michele, Attard G. B., Attard Emmanuele, Attard Portoghese Gioyanni, Attard Portoghese Giuseppe, Attard Antonio di Gioyanni, Azzopardi Carlo, Azzopardi Giuseppe, Azzopardi Em­ manuele, Bartholo Amedeo, Bencini Giuseppe, Bianchi lcilio, Bonello Ama­ bile, Bonello Cannelo, Bondin Giovanni, Borg Roberto, Borg Salvatore, Borg Olivier Fed., Bnffa 'Walter, Bugeja Giuseppe, Bugeja Paolo, Busietta Lorenzo, Busuttil Emle., Busuttil Almerigo, Busuttil Salvatore, Calleja Salvo L., Callus Adamo, Camilleri Eel., Camilleri Salvatore, Camilleri Uav. Achille, Caruana Guglielmo, Caruana Vincelizo, Caruana F.E., Caruana Giuseppe, Caruana Vin­ cenzo, Cassar Carmelo, Cassar Agostino, Cassar Torregiani Carmelo, Castaldi Evaristo, Canchi Salvatore, Cesareo V:ncenzo, Chapelle Baroncino Francesco, Chircop Ben., Ciantar Carmelo, Ciantar Vincenzo, Colombo Vincenzo, Coppini' Antonio, Cunni RuggeI'o, Darmanin Michele, Debono Raffaele, Demarco Francesco, DenicolaEnrico, Ellul Paolo, Ellul Alfonso, Ellul Antouio, Falzon Paolo, Falzon Lorenzo, l3'ava Giuseppe, Fenech Antonio, FIeri Antonio, FIeri' Alfredo, Galea Michele, Galea Antonio, Galea Michele, Galea Paolo, Gasan Vincenzo, Gasan Lorenzo, Gauci Salvatore, Gauci Fortunato, Grech P. P., Q-rech Felice, Grima Carmelo, GoUcher Alexander, Howard Joseph, Hyzlei' Giuseppe, Laferla Gius. D., Laferla Tancredi, Lanfranco Paolo, Lanzon Carmelo, Lanzon Lorenzo, Leone Enriquez Ric., Losco Raimondo, Lucano Alfonso, Mallia Giuseppe, Maempel Alberto, Messina Conte Giovanni, Maistre Ettore, Mercieca Giorgio, Meli Angelo, Micallef Ettol'G, Mifsud Paolo, Mifsud Guglielmo, Mifsud Carmelo, Mifsud Paolo, Mifsud Alfredo, Mirabita Annibale, l\fizzi Saverio, Montano Antonio, Moore Guglielmo, Mula Tancredi, Musll Anacleto, Navarro Giovanni, Naudi S. di P., Nicosia Giuseppe, Pace Emmanuele, Pace Giovanni, Pace Balzan Luigi, Pace Gio Batta, Pace Giovanni, Pace Axiak M., Pandolfino Vincenzo, Portanier E. di E., Portanier Giuseppe, Pulis Gnstavo, Pulis Eduardo, Salamone G. P, Sammut Giovanni, Sammut Fed., Sammut Penza Michele, Scen'i Antonio, Schembri E. M., Scicluna Carmelo, Smith G., Soler Micbele, Valletta Ed., Vassallo Alfredo, Vassallo Federico, Vella Francesco, Vella Zarb A., Vella Paolo, Vella Ignazio, Vella Antero, Vella Dr. E. I.J., Zammit Salvatore, Zammit Farrugia Guglielmo, Zammit Michele, Zammit Giuseppe. ,T. HOWARD, Secretary. 15 XII. CHAMBER OF ADVOCATES. Sir, I am desired to inform you that this Chamber at a general sitting held to day, at which 36 members were present, it was unanimously decided to take part in the Public Meeting announced in your letter of the 15th inst. and to be represented in said Meeting by the President, Vice President, Secretary and Dr. C. Despott. ' . Your devoted servant G. AGIUS, Secretary. The Honorable Dr. Fortunato Mizzi.

XIII. THE NOTARIES Valletta 24th April 1901. Sir, As soon as your inyitation to the Notarial Body to be represented at the Grand Meeting of the 5th May next appeared on the Uazclta eli Malta of the 19th inst., at the suggestion of Mr. O. Pellegrini Petit a similar Circular was directed to the Notaries of Malta, and yesterday, in his house was held a crowded assembly of the same Body, in which Notary C. Frendo L. L.D. was elected President and the undersigned Secretary. It was unanimously decided, nay with applause, to. take part in the Meeting, and the said President, Notary Mr. O. Pellegrini Petit and the undersigned were deputed to represent the Body; with a solemn injunction to protest against the imposition of further taxes, and the forced and fatal substitution of the English language for our hereditary one-the Italian. The notarial- Body unanimously praise your action and that of your colleagues in the Council of Government relative to the aforesaid questions, and hope that through the energy of your conduct, our poor country will be delivered from the evils by which it is threatened. Accept, Hon. Sir, The sentements of my most profound esteem and believe me Your Sent. V. FARRUGIA, S'ecretaI'Y. The Hon. - Fortunato Mizzi J..J.L.D.

XIV. Valletta 19th:April 1891. Sir, In reply to the letter which you were pleased to send me in my capacity ..of President of the Chamber of Solicitors I beg to inform yon that I have submitted the said letter to the Chamber, at a general sitting of the Members held to day, and the Chamber, considering th~substitl1tion of ,the English lag<=! _for tl~(j__ Jtalian absolutely contrary to national s~ntiments and to ost vital inte'i'es£s'~"of alrcrasse~s_"otJhe Ualtese peol)le; and that any fnrth~r ~axation would excessively and uselessl,roverburc1en the countr~', and that It .IS urgently necessary in the general interests of the population to energetlCally oppose the said substitution and taxation, has decided tv this effect to ,?e represented at th(j meeting announced by you to consider these two qnestlOn, and for this purpoae has selected as its special delegates Uessl's. P. Lanzon Vice President, P. Begnaud and the undersigned I remain meanwhile Bir vVith best regards Your most obedt. servt. COST. FENECH, President. To the Hon. Fortunato Mizzi L.L.D. 16 xv. PHARMACEUTICAL CHAlIIB~R Valletta 18th April 1901. Sir, I have the honour to inform you that the Pharmaceutical Chamber of Malta has, to day, at a general sitting nomInated the President Mr. 'rV. Kingston, the T·reasurer Mr. C. De Martino, lH1l1 tile undersigned to represent the Pharmaceutical Body at the Grand Public Meeting of the 5th May for tbe purpose of opposing tile substitution of the English Language to the Italian language and the creation of new taxes. I bave the honour to be Your most obedt. seryt. A. GEHMAN, Hon. Secretary. To the Hon. Dr. Fortunato Mlzzi. 21st April 1901. Hon. Dr. Mizzi, I \yish to inform you by the present letter of my full adhesion to the patriotic decision taken by Illy distmguished colleagues of the Chamber of Ohemists to be represented at the Grand Meeting of the 5th proximo. 'rVhen it is in question the redemption of this unhappy country from slavery I shall not fail to enrol myself for the front ranks. vVith most heartfelt wishes for health and courage for the successful issue of the holy cause uwlertaken, I am with the gr€atest esteem, Yours most devouted A. LEVANZIN B.A., Chemist.

XVI. LAND SURVEYORS AND ARCHITECTS Sir, The undersigned Land Surveyors and Architects accepting your patriotic invitation to be represented at the Public Meeting to be held on the 5th inst. against the disastruous substitution of the language and the ruinous imposition of additional taxation, have the honour to inform you that they have nomi­ nated Messrs. Annibale Lupi P.A.A., Salvatore Sacco l?A.A.; O. Borg Olivier P.A.A. to represent them on the platform at the aforesaid Meeting. . Signed-Paolo Grech Xerri P.A., 'V. Attard, Alessandro Manara P.A.A., Raffaele Pitre P.A.A., A. Lauron P.A.A., G. Crescimanno LC.A., A. Grima A.P., Michele Satariano P.A.A., Giu~seppe R. Busuttil A.A.P., V. Micallef P.A.A., G. Bonello P.A.A., Gius. Mallia lVIilanes P.A.A., E. Randon, F. Caruana A.P., Gustay Soler P.A.A., Luigi Borg P.A.A., Ant. F.

XYII. THE STUDENTS AT THE UNIYERSITY Universi'ty 23th April 1901. Sir, 'rVe have the honour to inform you that we accept your invitation relative to the forthcoming Meeting; \ye have the intention to be represented by lVIr. Chco. E. Galea Naudi. G. lVI. FARRUGIA. for the Students of Theology. The Hon. Fortunato l\iizzi, LL.D. 17 University 22nd April 1901. Sir, I am glad to communicate to you the enclosed reply of the Students of Law to your kind invitation of the 20th inst., and to inform you that my colleagues have conferred on me the distinguished honour of representing them at the forthcoming Meeting. With sincere regards of esteem and consideration, I am your most devtd. A. 1\bRCIECA. The Hon. Dr. Fortunato Mizzi.

University 22/4/01. Sir, The opportune awakening of the Maltese people, who, in response to your vigorous appe'al arise as one man to assert their rights too long an too audaciously violated, is a joyful promise of better days and more happy events. ,Ve, the Law Students of the University, join with all the ardour and strength which the love of our unhappy Country, and the suppressed indignation at the many injuries it has so long endured, render us capable, and which the just and holy car,se, for which it struggles, merit. ,Ve shall gladly unite our voice to that of the people gathered around you at the proposed meeting, in opposing every hateful imposition, intended .to rende!.' poorer still the Maltese population and to offer a solemn act of protest against the iniqui­ tous war waged on our ·heredital'y Italian Language, our noble and precious inheritance, on whose destiny depends in great measure om intellectual and political future. Availing ourselves, meanwhile, 0f this favourable opportunity we heartily applaud the elevated intentions and true civil courage with which you and your worthy colleagues - a stout handful of incorruptible citizens - exercise your important mission, with repeated trust given to you, and we hope that the present plebiscite, an unanimous attestation of sympathy and solidity, will be of consolation to yon and will give you vigour in the future struggles for our country. LAIV STUDENTS. The Hon. Fortunato JYIizzi LL.D.

University 23. V. 1901. Sir, I beg to inform yon that we, the Students of Medicine, having joyfully aecepteJ yonr patriotic invitation, lately received, have appointed our colleague 1\11'. D. Ceey M.A. to act as our representative at the forthcoming Meeting. No one, Sir, understands more than we do the imperious which in the preRent political contingencies devol ves on all citizens to the Representatives of the peoplo in the fierce struggle which they animated by their conscience of upright men and free citizens) wage against imposition of further most ruinious taxation and the abolition of the Italian language - ancient and precious inheritance, on account of which we are not yet wholly rendered strangers, tolerated in our own country. I have the honour to be, Sir, yo1.11' obedient servant ROB. RANDON. The Hon. Dr. Fortunato Mizzi. Valletta 27/4/901. Sir, I fulfil with pleasure the" task committed to me by my colleagues the Students of Engineering and Architecture, of communicating to you our decision, in answer to your courteous invitation. I wish therefore to inform you that Mr. Joseph Borg was selected to represent us on the platform at the approaching meeting. I am with distinguished regards Your most devoted F. M. CARUANA. The Hon. Dr. Fortunato Mizzi.

Sir, Moved by the consciousness of our duty, which obliges us always to cooperate in the supreme good of our Country, we shall gladly take part in the approaching assembly of the Maltese people, aroused at an historic moment to support their Representatives and vigorous Defenders of their rights. Vve who have already raised a voice of protest when the Italian language was banished from the instruction in our schools, cannot uut unite in a popular movement, meant to put a stop to a ruinous policy, opposed to the moral and economic interests of the Maltese population. THE STUDENTS OF ENGINEERING AND ARCHITECTURE. The Hon. Dr. Fortunato lVIizzi University 22nd April 1901. Sir, I fLllfil with pleasure the request of my fellow students of the Course of Art and Science to communicate to you their decision arrived at on receipt of your kind invitation sent me by letter on the 20th inst. and also to inform you that they have selected Mr. G. Anastasi to act as their representative. With feelings of sincere esteem, I have the honour to be, Sir, Your most humble servt. G. DESPOTT. The Hon. Dr. Fortunato Mizzi University 22nd April. Sir, Convinced of the grave loss which would accrue to the Maltese people from the unnecessary imposition of further taxes, and wishing to energetically protest against the arbitrary and iniquitous substitution of the English language to our traditional Italian language, we, the Students of Literature, and Science, have decided to take part at the forthcoming Mbeting, and to be represented thereat. 'With distinguished esteem, Your humble servts. THE STUDENTS OF LIT. AND SCIENCE. The Hon. Dr. Fortunato Mizzi ..1.(:1

XVIII. STUDENTS OF THE LYCEUM. Sir, I am requested to forward you the following acceptance of the students of the Lyceum to your invitation for the Monster Meeting. I am your servant EfimIANUELE SCICLUNA.

Lyceum 29/4/1901. Hon. Dr. Mizzi, We reply to your patriotic invitation which appeared in a number of the "Gazzetta di Malta", fully accepting to attend the Grand Meeting to protest against the Taxes and the subEtitution of the En'glish language for the Italian. We do not wish that one day, some one will reprove us for not having upheld the cause of our country at the proper time. If our support will have no efficacy, it will serve at least to show that even the young Students of the Lyceum have upheld in due time the cause of' the people. Meanwhile wishing that this Meeting be attended with the best results and be a sure pledge of better days for this unhappy country, vVe are etc. THE STUDENTS OF THE LYCEUM.

XIX. THE STUDENTS OF PRIVATE INSTITUTIONS Valletta 28/4/01. Sir, I am requested by many Students of different Institutes to inform you that they intend to take part in the Grand Meeting announced by you for the 5th May next, relative to the forced substitution of the language and the imposition of new taxes, and to be represented by Messrs. Edgar O. Reyna ud, V. P. Frendo and the undersigned, attending with a banner. Believe me with sentiments of the highest esteem, Your most devoted servant R. FARRUGIA. xx. ADHESION OF THE PRESS Valletta, Office of the "Patriota" and "Melita" My dear Colleague, At the present moment -so fraught with difficulties for the vital interests of . country, when a foreign Government, casting aside the mask, swears to Impoverish us by the imposition of forced taxations, to insult us by trampling . upon the wishes of our Deputies by means of Orders in Council, and devesting u~ ?~ o~r manly national character, by substituting the language of our CIvIlIzatIOn for that of our present slavery-to remain deaf to your patriotic appeal and not to offer heart and hand in the solemn hour of a sacred awakening-is high treason. Therefore, Hon. Sir, how can I not accept your invitation of representing th~ press at the Grand Meeting of the 5th May next, if for many years, gUlded by my duty of liberal publicist and the imperious voice of my country, I h~ve strngg!ed with faith and courage in the cause of the oppressed, and agamst the OdIOUS administrations of the petty tyrants, who have massacred our unhappy country. Hoping that all those associated with the press with (lUe accord wi1l cooperate in the vindication of the 'honour, life and civilization 20 of this oppressed people, by all assembling on the 5th May on the ramparts of Porte des Bombes, where our forefathers fought victoriously in the name of Liberty; with every respect, I am your most obedt. servt. A. DALLI. To the Hon. Dr. Fortunato Mizzi. Valletta, 25. 4. 901. Sir, The Directors of the Portafoglio ~ilIaltese, acknowledgeing receipt of your circular dated 23rd inst., hasten to reply accepting with pleasure your invitation to attend. the Grand Meeting to be held on the 5th of next month concerning the two important questions of the language and taxes. Believe me, with respect, Your most devtd. servant S. F. DE BONO. The Honorable Dr. Fortunato Mizzi.

29/IV/901. Sir, Nothing so enlivens the spirit as the bright and joyful spectacle of a people, who, conscius of their own natural virtue and civil interests, arise unanimous and compact to fight, with the means which their power, and the times, afford them, against a despotic and disloyal government. I am certain that the present awakening of the ·Maltese, exhausted in a thousand ways to the total benefit of the brilliant "Utopia" of Joe Chamberlain, is no slight confort to you and to your incorruptible colleagues, because it is a most joyful promise of a better future; because it is a well directed blow to the lean and malicious fox (of a race not altogether indigenous), who, from free men under free England, insidiously contrives and conspires to render us most miserable and vile slaves of powtl'ful Masters. As Member of the Press, I feel it my strict duty to attend on Sunday next the Grand Meeting announced by you against the imposition of further intolerable taxes, and the disastruous eradication of the Italian language from this "'ultima terra" of Dante. Wil h exteem and affection yours L. A. BANDON. To the Hon .. Dr. Fortunato Mizzi.

XXI. ADHESION OF THE PHILARl\IONIC SOCIETIES. Valletta, 18/4/901. Sir, In answer to your esteemed letter of the 15th. inviting the Society La Vallette to be represented with their banners at the forthcoming popular meeting, I have 1he honour to inform you that the Committee of the Society, at a meeting held yesterday, have unanimously decided to accept such invita­ tion and that the said Society shall he represented by a special deputation with their respective banners at the aforesaid popular assembly. To form part of this deputation have been elected Mr. J. Howard acting President, the undersigned Secretary, Mr. R. Muscat casher and Mr. A. :lYleli deputy. Accept the sentiments of my most profound esteem, Your most devtd. servt. To the Hon. VIRG. GERMANI, Secretary. Dr. Fortunato JYIizzi. ~l

Valletta, 19 April 1901. Sir, At the request of the President I have the honour to inform that the Directive Committee of the King's Own Band, at a sitting held to-day, accepted your patriotie invitation, and resolved that at the Grand Meeting on the ~jUestions of the language and taxes the Society stall be represented by three official members of the Committee with banners, and the Members of the Band in nniform. I take this opportunity, meanwhile, of offering to you my own personal respects and remain, Your Most devtd. 5ervt. F. SCHEMBRI ZARB, Seeretary. To the Hon. Dr. Fortunato Mizzi.

XXII. ADHESION OF THE PHILODRAl\IATIC SOCIETY Valletta, 18/4/1901. Sir, The Philodramatic Society L'Indipendenza ftt a sitting held yesterday have unanimously and with much pleasure ac(;eptecl the invitation to be represented at the Grand Public Meeting against the imposition of furtber Taxation and the supremacy of the Italian Language, for which purpose it has appointed a Commission to be present on the platform, which Will be erected. 'With dev. respect I remain CARlII. BELLIA, Secretary. To the Hon. Dr. Fortunato Mizzi.

XXIII. GLUB MALTESE Strada Teatl'o No. 460 Valletta 00/4/1901. Sir, The Committee and Membets of the "Club Maltese" accepting your patriotic invitation l:ave decided to be.representp.d by the undersigned at the Grand Public Meeting to be beld on 5th. May next against tho proposed impo­ sition of further taxes, and the fatal substitution of the English Language. 1 have t he honour to he Your most ohedt. Servt. Vnw. GERl\IANI, Sccretary. The Honorable Fortunato Mizzi L.L.D.

XXIV. THE MARINA TRADERS Marina, 27 April 1901. ~he undersigned engaged in Commerce agree to be represented at the Meetmg of the 5th. May to protest against the imposition of further taxes and the substitution of the English Language for the Italian. . GIUS. CUSCHIERI & SON (lnd others. To the Hon. Dr. Fortunato Mizzi. 22 xxv. Valletta 2th. May 1901. Dear Mr. Alphonso Galea, In reply to yours most esteemed of the 29th. April last, I must inforlll you that having consulted the opinion of all the workmen and artisans resident. within the limits of my Parish with l'iference to the substitution of the language and the further taxes which it is intended to introduce into these islands, I have found them so opposed to this, that they have requested me to inform you that not only do they willingly accept the offer made by you of presenting their class at the Meeting to be held next Sunday against the imposition of the said language and the burden of the said additional taxes, but likewise, to tell you that they feel bound to be always gratifl1l to you. ,Vith kind regreacls Your most deytd. sent. CAN. F. CAMILLERI. Vice-Curate of St. Paul's. The Hon. Fortunato Mizzi, LL.D.

XXVI, ADHESION OF THE TOBACCO MANUFACTURES Valletta, 3/5/1901. Sir, I am directed by the tobacco manufactures to inform you, that they also intend to take part in the Meeting, fixed for the 5th. May relative to the questions of the language and taxes. They (171 in number) whose names are inscribed on the inclosed note, will attend with a banner at the appointed place to protest with the others against the action of the Government. Believe me meanwhile ,Vith feelings of respect, Your most devoted G. CASSAR and others. To the Hon. Dr. Fortunato Mizzi.

XXVII. ADHESION OF THE EMPLOYEES IN THE MANUFACTORY OF A. COUSIS & Co. 27th April 190L The undersigned will' take part in the Meeting to be held on the 5th May and contrIbute towards a banner to the carried to the place assigned. G. CASSAR and others. The Honorable Dr. Fortunato Mizzi.

XXVIII. Sliema 17/4/1901. Sir, 1 shall be much pleased to attend t.he Grand Priblic Meeting annollncecT in your letter of the 12th. inst. and if prevented by unforeseen circum­ stances I shall not fail to send a representativE'. Your most devot. seryt. F. V. MANCHE P.C. To the Hon. Parish Priest. Dr. Fortunato Mizzi 23 XXIX. Sliema 2e/4/01. Sir, In reply to your most esteemed letter of the 17th. inst. I have the honour to inform you that it will be my duty not to fail being present .at the Grand Meeting announced for the 5th. of next month. Your most devtd. servt. F. BUGEJA Chaplain of the Basilica and Sanctuary To the Hon. of Nazareno. Dr. Fortunato Mizzi.·

XXX. Sliema 27/4/01. Sir, I have the pleasure to inform you that the :Maltese Dramatic Society "L'Iride" directed by me has unallimously decided to take part through their representatives with a banner at the Grand Meeting to protest against the iniquitous imposition of new taxes and the infctmous substitution of the English language for the Italian. Belieye me Your most devtd. servt. To the Hon. S. D. FABRI, Director. Dr. Fortunato Mizzi.

XXXI. . "MELITA CLUB" Sliema, 25/4/1901. Sir, In answer to your kind invitation for the Grand Meeting of the 5th. May next, with the object of protesting against the imposition of new taxes, .and the iniquitous and most dangerous subtitution of the English language for our Italian, I have the pleasure to inform you that the Philartllonic Club "Melita" will deem it its duty to be represented. I am wit h respect, Your most devot. Dr. A. STAGNO, President. To the Hon. Dr. Fortunato Mizzi.

XXXII. CIRCOLO SAN GIOVANNI Sliema, 19th April 1901. Sir, In reply to your patriotic invitation of the 15th. inst. J have the honour inform you that the Directive Committee of the said Club at a sitting terday, have unanimously decided to represent the "Circolo S. Giovanni" • ...... the National Philarmonic Society "I Cavalieri di Malta" at the Meeting to be held on the 5th. :May and for this purpose have selected }'Iessrss. Dr. R. Azzopardi, P. L. Augusto German and the undersigned, as also to send its banners. The Committee whilst praying you to accept their \yell deserved . encomiums for having with true and sincere patriotism promoted the said Meeting that all the people may assemble thereat to protest against the despotic substitution of the language and the increase of useless additional taxation, have pleasure in assuring you that all the members of this Society .are ready to cooperate for the successful issue of tIn said Meeting. vVith devot regards, Your most devt. servant To the Hon. A. HERRERA, Secretary. Dr. Fortunato Mizzi. 24

XXXIII. Sliema, 1st May 1901. Dear Mr. Alfonso Galea, At this moment I am so choked up with work that I have not a quarter of an hour free. To know the opinions of the workmen of 8liema alone several meetings would be necessary, which I cannot hold. "However your idea does not seem to me impossible of execution if some one of the Master Masons and Carpenters "would undertake to express their opinions to thfr eri.)ployes under their charge. Your frend F. V. MANCHE' Parish Priest.

XXXIV. 81iema 3rc1 May 1901. Sir, ,Ve the undersigned belonging to the artisan class beg Mr. A. M. Galea already known protector of the poor and workman to be pleased to represent us at the Grand Meeting on Sunday next to protest in our name against addi­ ctional taxation and the substitution of the English Language for the Italian. Thanking you in anticipation vVith respect Your most devoted servant Signed: G. Balzan, Cabman-C. Mallia, Smith-A. Busuttil, Smith­ L. Buttigieg, Smith-Giovanni Rocco, Smith-Nicola Grima, S1llith-Carpenter-Carmelo Grech, Cartman-Michele Lateu, Smith-Carpenter - Giuseppe Barbara, Gardner - Giovanni Mifsud, Mason-Michele Deguara, Carpenter-Luigi Zammit. Workingman. To the Hon. Dr. Fortunato Mizzi.

XXXV. San Giuliano 21/4/90l. Hon. Sir, In answer to your invitation received on the 5th instant I beg to'inform you that I shall most willingly attend, or be ropresented, at the forthcoming Meeting to be held for the welfare of our poor Country. ,Vith sentiments of profound esteem, I remain Your most c1evtc1. servant G. ZAMMIT, Parish Priest. To the Hon. Dr. Fortunato 1\Iizzi. xxxn. San Giuliano 2/5/1901. Sir, I am in position to assnre you that the \vorkmen of the village esteem themselves very much honoured to be represented by You at the forthcomin g Meeting and therefore recognise in yon their worthy representative and th~n k you for the kindness anel care yon have for them. 'With great respect, I am Your most c1evtc1. servant G. ZAMMIT Parish Priest. fro Alfonso M. Galea, Esq. 25 THIRD ELECTORAL DISTRICT (Flon'ana,Hamrun q- §l,t's£da)

XXXVII. Floriana 19th April 1901. Sir, I have pleasure in informing you, in answer to your invitation received some days hence, that I shall most willingly attend in person at the :approaching Meeting. With respect, Your most devotcl. servt. F. MALLIA, Archpriest. To the Honorable Dr. Fortunato Mizzi.

XXXVIII. Floriana, 23/4/1901. Sir, I have the honour to inform you that at a sitting held yesterday it was unanimously decided, that the Philharmonic Society "Vilhena" should take part in the Grand Public Meeting, and be represented by tre President, Acting Secretary, and a Deputation, with its banner. Yours most devoted G. MIFSUD, Act. Secretary. 'To the Honorable ' Dr. Fortunato Mizzi.

XXXIX. Hamrun 20/4/1901. Sir, In answer to your most esteemed letter of the 16th inst, I must inform you that the charge of so many thousands of persons ,entrusted to me, pre­ scribe it rather as a duty, than a matte)' of convenience, to take part in the Grand Meeting fixed for the 5th of May next, because the misery in which lives a great part, nay the greater part, of the people under my charge, is known to me more than it is to the Government. In many cases the fathd of the family exhausted by hard, labour, returns at home at sunset, with saddened miell, because he is aware that upon him devolves the sacred duty of providing food for his wife, whom he loves, and for his children, part for his heart, and yet he has not the means. In many others the mother with face bent down over her bady sheds piteous tears because deprived of the sustinanc e for a nursing mother, she cannot give sufficient milk. In very many others children, emaciated by want, look for food but find none. Many ot~ers attacked by sickness, deprived even of a bed, cannot get stengthened with 8: lIttle broth or other comfort, but what seems incredible. they are to be consi­ dered fOl't~nate if they can get a small quantity of very weak coffee! But wh(::n shall I fimsh enumerating the deplorable circumstances known to me, in which so many families are placed? Considering sU'3h a serious condition of things how can any.kind heart suffer that our miserable people be oppressed with further taxatIOn? Neither is it to be imaainecl that many families con~c1erec1 ,well to do, are really so. Since it is nece~sary that they· should confide into ?thers !10W. they live, to be able to know their privations. Nor do I fear to err If ~ mamta1l1 that what I say of the greater part of my people, each parish . prIest can say of his own. It is than our duty to oppose to the atmost the proposed fLU,theI' taxation, not to speak of further extortion and oppression, and 26 the substitution of the English language to the Italian, which substitution in its ultimate analysis aims at the greater impoverishment of this loyal • population. I accept, therefore, with pleasure, your most kind invitation. Believe me always Your most affect and humble servt. REV. G. MUSCAT D.D., Parish Priest. To the Honorable Dr. Fortunato lVIizzi.

XL. "S. GIUSEPPE" HAl\fRUN 19th April 1901. Sir, I have the honour to inform you that the directive Committee were pleased to receive your patriotic invitation to the Musical Society " S. Giu­ seppe " to be represented with their banners at the Grand Public Meeting to be held in clefence of the trodden rights of the people, and for this purpose it will appoint a deputation from the members of this Society. Availing myself meanwhile of the opportuny of expressing to you my feelings of the highest esteem I am your most humble sen ant A. CONTI, Secretary. The Honorable Fortunato Mizzi L.L.D.

XLI. Misida 23/4/901. Dear Sir, ' . I am a little late in answering yom esteemed letter of the 12th inst., however I beg to inform you that I find no objection to be present at the forthcoming Public Meeting. "With true feelings of respect, I am your frend C. SCHEMBRI P.P. Micabiba. The Honorable Vice-Curate of Misida. Dr. Fortunato Mizzi.

XLII. Misic1a 20th April 1901. Sir, The "Circolo Vittoria" of Misicla at a sitting held yesterday unanimously accepted your invitation and nominated the President, Mr. A: Caruana, to represent it at the torthcoming Meeting against the imposition of further taxes, and the substitution of the language. Believe me Your most devtd. servt. The Honorable C. PORTANIER, Secretary. Dr. Fortunato Mizzi.

XLIII. "L' UNIQNE" CLUB. Misida, 3/8/901. Sir, We beg to inform you that the Club accept the invitation for the Meeting to be held on the 5th of next month and beg to be excused for delay in replying. Yours The Honorable PAUL DE ALEX. PORTANIER,' President. Fortunato Mizzi L.L.D. 27

MAN1)OLINISTIC OLUB "VERDI" " Misida 3/5/901. Sir, The members of the above named Olub beg to \nform you that they ~ccept the invitation to the Meeting 'and beg to exc~~e delay. Yours 'The Honorable PAUL DE ALEX. Pq:aTANJER, Secretar!!. Dr. Fortunato Mizzi.

XLV. Misida 1/5/901. Sir, I am directed to inform you, that at a sitting held yesterday it was decided that the Olub "San Giuseppe" will be represented at the Public Meeting the 5th of next month, by Mr. S. L. Oalleja. I have the honour to be, Your most humble sent. The Honor~ble G. GAUCI MAISTRE, Secretary. Dr. Fortunato Mizzi.

XLVI. Misida 2/5/1901. Sir, The present letter will inform you that I have asked some workmen of this parish whether they wish to be represented by you at the forthcoming General Meeting and the answer was that they consent willingly. ,Vith feelings of true esteem, Believe me yours To O. SCHEMBRI Parish Priest. Alfonso M. Galea Esq. 28. FOURTH ELECTORA.L DISTRICT (Oosp£cua and Zabbar) XLVII. CHAPTER HALL OF THE COLLEGIATE CHURCH QF COSPICUA 22nd April 1901. Sir, I am directed by the most Rev. Chapter of the CDllegiate Church Df CDspicua to. acknDwledge the receipt Df YDur patriDtic invitatiDn to. take part in t.he Grand Meeting to. be shDrtly held Dn the two. mDst impDrtant questiDns Df the Taxes and Language, and to. infDrm YDU that at the Capitular Assembly held to. day the Rev. Capter, Having remarked that it wDuld be the darkest Df treaSDns nDt to. suppDrt the defenders Df the mDst nDble causes, especially in circumstances similiar to. thDse in which Dur dear but unhappy cDuntry is placed; Having cDnsidered that in truly cDnstitutiDnal cDuntries, of which En­ gland is the example, the pDpular vDice fs heard in Public Meetings, and therefDre the greatest attentiDn is paid by the GDvernment to. the expressiDn of pDpular feelings at such Meetings; Having considered that the questiDns that are being discutted, viz: the taxes and the language, are Df paramDunt impDrtance, since bDth strike at the heart Df the peDple, already Dverburdened and Dppressed, and mDre immediately and directly the pDrer classes and the midle Dnes: the fDrmer by extDrting fDrced cDntributiDns frDm the already exhausted pDckets Df the peDple, the latter by taking away wDrk and emplDyment from the Maltese wDrkmen, Dffering it to. fDreigners, who. so. far in the italian language fDund the Dnly Dbstacle against their settlement in these Island; Having cDnsidered that the language questiDn, besideb being Dne Df bread, may eventually be also. a religiDus Dne, since its Dfficial intrDduction amDng the lD\1'er classes (in. the sense in which such intrDduction is 0ppDsed by the present Representatives Df the Peo.ple in Co.uncil) Wo.uld affo.rd a wide field fo.r the Pro.testant sect to. disseminate in their midst the Lutheran tenets co.n­ demned by the Ro.man Catho.lic Church, because, then, by the diffusio.n o.f the PrDtestant Bible and Dther english bo.o.I{s wDuld be Dffered, perhaps mixed with SDme sweet liquo.r, the pDisDn which hy such classes wDuld be SWo.IIDWed dDwn, to. the greatest detriment of their sDuls; and Df all this, perhaps, no. Dne better than this mDst Rev. Chapter cDuld bear mDre reliable evidence, having had Dn several o.CCaSiDns to. repDrt to. the competent AuthDrity the gratuitDus distributiDn Df bDDks Df the afDresaid nature; and therefore the attempts to. prDtestantizatiDn by means Df the English language cDercibly intrDduced might mDre easily attain the drsired end; . Having cDnsidered, mDro.Ver, that it is a strict duty Df those entrusted with the care Df sDuls, as this mDst Rey. Chapter is, to. guard their ParisDDners nDt Dnly against spiritual snares, but also against thDse affecting material life, since cruel necessity cDuld so.me times impell to. certain acts detrimental to. the .spirit; and, indeed, what are nDt the favDurs, the facilities and allure­ ments, which SDme heads Df sDcieties in high places, under the guise Df a false and deceitful philantrDpy, use in favDur Df thDse, who. are already, Dr at least ShDW themselves inclined to. fDllDW their false religiDus principles, and this nDt fDr Dthel purpDse than that to. secure the necessary bread fDr life? CDnsidering that the uniDn uf the citi7.:ens and the perseverance in the use Df legal and cDnstitutiDnal means are generally held as a pledge Df the mDral certainty Df victDry fDr the citizens fighting against the insiduDus aims of GDvernments and wisbing to. confirm by fact that "the CathDlic Priest­ as Dr. GiDvanni PullicinD, then PrDfessDr, nDW Dne Df H. lVI's Judges, has Dbserved in a public speech-when the rights Df the citizens are trampled Dn by the capriciDus will and high-handed pDlicy, takes up their defence and seeks to. Dbtain due reparatiDn fDr the weak and the unarmed, within the limits Df his ministery, " the mDst Rev. Chapter have unanimDusly decided to accept the invitatiDn to. be represented by their Drdinary deputies, and in so incere respect and to congratulate you in the name of the said Chapter, for your noble undertaking, and wishing you a splendid ·success with happy result, as by all true patriots is desired, I am, Hon. Sir, Your most obedient servt. CAN. GIOV. FALZON, Secreta)'y.

XLVIII. PHILARl\IONIC SOCIETY "SAN GIORGIO" Cospicua 19/4/901. Sir, In answer to your esteemed request as to whether the Musical Society "Sun Giorgio" would have any difficulty to be represented with their banners on the platform at the Grand Public Meeting I have the honour to inform you that at the 45th sitting of the Society held last night it was decided I hat the Society should be represente~1 by the deputies Messrs.V Azzopardi Belotti, Cap. V. Borg, G. Mercieca, and S. ~aid with its respective banners. Accept my regards and there of the directive Committee and believe me Yours most devtd. Honorable S. ROSEGNAUD, Secretal'Y_ Dr. Forthnato J\Iizzi.

XLIX. ADHESION OF THE CLUBS "INDIPENDE:KZA" Cospicua 27/4/901. Sir, The Members having heartely received your hind invitation appearing in ihe "Gaz~etta eli Malta" and moreover being convinceed of the justice of the ~cause WhICh you undertook to defend, have held a sitting and unanimously elect~d Messrs. P. Falzon and C. Callus to represent them at the Grand Public J\Iee~ll1g to be held on the 5th of next month. Meanwhile kindly accept the ,sentIments of my sincere esteem and believe me Yours most devtc1. '.The ,Honorable DR. L. ALBANESE, President. Fortunato Mizzi L.L.D. L. CLUB "SILVESTRI" Cospicua 26/4/901. Sir, -VVe have the honour to inform you that we Members of the above namea -Club accept with pleasure your invitation regarding the forthcoming Meeting: and intend to be represented by Mr. Rinaldo Soler P.A. G. F. FARRUGIA, Secretary. The Honorable Fortunato Mizzi I1.L.D.

LI. CLUB "EGUAGLIANZA" Cospicua 23th April 1901. Sir , , After your invitation, which appeared in the "Gazzetta di Malta" of the 18th inst., the Members of this Club having held, to day, a general sitting, unanimously and joyfully have applauded to your patriotic work and to that of your Elective Colleagues against the imposition of the language and taxes and have appointed Messrs. Giuseppe Magro, Emmanuele Attard together with the, undersigned to represent them at the Meeting on the 5th May. Accept, Hon. Sir, My most esteemed regards The Honorable G. CAUCHI, Secretary. Dr. Fortunato Mizzi.

LIT. P ARROCHIAL OFFICE Zabbar 18/4/901. Sir, I consent with pleasure to attend at the approaching Meeting wich has for its object t~e question of the Language and the Taxes which are sought to be imposed on this impoverished population. I shall strive to be present in person but if my official duties prevent me, I shall send a representative. \Vith greatest esteem Your most obedt. servt. The Honorable L. FARRUGIA D.D., Pari.,h Priest. Fortunato Mizzi L.L.D.

LUI. CLUB "S' MICHELE" ~ C. Zabbar 29/4/901. Sir, I have the honour to inform you that at a sitting held yesterday evening among the numerous members of this Club it was decided with praisworthy applause that the Philal'monic Society "St. Michele" should also spre~d forth their banners to be worthly represented at the Grand Public Meeting, because in the critical circumstances in which our dear country is placed it should obey the call of duty, not to be in the last row to raise, in a solemn mannel', a free and resolute voice of protestation against the arbitrary substi­ tution of the English language and the odious imposition of further taxes. \Vith reference to the first question it is true the me~nbers of this Club are favourable to the instruction of the English language, but it is also equally true that they, faithful to their country's traditions and proud of their own natlOna­ !ity, cannot but be opposed to the substitution of the same language not only III the court but also in all civil departments of the island. It cannot be said how beneficial the supremacy of the English language ",yould be to our fail' fel1o'w subjects and how hurtful to the interests of the people. This will be better known when our civil employments ",viII be' exhausted, and we from masters will become slaves. In relation to the second question it should be 31 noted that the imposition of further taxation is, undoubtedly, a badly advised measure and absolutely ruinous to the people and which in its ultimate ana­ 'lysis must be., in its na~ll:ral ?onsequence, the ultim~e .ruin of ~his people, .that, since along tIme, are hvmg m a state not at all flonshmg. It IS of no avaIl the flowery eloquence of the orators of the Govtlrnment, meant to prove that the people live in a state of enviable comfort, particularly at the present time, in which it is sufficient to note the fact that commerce and agriculture, the chief sources of true national wealth, are in a most critical state. Now in face of the misfortune which shall inevitably fall on our head and on that of our descen- ,dents, if ever these two questions of vital importance for the interests of the population, shall be an accomplished fact, and in face of the provocation ,contained in the speeches of the orators of the Government, viz: that the people do not care to support their Deputies on political questions, and are not moved, because they are in favour of the scheme for further taxatioq, the :Members of the Club "S. Michele" will joyfully and with the impetuosity of fel'\'ent patriots, united, in their quality of constituted body, support this noble constitutional struggle in defence of their country's rights, already trampled upon, and at the same time in homage to history they wish also to declare it, in clear terms, in this popular demonstration. The llJembers of the Club" S. "Michele" feel ther duty as a constituted body to express themselves in asser­ ting the rights orthe people, as the other Clubs have done, with so much civil courage and true nobility of heart, because otherwise they would certaintly leave of themselves a dark page in the history of their country and their ~Club would be most appropriately called a nest of citizens without cha­ racter, cowards and traitors, that have refused to lend their best coop eration for their country's cause in such a national enerigen cy. At this supreme moment it is necessary that the people in all their social gradations united by the bond of common interest should, once for all, shake off their letargy and "rise up, as one man, to dispel in a constitutional way, this public calamity which sooner or later will impoverish this loyal population even to desperation. Therefore the Members of the Club "S: Michele" on Sunday next shall amid the acclamations and applause of the people of the village eagerly ans\ver your patriotic appeal with one only beat in the heart, one only cry on the lips. Our country wills it! Our country wills it! I am with sincerest regards Your most devoted servt. L. LAFERLA, Acting Seaetary. ~.The Honourable Dr. Fortunato Mizzi. 32 FIFTH ELECTORAL DISTRICT (V£t.tor'losa, Senglea q. Galcara)

LIV. CHAPTER HALL, Vittoriosa, 24/4/1901. Sir, Your patriotic appeal forwarded on the 20th of this month inviting the Most Rev. Chapter to take part in the Grand Public Meeting was yesterday regularly submitted to a Capitular Assembly. The Chapter unanimously decided to take part therein and elected the Most Rev. Canons, Archpriest C. Grech, Antonio Pace and Antonio Agius to represent it. The sons of those who in the canse of Justice and Sacred love of country shed the last drop of their :blood against Moslem despotism will not fail in their duties in these critical circumstances when their presence and voice resound as a humiliation to the Powerful, a shame to the desput, a trumph of Justice. . Hence Chapter, Clergy and people heirs of ancient bravery, will not suffer that the so glorious name of their inheritance may be obscured or fail in their duty through sloth or pusillanimity in not defending and vindicating the sacred rights of our country so unjustly trampled upon in our times. With devtd. esteem Your G. FARRUGIA Can. Theolog. Secretary. The Honourable Dr. Fortunato Mizzi.

LV. PARISH HOUSE, Vittoriosa 16/4/901. Sir, I ackno\vledge receipt of your letter of yesterday, inquiring whether I find any objection to be present, or to send some member of this clergy to represent me, at the Grand Public Meeting which is to be held on the qnestion of the Language and Taxes. I believe it my duty -to state that I most willingly accede to your laudable desire, and if I cannot attend in persons I shall try to be represented by one of this clergy. I have the honour to be Your servant The Honorable G. GRECH D.D., Archpriest. Dr. Fortunato Mizzi.

LVI. COKYENT OF THE DOl\IENICAN FATHERS Vittoriosa 17/4[1901. Sir, If not prevented by Superior Authority (which I do not think probable) I shall find no difficulty in representing my Convent at the Grand Public :l\1eeting. " ,Yith best regards, believe me, Your most deytd. sen-to Fr. P. DOl\r. PACE O.P., Prior. The Honorable Dr. Fortunato l\1izzi. 33 LVII. PHILARMONIC SOCIETY "DUKE OF EDINBURGH" 107 Str. S. Lorenzo~ Vittoriosa 20/4/901· Sir, ' With reference to the request sent me in your letter of the 15th inst., I am now in a position to inform you that this Society will attend with its banner at the approaching .Meeting. Yours P. A. FARRUGIA, Secretary. 'The Honorable Dr. Fortunato Mizzi.

LVIII. H.R.H. DUKE OF YORK'S OWN BAND Vittoriosa Sir, I have the honour to inform you in answer to your circular of the 15th inst. that at a sitting held yesterday, it was unanimously decided that the Society "Duke of York's Own Band" will consider it their duty to take part in the proposed Grand Meeting, attending with their banners. Believe me with devoted respect, Your most humLle servant, S. CAUCHI, Secretary. The Honorable Dr. Fortunato Mizzi.

LIX. " SAN LORENZO" CLUB, Vittoriosa 26 April 1901. Sir, The imposition of a quantity of taxes and the ill-omened substitution of the English language for the. Italian, which our despotic Government would most unjustly impose on the people, have met with opposition from every body. The aim of the Government is nothing else than to impoverish this unhappy people. It is on this account that the Members composing the Club " San Lorenzo", not degenerated from their ancestors, have, at a sitting held by them, unanimously decided to be represented at the forthcoming Meeting by their President Mr. E. Pace. The same members of the aforesaid Club by declaring themselves in soli­ dum with the Elective Members of the Council of Government, cannot without failing in a sacred duty, but praise their energitic, patriotic and honest action, and encourage them to remain on the breach, fighting for the good of this our unhappy country. With the firm hope that in the end, the cause for which Maltese people so vigorously struggle, will be crowned with sucess, I have the honour to be, Your most humble servant, A. LUCCHESE P.L., Secrctary. ~o the Honorable Dr. Fortunato Mizzi. 34 LX. CHAPTER HALL, Senglea 21th April 1901. Sir, I am directed by this Most Revd. Chapter to intimate to you that not only it has, most willingly, accepted your invitation to be present at the Grand Public Meeting, but also that it will cooprate towards the successful issue of the same, treating as it does of questions of vital interest. ·With respect your humble servant F. TAGLIAFERRO D.D., Arcpriest. The Honorable Dr. Fortunato Mizzi.

LXI. PHILARl\IONIC SOCIETY "INVITTA" Senglea 28th April 1901. Sir, It would certainly be a shame to him who should dare absent himself from the forthcoming Meeting patriotically initiated and ~rganised by you. All Malta, yes all Malta with the exception of the renegades should attend on that day to energetically protest against the iniquitous substitution of the English language for our Italian-the language of our fathers, of our civili­ zation and progress; as also against the imfamous taxes which Stl'icldand and his Alter Ego would impose upon us. 'Ve have assembled to day, and unanimously decided, that we should be the first to march on that memo­ rable day to overthrow the extortion and oppression of our despotic Goverment. We shall fight to the last day of our lives and die like heroes, but dying everyone of us shall have every reason to repeat with the gl'eat Leopardi:- Alma terra natia La vita che mi desti ecco ti rendo. Our respect Your humble servant ANTONIO LUBRANO, President. 'ro the Honorable Dr. Fortunato Mizzi.

LXII. CIRCOLO "LA VINCITRlCE' , " Vincit Veritas ", 18. 4. 901. Sir, It is my duty to inform you, that at a sitting held yesterday the Committee has not only unanimously decided that the Band and Members of the aforesaid Club should be represented with their banners, at the Grand Public Meeting to be helc1regarding the destinies of the poor Maltese population, but also to sent a deputation of three members of the Committee. I avail myself of this opportunity to convey my best regards ·While I am your obec1t. servant V. A. COLOMBO, Secretary. The Honorable Fortunato Mizzi LL.D. 35 LXIII. THE MALTESE W ORKl\fEN SOCIETY Senglea 27th April 1901. Sir, It is true that according to the tenor of the Statutes, the above named Society cannot take part in political affairs, but under the present circum­ stances in which all Malta, our deal' country, makes its voice heard, it seems unjust to us, for the Society to be silent. It will not be, that we, sons of those who have shed their blood in defence of the right of their country, shall be silent when the strong and powerful would vex the rights of our children. Hence on recept of your patriotic appeal of the 25th inst., a sitting was he ld in which it was decided that this Society shall be represented at the Grand Meeting by tile following gentlemen:- R. :Uarmanin-Pl'esidcllt G. Cefal-Secl'ctal'l/. G. Degiovanni - (,'ushicr. I am yom most obedt. servant . G. CEFAL, Secrctal'lj. To the Honorable Dr. Fortunato Mizzi.

LXIV. PARISH HOUSE, Calcara 24/4/901. Sir, I am rather late in answering your patriotic invitation, not because I differed in opinion from my colleagues, who have every reason to be opposed to the substitution of the language and the imposition of further taxation, 01' from the peop1e, who, as one man, have aroused themselves to demand that their rights remain inviolate. On the day announced for the Meeting I shall be among the first to be present. ·With sentiments of true esteem, Your most devt. servt. G. CIANGURA, Pm'ish Priest. The Honorable Dr. Fortunato Mizzi. 36 SIXTH ELECTORAL DISTRICT (J..Votabile, Musta, Dz'ngli, 8"[Jq't'eu't', Mellelta and M't[j'iarro)

LXV. AmmsION OF THE CHATEDRAL CHAPTER Chapter Hall, Notabile 25/4/1901. Sir, The Cathedral Chapter assembled in full Council to day 25th April 1901 to consider your letter of invitation, to take part in the Public Meeting arranged for the 5th May on the quegtions of taxation and the language has resolved, that the Government having interpreted in its favour the absence on the part of the Clergy, at the last Public Meeting on the 7th inst. as regards the questions of Taxation and Language, the Chapter of Malta believe it there duty to protest, as they do protest, against the imposition of further taxes, and the imposition of the English language in substitution for the Italian. Wherefore the Chapter willingly accept the invitation sent to them by sending a deputation to express these sentiments. I have honour to communicate this to you by order of the Chapter. REV. P, MUSCAT, Chancellm'. The Honourable Dr. Fortunato }\tIizzi.

LXVI. RELIGIOUS ORDEn. OF SAN DmmXICo Rabato 17/4/901. Sir, As this is a Novitiate Nunnery we cannot conveniently take l)art in the Public Me(-lting to be held shortly. However, I Il0pe, that we all may be represented by some one of our community at Valletta. Receive meanwhile My most cordial respects, Your servant P. SCHmIBRI O.P. Prim '. The Honourable Fortunato Mizzi, LL.D.

LXVII. CONVENT OF THE CARMELITES Notabile, 22/4)901. Sir, vVe most willingly accept your kind invitation. P. F. M. MIFSUD, Prior oj the Carmelites. The Honorable Dr. Fortunato Mizzi.

LXVIII. CONVENT OF S. FRANCESCO Rabato 25th April 1901. Sir, .I have the honour to inform you that it is both 1)1Y intention and that of this Religious Community to be represented at the forthcoming Grand Public Meeting. Accept my regard Your most devtd. servant FR. P. SALvo M. CASSAR SuperioJ' Conventual Minors. To the Honorable Dr. Fortunato Mizzi. 37 LXIX. PHILARlUONIC SOCIETY "CONTE RUGGIERO" Rabato of Notabile 20th April 1901. Sir, I am pleased to inform you that the Committee· of the Philarmonic 'Society" Conte Ruggiero" of Rabato, at a sitting held on the 17th inst. unanimously decided to represent the said Society at the Meeting appointed by you for the 5th May next. DR. A. firIONTA~ARO, Yice President. 'fhe Honorable Dr. Fortunato Mizzi.

LXX. CmeoLO "L'ISLE ADA:\I" 18th April 1901. Sir, I have the honour to inform you that at. a sitting helel to day the Com­ mittee decided that the Band and Members of the Club should take part in the Grand Met'ting announced by you. I am, Sir, Your humble servant G. BARTOLI, SeCJ'etw'!/. 'The Honorable Dr. Fortunato Mizzi.

LXXI. CIRCOLO CATTOLICO Rabato of Notabile 2nd May 1901. Sir, The members of the Club "Cattolico" of Rabato, Notabile, assembled in a general sitting, fully approving of the policy of the present Elective Members, have, this day, unanimously decided to be represented at the Meeting of the 5th inst., appointing for this purpose the Noble F. dei Conti Manduca, P. Vassallo Notary, and Noble S. c1ei Conti Sant Manduca. . vVith every resp~ct, 'The Honorable A. MONTANARO, Barrister. Dr. Fortunato Mizzi

LXXII. PARISH HOUSE, Musta 22nd April 1901. Sir '. The vital interests, and the wish of my Parishioners, as well as my . nal duty as a Maltese, impose on me the conscientious obligation of not mg to respond to your kind and patriotic appeal. Thanking you sincerely the invitation with which you have been pieased to honour me, I beg to remain, Your 'most devtd. servt. G. SARREO, Archpriest.

Fortunato Mizzi L.L.D. 38 LXXIII. PHIL. "NICOLO ISOUARD", Musta 22/4/901. Sir, The Philarmonic Society "Nicolo Isouard" of Musta acknowledges recept of your most esteemed invitation of the 15th inst, and hasten me to state in reply that the Society finel no objection whatever of attending, or being represented, on the platform by some of their members, with their banner at the Grand Public Meeting to be helel on the 5th prox. In the name of the Society, The Honorable P. MIFSUD. Dr. Fortunato Mizzi.

LXXIV. PARISH HOUSE, Musta 3/5/901. Sir, The working classes with feelings of lively grat.itude accept to be repre­ sented by you at the Grand Meeting to be held next Sunday. Praying you to accept my compliment, with the thanks of those interested,. I have the honour to declare myself, Your most obedt. servt, To REV. G. SARREO, D.D. Archpriest. Alfonso M. A. Galea Esq.

LXXV. PARISH HOUSE, Casal DingJi 17/4/901. Sir, I will do my utmost to rispond, in due time, to your invitation. With sentments of true esteem The Honorable F. MUSCAT, Pm'ish P1'iest. '. Dl'. Fortunato Mizzi

LXXVI. PARISH HOUSE, Casal Dingli, 1st. May 1901. Sir, I have pleasure to inform you that the Workmen and Artisans, my pari­ shioners, on my proposal made them after the first mass this morning, if they would wish to be represented by you at the Grand Meeting on Sunday next to protest in their name against the taxes· which the Government propose to impose, and the substitution of the English language for the Italian, have all favourably accepted, thanking you very much in anticipation. Accept, most Ill. Sir, My regards To F. MUSCAT, Parish Priest. Alfonso M. Galea Esq,

LXXVII, PARISH HOUSE, Siggieui 18th April 1901. Sir, Our Village will be repr2senteel at the forthcoming, Public Meeting either by my coadjutor Dom. M. Farrugia or by some other priest attached to the said village. I nmain, with feelings of the greatest esteem, Your most devtc1. servt. The Honorable F. FARRUGIA, Parish Priest. Dr. Fortunato Mizzi LXXVIII. PHIL. SOCIETY "NICOLINA", Siggieui 22/4/901. Sir, The Philarmonic Society "Nicolina" not only do not find any objection 'be represented with its banners, but considers it their duty to take part the forthcoming Meeting. 'With most sincere regards, Your humble sel'vt. The Honorable P. ANT. CHETCUTI, President. Dr. Fortunato Mizzi

LXXIX. PARISH HOUSE, Melleha 17/4/901. Sir, In aclmowleclging the invitation for the Meeting which is going to take I wish to say that in case I shall not be able to attend personally, I do my utmost to be represented by some other Member of this Clergy. . Believe me with every respect Your most humble servt. The Honorable F. MAGRI, Parish Priest. Dr. Fortunato Mizzi.

LXXX. Melleha 3/5/1901. Sir, In reply to yours of the 29th April, I must state that with the unanimous -consent of the workmen and artisans of this village you have been designated to represent them at the Grand Meeting of the 5th May. Believe me with all respect Yours most humble F. MAGRI, Parish Priest. "To Alfonso M. Galea Esq.

LXXXL PARISH HOUSE, Migiarro (Malta) 18th April 1901. Sir, In answer to your esteemed letter of the 12th im;t, I have the honour to inform you that I have no objection to be present at the Grand Public Meeting which is intended to be held on the question of the Language and Taxes­ questions of the utmost interest. Moreover [ deem it my duty to take part in . estions which concern the vital interests of my parishIOners. The only culty which presents itself is the want of another priest in my parish, but to succed in finding one to perform my duties. while I take this favourable opportunity of offering on my part anel of my parishioners our most cordial congratulations to you and to your able colleagues for their praiseworthy and edifyng political conduct these trying and scandalous times . .B.-I have not answered sooner as owing to deficiency of postal 'U.1~~V.1.1.1Vuts your letter reached me late, viz: after 2 days. 'With sincerest regard Your most devtc1. servt. e Honorable J. CHETCUTI, Vice Parish P1·iest. Dr. Fortunato Mizzi. 40 SEVENTH ELECTORAL DISTRICT (Birckircara, Bitlzan, Lia, Attard, .Naxaro, Gargur)

LXXXII. OHAPTER HALL, Birchirpara 23/4/1901. Sir, The Most Reve1. Ohapter of S. Elena Empress, of Birchircara, shal1 be l'epresented at the Grand Public Meeting to be held on the 5th May. I have· the honom to inform you of this, and esteem myself Your most devtd. servt To the Honorable A. BORG D.D., Rector. Dr. Fortunato Mizzi.

LXXXIII. PREPOSITORAL HOUSE, Birchircara, 17/4/1901. Sir, In reply to yom invitation received yesterday, I wish to state that, weather permitting, I, or some one representing me, shall without fail attend at the announced Public Meeting. Accept meanwhile my most sincere regards and . . Believe me Your most affect and devtd. servt. The Honorable OANON ALFONSO BORG. Dr. Fortunato Mizzi.

LXXXIV. ST. ALPHONSUS OONVENT, Birchircara 25/4/901. Sir, The strict rule of our Institute oompels us to abstain from Public Assem­ blies, not even excluded some functions of strictly religious character. Therefore in reply to your most esteemed letter of the 22nd inst, I must inform you that it is impos3ible to attend or send some one to represent us to the Grand Public Meeting of the 5th May. But, at the same time, in the name of this community as well as of QUl' other one in Oosplcua, I declare that no other motive except that adduced, regulates our conduct; and though absent, we wish to be considered as present with the people and other representatives, to protest against the substitution of the English language for the Italian and the imposition of new taxes. Thus our personal absence will be supplied by the presence of that which is undoubtedly of as much avail: our mihd and heart. With sincerest regards and respect Your most humble servant P. OAR~IELO DEL RUIBINO GESU' Yice PJ'ovi7lcial ot the CCl1'meZitani. Scalzi. The Honorable Dr. Fortunato Mizzi.

LXXXV. OIRCOLO MANNARINO "LA STELLA" Birchircara 17/4/901. Sir, This Society accept with much pleasure the invitation to take part in the approaching Meeting to which the Society will deem it their duty to bring their banners .. By order J. LAFERLA, 8ecretw'y. The Honorable i Dr. Fortunato Mizzi 41 LXXXVI. PHILARMONIC SOCIETY "S. ELENA" Birchircara ~2/4/190l. Sir, In reply to your invitation for the Meeting to take place outside Porte des ombes on the 5th May, I have the pleasure to inform you that this Philar­ monic Society has decided to be present with its banners to protest against further taxation, and in favour of the Italian language. This Society will be represented by the Secretary, Cashier and one of the Deputies. I have the honour to be Your most devtd. servt. COST. BONNET, :::Jecretw'v. Honorable Dr. Fortunato Mizzi. LXXXVII. "S, PAULS" CLUB Birchircara 25th April 1901. Sir, In the general awakening of all classes at the present critical circum­ stances, he would be an unwortly citizen who' should abstain from taking part in the Public Meeting fixed and organized, with patriotic intentions, by you and by your worthy Colleagues for the 5th May next. Appointed Secretary of this working-men Club and after an unanimous decision of the Committee, being called upon to represent it at the aforesaid Meeting, I feel it an imperious duty to accept the twofold charge, convinced that the forced substitution of the English language for the Italian would be directly ruinous to the most vital interests of the entire population, and that the imposition of now taxes would be most injurious to the working classes, already sufficiently exhausted by the great commercial stagnation of the island, once so extolled for its flourishing condition in every branch of Trade. Whilst informing you, then, of the consent of the Members of this Club to be l)resent en masse with their banner at the aforesaid Meeting, I am e$pecially directed to express their simpathy for the prominent part which you, Hon. Sir, take in the general interest of the island both by your voice in the Council and with your writings in the "Gazzetta di Malta". Accept, meanwhile, my sincere esteem, Your most devotd. servt. 'The Honorable G.1YL~NGION PL., Secretary. Dr. Fortunato Mizzi

LXXXVIII. CLUB LEONE XUI, Birchircara, 24th April 1901. Sir, . The Committee of the Club "Leone XIII" of Birchircara at a special held, to day, unanimously decided to take part in the Meeting organised u with patriotic solicitude, desiring publicly and with all energy to oppose ntended hateful imposition of further burdens, and to protest against the ~ubstitution of the English language for the Italian, which must be ous to thE. sacred. rights of the Maltese,' of which rights they are so and cause incalculable damage, not only to the educated classes, but the uneducated. e Oommittee, hoping in the complete victory of the national cause, should necessarily follow the opportune arousing of the Maltese people, elected the President and the undersigned Secretary to represent the at the forthcoming Meeting. ,\Vith feelings of deepest respect Yours most devoted G. VASSALLO, Secretary. L.L.D. 42 LXXXIX. CLUB SANTA VENERA, Birchircara 26th April 1901. Sir, I have the honour to inform you that the Commettee of the "Santa Venera" Club at a sitting held on the 14th inst. unanimously decided to take part in the Public Meeting to be held the 5th May next appointing, besides the undersigned, Messrs. R. Pace and P.L. G. Mangion to represent them With feelings of esteeem, Your most devtd. servt. Notary CALC. GATT, Secretary. To the Honorable Dr. Fortunato Mizzi. xc. CASINO "INDIPENDENTE" Birchircara 27/4/901. Sir, In reply to your letter of the 22nd inst. I am bound to inform you that the Directive Commettee of this Club have decided to be represented at the Grand Meeting which is intended to be held by you regarding the questions of the language and taxes. I am with sincere respect Your most devoted servt. G. REFALO, President. The Honorable Dr. Fortunato Mizzi.

XCI. CIRCOLO "L' ALLEANZA" Birchircara 30/4/901. Sir, I have the honour to inform you that the Memuers of the above named Club willingly accept your invitation regarding the forthcoming Meeting, and that they intend to be represented by me the undersigned. 'With the greatest respect Your humble servt. F. BORG, Cashier. The Honorable Dr. Fortunato Mizzi.

XCII. Bil'chircara 2nd May 1901. Sir, Your most honoured of the 29th April, so very pleasing to me, has reached me, in which you have expressed the desire to represent the artisan and working classes at the Grand Public Mee~ing in case they would give you their mandate. Now, as there are many and divbrse workmen and artisans in my parish, it is very difficult to gather tliem all together, and try to find out what their candid opinion is on the proposal, wherefore I do not know how they can be presented en masse; certainly they will be partially so, i,n the various Clubs and Philarmonic Societies existing in Birchircara, composed for the greater part of workmen and artisans who have given their express consent to be represented at the Grand Public Meeting. So much have I the honour to inform you and beg to remain Yours most devoted To A. BORG, Parish Priest. Alfonso M. Galea, Esq. 43 XCIII. Sir, Amabile Sisner Parish Priest, Casal Balzan, presents his compliments to the Hon. Dr. Mizzi and has the pleasure to inform him that it will afford him the gratest pleasure to assist personally at the forthcoming Grand lVleeting. 'The Honorable Dr. Fortunato Mizzi

XCIV. CIRCOLO "L' ANNUNZIATA" C. Balzan 28/4/901. Sir, I hasten to inform you that at a Meeting of the Members of the Club held to day it was unanimously decided to send two deputies with their banner to represent them at the forthcoming Grand Meeting. Believe me meanwhile Your most devoted CONTE F. MANDUCA, President. The Honorable Dr. Fortunato Mizzi.

xcv. C. Balzan 30/4/901. Sir, Interpreting the mind of my parishioners, I hasten to reply for them to your most esteemed letter, just now received.You may be sure, Sir, on my 'word, that that is the unanimous wish of my people. However I shall not omit to inform them of your noble proposal-not with a view of knowing their opinion on the subject, but that artisans and workmen might know that at the forthcoming Meeting they will have, in your most accomplished person, a generous repre­ sentative. Get up, therefore, on the platform of protest in defence of the oppressed poor. The cause is just and holy. God is with us. Receive, meanwhile, the most sincere regards of Your most devtd. servt. and frend A. SISNER, Parish Priest. To Alfonso 1\1:. Galea Esg.

XCVI. Lia 17/4/1901. Sir, Questions of the utmost importance for the Maltese being at stake, I all use all possible efforts to be present, when the Grand Public Meeting will place. vVith most distinguished regards Your most devtd. and humble servt. M. CORTIS D.D., Parish Priest. 'The Honorable Dr. Fortunato Mizzi. 44 XOVII. PRILARMONIC CLUB "FroR D' ARANcro" Villa Lia 23rd April 1901. Sir, I am bound-somewhat late -to reply to your invitation to the Clubs and Philarmonic Societies to be present to the Grand Meeting to be held on the 5th prox. I the undersigned, as one of the representatives of the aforesaid Club, and on behalf of the Members, shall attend, with pleasure, the said Meeting, which, I hope, will succed to the advantage of the Maltese people, as questions of great moment are concerned. Meanhile r avail myself of the opportunity to present my feelings of the greatest regard. Your most and humble servant LUIGI ENGERER, Cashie?'. The Honorable Dr. Fortunato Mizzi.

XOVIII. LIA 1901. Sir, I have consulted the artisans and workmen of this Parish, and I can certify that all are most strongly opposed to the imposition of further taxes nnd the substitution of the English language for the Italian. I take this occa­ sion to present my best respects and confirm myself, Your most humble and devt. servant M. CORTIS D,D., Parish P?'iest. To Alfonso. M. Galea, Esq.

XCIX. PARISRHoUSE, Casal Attard 17j4j1901. Sir, The non acceptance of your kind and most patriotic invitation to the Meeting about to held, would be to act contrary to the wishes of the people struggling against the insupportable imposition of the taxes-the principal object of said meeting. To be present is not so much an act of courtesy or opinion, but it is the strictest duty of every true citizen, so much so, that, if my pal'l'ochial duties will not prevent me, I shall be one of the first to attend, not by a representative, but in person. Your most devot. servt: DR. AZZOPARDI, PW'ish P)'iest. The Honourable Fortunato Mizzi, LL.D.

O. Casal Attard 2nd May 1901. Sir, I can to day reply to yours of the 29th uIt. informing you that the workmen, my panshioners, shall remaininot only most grateful to you for your kindness in representing them at the forthcoming Meeting, but that they are proud of having such a representative. . I take the opportunity, meanwhile, of acknowledging my most respectful regards Your most obedient ser.vant DR. AZZOPARDI, Pa?'ish PJ'iest. To Alfonso M. Galea, Esq. 45 or. PARISH HOUSE, Naxaro 18/4/901.

Sirl In acknowledging your most esteemed invitation dated the 2nd, inst., I "bea to inform you that I find no objection in being present or represented by . 0 of my clergy on the platform which shall be erected on the occasion of the Grand Public Meeting which will, soon, take place; and I deem it my duty to promise you my utmost ~upport, weak though it be, in matters regarding interests of the populatlOn. I remain with respect Your most devtc1. and humble servt. F. BRIFFA, PW'ish PI'iest.

Mizzi.

CII. PHILAR\lONIC SOCIETY "LA PACE" . Naxaro 21st April 1901. Sir, The iniquitous scheme of taxation and the banishment more iniquitous ;still of the Italian language are opposed by every body. Even those who by reason of their dependence on the Government, do not give their opinions, black on white, in the depths of their hearts execrate them, and when they can pour forth their grief in the heart of a trustwortly friend they tlo so wil­ lingly. One is the voice of the country. I shall then fulfil my duty, as a good ·citizen, by attending with two of the Oommittee of this Philarmonic Society at the meeting notified me by letter of the 15th inst. With sentiments of the highest esteem Your most devt. G. illUSCA'l' AZZOPARDI, President. 'To the Honorable Dr. Fortunato Mizzi.

CIII. Naxaro 4th May 1901. Sir, I enclose the adhesion of the undersigued workmen and artisans of this "illage to the proposal contained in your letter of the 29th April last. I am with respect Your most devtd. servant 'To F. BRIFFA, Parish Priest. Alfonso M. Galea, Esq. Naxaro 3reI May 1901. Sir, the undersigned forming part of the Maltese artisans and working classes declare that we wish Mr. A. M. Galea to' represent us at the Grand .which is to be held on the 5th of this month against the substitution e English language for the Italian and the imposition of further taxes. MICH. DEGUARA Gus. MANGION. and se&el'aZ others. Honorable .. Dr. Fortunato Mizzi. 46 cry. PRISR HOUSE, Gargul' 22nd April 1901. Sir, In ,answer to your letter of the 12th inst. (received on the 16th), I beg to inform you that as regards the Grand Public Meeting which is to be shortly held, I shall conform myself to the action of my colleagues who have already accepted to be present to protest against the taxes and the subtitution of the" language. I avail myself, meanwhile, of this opportuny to present my sincere regards and remain With profond esteem Your most devtd. sent. P. BATTISTA AGIUS, Parish Priest. The Honorable Dr. Fortunato Mizzi.

CV. GargUl' 30th April 1901. Sir, In answer to your letter of 29th inst. I hasten to inform you that, to day, at 9.15 p.m. after the visit of the St. Jubilee, the Rev. P. A. 1VI. Borg, G. Aquilina and C. Fenech of this Parish have asked (being appointed by me for this purpose) the workmen and artisans of this village if they wished some gentleman to represent them at the Grand Public Meeting, to be held on Sun­ day, against the imposition of the Language and the unjust burden of the Taxes and they have given the following reply. We, inhabitants of Gargur, declare ourselves opposed to the imposition of further taxes, ancl the sub3titution of the English language for the Italian, but before accepting the proposal of being represented at the Grand Public Meeting, we wish to know the name of this gentleman. On your name and surname being announced, there was a loud cheering. I take meanwhile this opportunity to congratulate you on the esteem and respect in which my panshioners hold you. I declare myself with every respect Your most devt. servt. To P. B. AGIUS, Parilih Priest. Alfonso M. Galea, Esq. 47 EIGHTETH ELECTORAL DISTRICT ( Ourmi, Zebbug, Luca and M£cab£ba)

evr. PARISH HOUSE, O. Ourmi 17th April HlO1. Sir, I feel grateful for your very lund invitation of the 12th inst. and if my hial duties will not pervent me, I shall, most willingly, attend at the PublIc Meeting to be held on the 5th May. Accept meanwhile, Sir, the tribute of my particular esteem and conside­ pion and believe me, Your most obedt. servt. and frend Honorable EM:. PACE D.D., Parish P1·iest. Fortunato Mizzi L.L.D.

eVIl. S. GEORGE'S OLUB, O. Ourmi 21st April 1901. Sir, I have the honour to inform you that the directive Oommettee of the {Jircolo "S. George" and the Philarmonic Society of the same name have unanimously decided to attend with their banner at the General Meeting, to vigorously protest against the substitution of the English language for the Italian and ~the imposition of further taxation. . Accept the sentiment of my highest esteem Your most devtd. servt 'The Honourable E. FARRUGIA, President. Dr. Fortunato Mizzi.

eVIl!. PHILARl\IONIC SOCIETY "PINTO OLUB" C. Ourmi 26th April 1901. Sir, In answer (,0 your kind invitation I am direct::d to inform you that the 'larmonic Society "Pinto" most willingly' intend to be represented at the Grand Meeting to take place on the 5th of May next. With every consideration, Your most devtd. servt. 'To the Honorable P. ABELA, Cashier. Dr. Fortunato Mizzi.

CIX. PARISH HOUSE, Zebbug 20/4/1901. Sir, reply to your letter of tILe 12th inst., I have the honour to inform you hold as well as others an opinion contrary and opposed to any imposition and the substitution of the language. However, I would wish to be from being present on the platform at the forthcoming Meeting to be the 5th May next. Some of the clergy of this town have attended at Meeting held on the 7th iust., so I hope that they will attend at already announced. I remain meanwhile with sentiments of true respect Your servant L. ATTARD, Archpriest. 48 ex. PHIL. Soc. " ROHAN", Zebbug 18th April 1901. Sir, In reply to your most esteemed letter of the 15th inst., I beg to inform you that the Philarmonic Society "Rohan" has accepted your invitation to be­ represented with its banner at the Grand Meeting. I am your servant The Honorable· ANT. ZAMMIT GAUCI, Secretary •. Dr. Fortunato Mizzi. exI. PHILARMONIC SOCIETY "SAN FILIPPO" Zebbug 27/901. Sir, I am glad to inform you that the Members of the said Society have una­ unanimously accepted the invitation and have decided to be represented by the President, Secretary and Cashier. Believe me with all respect Your most devoted servo The Honorable S. ZAMMIT, Secretary. Dr. Fortunato Mizzi.

eXIl. CATHOLIC CLUB "L'UNIONE" Casal Zebbug. Sir, I have the pleasure to inform you that the Members of this Club, most cordially, accept the invitation to be present at the Grand Public Meeting and wish that their presence be indicative of a vigorous protest aginst the iniqui­ tous imposition of new taxes and the execrated substitution of the language. Accept the sentiments of my highest esteem and believe me yours The Honorable REV. GIUSEPPE PSAILA, Secretary. Fortunato Mizzi L.L.D.

CXIlI. CLUB "LA STELLA", Zebbug 29/4/1901. Sir, . The great danger which threatens our dear country with the injust impo­ sition of ruinous burdens on this unfortunate but invinc.ible population, and the malicious substitution of the English language for the Italian was the means for us, to joyfully accept your invitation appearing in the "Gazzetta di Malta" of the 18th in st.. The Committee having assembled in a general sitting, enthusiastically applauded your appeal and that of your colleagues for the welfare of this country. The President Mr. G. Cilia, the,undersignec1 Secretary and tlle Cashier Mr. Carlo rranti have therefore been elected to represent the aforesaid Club at the Meeting on the 5th May. Believe me, Hon. Sir, Your most respt. servt. The Honorable FILIPPO GRECH, Secretary. Dr. Fortunato Mizzi. ·49 CXIV. CLUB" RoH,aN ", Casal Zebbll;g 3j5/GOl. . Sir, ." As a grave evil on which the lives of our childr~n depend, threatens our dear Country, it is our duty to remove it, as our fathers did before. Wherefore at a sitting held this afternoon the Members of the said Club .consIdering the questions of the language and tl:e ill-omened taxes, have decided to be present at the Meeting announced by you for next Sunday, to protest ...... ~". ___ t the said iniquitous impositions swearing to defend their country's as much as lies in ther power. ·Wherefore they have elected Messrs. C. and P. P. Buttigieg to rel~resent them. With kindest regards Honorable V. ZAMMIT CAMILLERI. Dr. Fortunato Mizzi.

CXV. Zebbug, 2 May 1901. Sir, In answer to yours of the 29th last, I must inform you that having asked some of the artisans and workmen of this place, all have shown themselves favourable to your projec:t and therefore they have accepted with pleasure to be represented by you at the Meeting next Sunday against the substitution of the language and the imposition of further taxes. With profound respect, Your humble servt. To L. ATTARD, Archpriest. A. M. Galea Esg.

CXVI. PARISH HOUSE, Casal Luca, 22 April 1901. Sir, I acknowledge recei pt of your kind invitation to the Monster Meeting to talJ:e place shortly. Needless to say, I fully adhere to it, and shall not fail to attend, if not engaged in pa1'l'ochial duties. The question of the language is one of life or death for the country and we should be the real assassins of our descendents if lye did not, now, that we are in time, oppose the substitution of the English language. As regards the question of taxation, I can say from my own experience that the people are in the greatest misery, and it would be ,cruel indeed on the part of our rulers to still vex the people by the imposition of further taxation. Eelieve me, Sir, Your most devoted Honourable O. GRIMA, Parish Priest. Dr. Fortunato Mizzi. 50 NINTH ELECTORAL DISTRICT (Ze£tun, Tarxen, Paola, Ax£ak, Gud£a, OMrcop, Z'twr1'co, Saji, Orend£, Marsascirocdo)

CXVII. PARISH HOUSE, Zeitun 18th April 1901. , Sir, You should be well aware that 1 would consent to your invitation, and that in similar urgent eircumstances I cannot fail to be present. Therefore, I hope, that on the prearranged day I shall attend, otherwise I shall,send some one to represent me. I remain, Hon. Sir, Your most obedt. and affect servt. The Honorable L. DEGABRIELE, Archpriest. Fortunato Mizzi L.L.D.

CXVIIl. CASINO "BELAND", Zeitun 22nd April 1901. Sir, It being the chief duty of every honest man to defend the down-trodden rights of his country, the Philarmonic Society "Belau'd" of Zeitun has unani­ mously decided to take part in the Meeting convoked by you against, taxation and the substitution of the English language for the Italian, by being repre­ sented by a deputation with its banners. With devoted respect Your most obed. and devtd. servt. The Honorable A., M. CARUANA, Secretary. Dr. Fortunato Mizzi.

CXIX. PHIL, Soc. "SANTA CATERINA, Zeitun 27/4/901. Sir, The Committe of the Philarmonic Society "Santa Caterina" has not been able to precisely correspond to the terms of yOUl' kind letter of the 20th inst. on account of a legitimate impediment. The said Committee have decided to accept the invitation, to defend their right with the others. 'With devtd. respect Your most humble and obedt. servt. D. M. MOitIPALAO P.A." President. To the Honorable Dr. Fortunato Mizzi.

CXX. PARISH HOUSE, Tarxieri 29/4/901. Sir, I accept your invitation which reached me to day. I shall not be repre­ sented at the Grand Public Meeting of the 5th May, but I will come myself with my parishioners to protest against the iniquitous taxation and the substitution of the English language for the Italian. , Believe me your humble servt. F. ATTARD, Parish Priest. The Honorable Dr. Fortunato Mizzi. 51 CXXI. PHILARl\IONIC SOCIETY "SAN GIUSEPPE" Oasal Tarxien 2/5/CJ01. Sir, The said Philarmonic Society are very sorry that on account of unforeseen circumstances they reply so late to your patriotic invitation and request me to inform you, which I do with pleasure, that the Oommittee and. Members of the Society, after a serious discussion, convinced of the vast importance of the two questions which form the principal subject of the Programme of the Grand Meeting announced by you for the 5th of the present month, have unanimously accepted your patriotic and kind invitation and will take part therein, bringing their banner and accompanied by their beloved Parish Priest to virgorously protest against the iniquitons imposition of further OlL"'U."'·V~" and the infamous substitution of the English language for the Italian. Accept, meanwhile, the sentiments of my esteem Your most devtd. A. FAURE, Cashier. The Honorable Fortunato Mizzi LL.D. CXxrI. PARISH HOUSE, O. Asciak 17/4/901. Sir, In answer to your kind request of the 16th inst. I hasten to reply net only as Parish Priest but as a patriot as well, that I am always ready at your dear commands and that not only I do not find any difficulty to be presen t personally on the platform, but that my clergy are also ready to accompany me to your forthcoming Meeting. 'With kindest regards Your most faithful friend

The Honorable ALBERTO DALLI D.D. l Parish Priest. Fortt!.nato Mizzi L.L.D.

CXXIII. PARISH HOUSE, O. Gudia 17/4/1901. Sir, I acknowledge receipt of your most esteemed letter of 7. 4. 901 which I hasten to reply to, as its delevery was not made to me till yesterday, and to state that I do not find any objection to my being present or to be represented by some one of the clergy, at the Grand Public Meeting and on the platform. The Honorable F. S. MIFSUD, Parish Priest. Dr. Fortunato Mizzi cxxrv. PARISH HOUSE, O. Ohircop, 22nd April 1901. Sir, . ... I most willingly accept your invitation and. shall not fail to be present at Me~ting announced by you. The language question especially is a most one, more so, in fact than any other, as it concerns the future of , who would exam·ate us if we did not oppose the Government very moment. The question of taxation on the other hand is, , not less interesting, because the Government aim to reduce us to by means which are known to all. Believe me your most devtd. . ble Dr. GIUSEPPE BARBARA, Parish Priest. Pl'· Fortunato Mizzi 52

CXXV. C. Chircop, 3rd May 1901. Sir, In reply to your last letter of the 29th ult., I hasten to inform you that the workmen and artisans of my parish are all of one mind and in adhesion to your request. On which account you could freely accept the mandate of the above mentioned. I take, meanwhile, the opportunity of again declaring myself Your most devtd. servt. To Rev. G. BARBARA, Parish Priest Alfonso M. Galea, Esq.

CXXVI. PRISH HOUSE, Zurrico 16th April 1901. Sir, I cannot conscientiously exempt myself from the obligation of accepting the invitation to attend, if possible, in person at the proposed Grand Meeting. I do not wish that my parishioners may one day say that they have been assassinated by want of action on my part. [write to day owing to the fact that your invitation, though dated 12th inst., only reached me to day. Believe m~ with greatest respect and esteem yours E. MIFSUD, Arehpriest. To the Honorable Dr. Fortunato Mizzi.

CXXVII. PHIL. Soc. " LA CONCORDIA", Zurrico, 21/4/1901. Sir, I acknowledge receipt of your most esteemed letter of the 15th jnst., to which I hasten to reply, that the Philarmonic Society "La Concordia" find no objection to be present at the Meeting to be held on the 5th May next, and the said Society intends, most will~ngly, to be present with its banners, since everyone should bestir himself to avert the dangers threathing his country. Believe me with the greatest esteem Your most humble sent. The Honorable C. ZAl\IMIT, Di1·ector. Dr. :Fortunato Mizzi.

CXXVIlI. CLUB" ZURRICO ", Zurrico 23/4/1901. Sir, I am directed by the Committee and Members of the Club "Zurrico" to inform you that after a mature discussion they have been convinced that the most important and vital questions involved, as a principal subject in the programme of the Meeting of the Maltese, announced by yon, for> the 5th proximo, instead of putting us on the same fouting with· the Metropolis in civilization and progress, they1ienc1 not only to impoverish us, but to expell us from over country; and therefore the said Committee and Members accept unanimously your kind and patriotic invitation and declare themselves ready to follow you and your worthy colleagues in the arduous but holy path; 80 that it may never happen that the Maltese may expect tee sad destiny of seenig themselves compelled to abandon, once and for ever, their! dear but unfortunate country and to go wandering about the world, and hereafter only to be able to say that they had Malta for their native land-Malta which from a flower of the Mediterranean is completely reduced to a naval station and a fortress of first order. > Believe me with respect, Your most humble servt. The Honorable CARMELO CUTAJAR, Secretary. Dr. Fortunato Mizzi. 53 CXXIX. Zurrico, 1st M~y 1901. Sir, In answer to yours of yesterday I certify that I have made it my duty to consult the greater number of tIle- artisans of my parish (I say the greater number because tempus non patitur mora) and to ask their candid opinion on the proposal which I rejoice to assure you perfectly combines with that of the Maltese people expressed through the medium of the "Gazzetta di Malta". They accept with the greatest pleasure the patriotic and honourable proposal to be represented by you at the forthcoming Meeting of the Maltese, and they also desire, through me, to ask you, which I most willingly do, to have the goodness to represent them permanently. Believe me with greatest respect, Your most devoted, To E. MIFSUD, Archpriest. Alfonso M. A. Galea Esq. cxxx. PARISH HOUSE, Safi, 16/4/1\-J01. Sir, I most willingly intend to be present Ht the proposed Grand Meeting, and if prevented from doing so, I shall not fail to send some of the clergy to represent me. Every honest citizen should in these grave circumstances bestir himself to avert the imminent evils to the country. Your most affect. ~The Honorable "F. SULTANA D.D., Parish Priest. Dr. Fortunato lVIizzi

CXXXI. PARISH HOUSE, Safi, 29 April 1901. Sir, I communicate to you to the following resolution of the workmen and artisans, to be represented by you at the Monster Meeting· next Sunday. Accept, Sir, The sentiments of my respect and consideration To F. SULTANA D.D., Parish Priest. Alfonso M. Galea Esq.

Safi, 29/4/1901. Resolved, r:rhat it is the opinion of this extraordinary assembly that Mr. A. M. -Galea be requested to represent the workmen and artisan classes on the platform at the forthcoming Meeting and there defend our class against the imposition of the language and the burden of further taxation. Carmelo Cachia, Pioneer-So Callus, Cooper-C. CachiH, Cooper­ F. Gatt, COl'penter-B. Busuttil, P. Clasterel', and sez:eml others. CXXXII. PARISH HOUSE, C. Crendi, 22th April 1901.. Sir, You may depend upon it that I accept with much pleasure your kind invitation for the forthcoming Grand Public Meeting; if prevented, I shalt not fail to send some other priest to represent me. Believe me with greatest esteem, Your most devt. servt. The Honorable A. TABONE, Parish Priest. Dr. Fortunato Mizzi.

CXXXIII. PARISH HOUSE, Marsascirocco, 20/4/901. Sir, I accept your most kind invitation of the 12th inst., to attend at the> Grand ~eeting which shall take place on Sunday 5th prox. and, if not prevented will most willingly attend. With feeling of sincere esteem I remain your most Jlevtd. servt. The Honorable S. >lliLIA, Parish Priest. Dr. Fortunato Mizzi. 55 TENTH ELECTORAL DISTRICT ( Gozo)

CXXXIV. ADHESION OF THE CHATEDRAL CHAPTER Vittoria, 27/4/1901. Sir, The Most Revel. Chapter of this Cathedral assembled on Friday the 26th -of this month to consider your invitation, and maintaining that love of the -country imposes the duty of assisting in the eminently patriotic work initiated by you, has unanimously decided to be represented at the Meeting appointed for Sunday the 5th May next deputing for this purpose the Most Revel. Canon D. F. Diacono and D. L. Vella D.D. In communicating to you the decision of the Most Revd. Chapter it affords me pleasure to confirm the sentiments of my sincere esteem. I am, Your most c1evt. servt. Rev. F. AZZOPARDI, Chancellor of the Chapter. 'The Honorable Dr. Fortunato lVIizzi.

CXXXV. Gozo, 24/4/190l. Sir, . The titular feast of the Parish Church of St. George Martyr of which 1 am procurator falling on the 5th May next I am sorry that I cannot be 'present at the Meeting to be held on that day to which you so kindly invited me. I wis~1 nevertheless to inform you that I approve from this moment whatever will be decided at this Meeting with the object of preventing the imposition of new taxes and the decreed substitution of -the english to the Italian language in these islands. Believe me with every esteem, Your most obedt. servt. Rev. J. CREl\fONA, Vicar St. Lucia. "The Honorable Dr. Fortunato lVIizzi

CXXXVI. Gozo, 24/4/1901. Sir, In answer to your patriotic invitation to attend the Meetinglorganised iby you and your worthy coileagues for Sunday the 5th May, we are sorry to have to inform you that owing to the Feast of St. George the chief Patron of the island, and other special ecclesi,astical functions prearranged Jor that day, we shall find ourselves in the impossibility to take part in it. But if we cannot-us we would have wished - unite ourselves in person with our ·colleagues of that Diocese, we do not want to fail to unite to the common protest, om own, in order to condemn the conduct of the Government that want to impose new taxes on this already miserable population, and to substitute the English language for the Italian. Certain of interpre~ing the wish of our respective parishioners of which we have occasion several times to be sure, we protest against the imposition of the proposed taxes and the .substitution of the English for the Italian language, placing, however, the just cause of our dear country in the hands of the Divine Providence from whom we implore for you, and for the patriotic work undertaken by you, every best blessing. With affect: regards, we remain, Your most devt. and obedt. servants FELICE REFALO, A)·chp)·ie:·d, Vittoria CAN. G. GRECH, "Vice Pm'ish p)·jest) Garbo CAN. S. PORTELLI, S. Lorenzo ANTONIO DEBONO B.L., Parish Priest, Chercem GIOVANNI CAlIlILLERI, A)'chlJ!'iest, Nadur CAN. DEC. A. CAlIlILLERI, « CAN. CANT. A. CAMILLERI, « CAN. TES. MARTINO CAMILLERI, « GIOVANNI SALIBA GALEA, « Ai'lT. A.. QUILINA, Parish P}'jest, Ghainsielem The Honorable Dr. Fortunato Mizzi

CXXXVII. Citta Vittoria, Gozo, 24/4/1901. Sir, Owing to the gravity of the questions to be discussed at the forthcoming Meeting of' the 5th May I willingly accept your invitation, and not being able to take part myself on the day indicated on account of the feast of St. George I shall get one of our reljgious brethren resident in Malta to represent me and this Communit.y. Your most devt. servt. To the Honorable FR. P. M. CAMILLERI, AgostiniaJ1, Prior. Dr. Fortunato Mizzi.

CXXXVIII. S. FRANCIS CONVENT, Citta Vittoria, Gozo, 23/IV/1901. Sir, At the Grand Public Meeting which is to be held on the 5th May, to solemnly protest against the additional taxes which the present despotic. Government want forcibly to impose, as also against the imposition of the English language as the language of education which appears to me most riunou8 to onrfuture generations, I must declare that my opinion coincides with that of our Representatives in Council. Being unable to attend the saiel meeting on the day indicated I 8hallllot fail to get one of my religious bretheren as my substitute, who can fully represent me and this Venerable Community,. With my respect and esteem Your most devtd. servt .. Fr. G. B. CAUCHI. The Honorable Dr. Fortunato Mizzi

CXXXIX. Xeuchia, (Gozo) 231'd April 1901. Sir, In answer to your most esteemed lett.er received yesterda~T, I hasten to inform you that I shall most willingly attend the Public Meeting to be held_ With feeling of true esteem Your most devtd. servt. P. P. CIANTAR D.D., Archpriest-Curute. The Honorable Dr. Fortunato Mizzi 57 OXL. Ghainselem (Gozo), 23 April 1901. Sir, I feel it my duty indeed to take part with so many Most Rev. Archpriests and Parish Priests in the Grand Meeting to be held on the approaching 5th of May in defence of the violated rights of the poor people of these two sister Isles; but I am very sorry that I cannot do so as there are so many and such circumstances that do not allow me nor anv of my priests to absent ourselves from the Parish on that day. " I am, ' vVith sincere regards, Your most hunble servt. The Honorable A. AQUILINA, Parish Priest. Dr. Fortunato Mizzi

CXLI. Sannat (Gozo), 23/4/1901. Sir, I most willingly intend to be presmit or represented at the Gmnc1 Public Meeting. Nor do I think that in these grave circumstances I coulc1l'email1 impassive and not try to dispel eyils so great to the country as I cannot but dec1arr at the same time that my clergy and my population have been aroused. With sentiments of respect, Your most devot. servt. GIOV. A. VELLA, ATchpriest. The Honorable Dr. Fortunato Mizzi.

CXLII. San Lorenzo (Gozo) 23 April 1901. Sir, I am sorry to have to inform you that it is absolutely impossible for me to be present on the platform to be erected from the Grand Meeting: bu~ I desire that some one willing to represent me may be pointed out to me. I most cordially approve of the decisions of the last Meeting. With most profound respect, Your most humble and devt. servant The Honorable SALVo PORTELLI, Parish Priest. Dr. Fortunato Mizzi.

CXLIII. C. Cala (Gozo), 24/4/1901. Sir, The Parish Priest Giovanni Saliba' returns you the greatest thanks for the invitation sent him and, D.V., shall satisfy his wishes provided the Meeting be not held on the 5th prox. a day dedicated to St. George. With the most heartfelt respect he wishes you every happiness. The Honorable Dr. Fortunato Mizzi. 58

CXLIV. Strada Assunta (Gozo) 21/IV/901. Sir, I am extremely sorry that I cannot accept your invitation, because I am prevented from doing so on account of the serious illnes of my mother. Meanwhile be assured of my desire to be present and of the constant esteem with which I am Your most humble servt. The Honorable Rev. D. G. BUTTlGIEG. Dr. Fortunato Mizzi.

CXLV. Zebbug (Gozo) 23rd April 1901. Sir, As it is' a question of public interest and as I also well know that my people are opposed, nay, very much opposed to the substitution of the English language for the Italian and the imposition of taxes considering the present straightened financial condition in which they live, I most willingly consent to be present or to be represented at Lhe Grand Public Meeting which it has been decided to hold. vVith most affect. regards Your humble servt. The Honorable BARTOLOl\IEO BUSUTTIL, Parish Priest. Fortunato Mizzi L.L.D.

CXLVI. Gozo, 28th April 1901. Sir, In reply to your patriotic invitation to attend the Meeting to be held on Sunday the 5th May the Philarmonic Society "Leone" selects you to kindly represent the said Philarmonic Society at the said Meeting as all the Members composing the Society are opposed to the taxes and the substitution of the English language for the Italian. I am, your servt. The Honorable M. OASSAR P.A. Dr. Fortunato Mizzi.

CXLVII. Viitoria (Gozo), 30/4/901. Sir, The members of the Philarmonic Society "La Stella", Gozo, recognize their duty of protesting against the further taxation proposed by the Goyern­ ment and the hateful substitution of the English language for the Italian at the Meeting announced by you for the 5th May next, but not being able to. attend, being engaged to perform seYel'al programmes on the feast of St. George Martyr, which is celebrated here on that day, they beg you to kindly represent the said Philarmonic Society at the said Meeting for which object the under­ signed in the name of all the Members confer in virtue of the present letter their formal warran t. OARMELO GALEA }n epu t'us . M • ANGELO X ERRl To Honorable Dr. Fortunato lVIizzi. 59 APPENDIX II.

SPEECHES DELIVERED AT THE PUBLIC lUEETING ll,eld at " Ta Bra.via" on Sunday tlte 5th of lYIay, at 5 p.rn. (1)

The proceedings of the meeting were opened by Dr. Fortunato lVIizzi, who proposed that Dr. Filippo Sceberras and Monsignor Panzavecchia should be asked to act as President and Secretary, respectively. -The proposal was carried amid applause. Dr. MIZZ I then said:- MaItese-I have not strength enough to address you on the two important questions which have brought us together here to-day, but here are my colleagues, who will speak to you instead of me. I mnst, therefore, ask you to excuse me (cries of" go on "). But I cannot refrain from e};:pressing to you, from the botton of' my heart, my grateful thanks for responding so eloquently to my invitation. I see that you are still the same patriots of' before-(Uheers)­ that you are the descendants of those who, for the sake of their religion and of their country, spilt their blood again and again-CLoUd cheers) -when that was necessary. Only one word was required to rekindle the old sentiments and to bring you all here to-day to defend the common rights. (Loud applause)­ Nowadays we are not called upon to shed our hlood; a much smaller sacrifice is required. "Ve, the Maltese people, are not here to-day to protest against the British domination; we have nothing to say about that; but we do protest against the action of the local Government in endeavourillg to deprive us of' that is ours and of what it is our duty te preserve and hand over intact to our descendants. (Cheers) Dr. Sceberras, the other day, when we were assembled in this very same place, very truly said that it was for us to defend the national rights and privileges to the utmost, so that our children, and our children's children, may in the future bless our memory as reverently as we bless the memory of those brave and true Maltese who shed theil' blood for the same liberties for which we are strenuously fighting to-day. (Loud cheers). And if we are not successful-but I hope that we shall be successful­ (Loud Cheers), it will be said of us, in the words of Dr. Scebel'l'as, that we ,yere assassinated, but were not assassins (Prolonged cheering). Mr. A. JVIercieca, one of the Students of the University, then ascended the platform and presented Dr. lVIizzi with a standard which bore the following inscription: "To Dr. Fortunato Mizzi, the glory of the present, and an " example to future generations-the Students of 1901. " lVIl'. JVIercieca said that the standard was a mark of the students' appre­ ciation of what Dr. JVIizzi had done and was doing for the country (Cheers); they desired to show that the rising generation was as determined as ever to defend the public rights and to repel the encroachments of' the Government. He concluded by asking the meeting to give an oyation to Dr. :LVIizzi as the staunch defender of the Italian language. Amid prolongued cheering, Dr. JVIizzi embraced Mr. Mercieca and kissed him on the cheek and likewise kissed the flag. Addressing the students, who were accommodated on a separate platform specially reserved for them, Dr. JVIizzi, who froID. time to tlme gave way to deep emotion, said :-" Students, I have to thank you for this beautiful present

(1) These speeches ha"\'e been taken by stenographers employed by the Government. Those delivered at Gozo in the meeting of the 2nd June are not published, having the Government refused to furnish copies thereof; but the resolutions passed at Gozo are substantially identical to those passed at Malta. 60 " which is the only heirloom I can leave to my children, and it win always " remind them of your generosity this afternoon. You will, before long, be " the men who will have to stand up for the rights of this country (Oheers). " Remember that she is your mother, be faithful to her and be the pillnrs of " her liberties. Be sure that no amount of honours, and no amount of money " will ever console you so much-and nothing consoles me, who have one foot "in the grave (Cries of "No, No. "), as the consciousness of having always " done my duty t~wards my country and countrymen (Oheers) up to the very " last day of my lIfe. I have done little, very little, for this country (Ories " of "No, No.") God has placed in my heart a very fervent love for my country " (Oheers): when you will become men and have an opportunity of taking part " in th~ Go~ernment and of occupying positions of trust and difficulty, always " keep In mmd that tho Maltese people look up to you for the defence of their " rights and liberties (Prolonged cheers)." DR. ORESTE GREOH MIFSUD, who was warmly received, said: "It is " only necessary for me to say a few words, becauRe I still remember, as if it " were this moment. when I visited St. Paul's of London, that when they " wanted to erect a monument to the Architect who built that Oathedral, " they only used one .word: Circwnspice! "Look around you and behold the " Monument" (Loud applause). The same I will say to the people of Malta, " to-day: Circumspice, Look around you and behold, ( Loud applause). I am " sure that all of you more or less, understand the Italian Language: I will, " therefore address you in Italian, a language which was spoken in these " Islands before it was even known in Italy itself. (Cheers). " • Continuing his speech in Italian, Dr. Grech Mifsud said: "The questions which are to-day submitted to the people are two: The language question and the question of taxation. Let us examine these two questions, with calmess and in a few words, by appealing to the mind, rather than to the heart. And let us begin with the question of the taxes. There is no doubt that every people, be they great or small, must pay certain taxes for the purpose of their own substistence: and no one has E.ver said that the people of Malta can get along without paying certain contributions necessary for conducting the Admi­ nistration. If that were not so, instead of government, there would. be confusion, anarchy, chaos. Our Representatives-who are the true echo of the will of the people-Cloud cheers) -have never set aside that principle, and if they had not done so, they would have been unworthy of their high mandate. The question, therefore, is simply this :-Are new taxes to be added to those which already exist? (Prolonged cries of "N 0") My brethren! This is a difficult question, and must be approached with calmess, and in no factious or partizan spirit, and it must be decided, as every other question should be decided, conscienciously. Those who have dealt with this question in other circum­ stances, and who have spoken and written thereon for months and months, have always held that no further taxation was necessary, inasmuch as the taxes which are being levied at present are amply sufficient to meet the needs of the Administration. (Applause). And they came to the conclusion that the people must oppose any, attempt to increase the public burdens. To-day I will set that argument aside, I \villnot attempt to add a flower to this garden which has been so well cultured by men more competent than myself: I will, however, arrive at the same conclusion, from another direction. We should not accept, nay, we should, by all legal and constitutional means, oppose-(loud applause)-the imposition of new taxes, because it is the Government that furnishes the demostration that new taxes are not required. (Renewed applause) The Government says that the reason why further taxation is necessary is that the needs and exigencies of this country have 'largely increased, and that there fore you must give the Government the means to meet these requirements. But it must not be forgotten that the Government speaks under the garb of a Oostitutional Government: if it were an autocratic Government, it could impose this taxation-whether we liked it or not -and say: Sic vola-Such is ~y will! But once that the Government poses as a constitutional Government, It should address you in this way: Funds are required: but it is for you, the 61 people of Malta, to create the. taxes which you consider necessary, for you to lay down the definite period during which they are to remain in force, and for you to decide how you are going to spend the money you raise. (Oheers). I will not now raise the question,-for this is neither the time, nor the place for discussing it,-whether the Government is sincere or not in making the ·declaration to which I have referred. But' I will accept, as sincerely made, the declaration of the Government that it wants to act legally and constitutio­ nallv, and I would address the Government thus: You either desire to abolish this· popular representation, or you desire to maintain it: if it is true that you want to maintain it, you must allow it to fulfil its functions-CCheers) -If it is true that the nucleus of the Oonstitution lies in the power of the purse, which, you say, is in the hands of the Representatives of the people, then you must needs admit that it is for the Representatives of the people to decide w"2at taxes should be created, how long they should last, and how they should be spent-(Oheers). vVe are not, after all, so very baclnvard as not to perceive, if the Oonstitution really is what you describe it, that you are leaving certain works, works which you call urgent and necessary, unfinished, in order to have a pretext for saying that you lack funds to carry them out. (Oheers). If you want more funds, it is necessary that our Representatives should have the po\ver of creating the taxes they consider n8cessary, the power to lay down a definite period during which those taxes shall be levied. (applause) -the power to criticize the expenditure and to ascertain that the funds thus provided have really been spent for the purpose for which they were created (applause). -So long fiS things remain as they are, we shall be r6ady to bear th8 taxation with which \ve are at present burdened, it is necessary to do so, but as regards new taxes .... (Loud cries of "Never", which drowned the remainder of the sentence). Now, with regard to the language question: How many bitter pills have we not swallowed with regard to this question? But we will swallow no more! (Loud cheers). Suffice it to say that we have been called beggars, and we have been told that if we do not give up this language, we will bave no bread to eat, as if we ever went to knock at anybody's door to beg a piece of bread, as if we had not always sought and found our bread in our own country. (Much cheering). But let us take no heed of those who adopt that argument, let us simply treat them with contempt. (Renewed cheers). The language question must be considered under two aspects: from the point' of view of our own self-respect and from the point of view of our own subsistence, and in doing so we are not begging, but we are asserting the right of claiming what is ours (Cheers). In the first place, how can we tolerate that the Italian langnage, which was known in Malta ever since the remotest times, which is the language of our education, should be banished? (Cheers)-and cast away as useless harness, in order that we may be forced to adopt another! (Ories of " Never!") I fully admit, and you will also admit, the necessity of a good knowledge of the Enghsh language: but it is one thing to learn a Janguage, and quite another to be forced to adopt it. If you were to be told: I shall leave you a rich inheritance, with the obligation thatyol1 will, once a month, walk down a certain street, although very probably you ,yould accept the inheritance - (laughter) - yon wonlU nevertheless use every endeavour to get rid of the ulll'easonable condition attache(l to the same (Oheers). Let us then, by all legal and constitutional means, do all that may be required to maintain our rights; and if it be our fortune to succumb, for I call that a fortune, let U.3 succomb, but never surrender! (Loud cheers). I have entered into the second half of my lifetime, anel I appeal to the students- (prolonged cheering from the students' platform)-who are the fio'Yer about to bloom, to stand prm by these principle (Chee1's)-for if the strong can oppress the weak, there is something \>;,hich the strong cannot escape, and that is the brand of infamy (Loud cheers): No one will say that there is anything particularly glorious in oppressing the weak, but everyone will tell you that it is nothing but cowardice! (Cheers). Let us, then, fight on, energetically and constitutionally, to be able to say: Glory to Edward VII .and long Ii ve Malta! (Prolonged cheering). 132 MR. AZZOPARDI, who was received with appleanse, said: Maltese, It affords me great pleasure to congratulate you on the fitting answer you have given to the Government to-day. (A.pplause). On Easter Sunday we held a meeting in this very same place, at 9 o'clock in the morning, under a ,scorching sun. The number of persons who attended was not great, and the Members of the Government stated in the Council that very few people had attended, that no Ecclestiastics nor merchants had been at the meeting, and that the few who attended did not deserve consideration. To-day we see here representatives of the Obapters of the Oathedral Chmches of JYIaIta and of Gozo; we see representatives of the Chapter of the Church of St. Paul, and of the Churches at Birchircara, Senglea, Vittoriosa and Cospicua; we see the Parish Priest~ of Malta and of Gozo; we see representatives of the lawyers, doctors, notaries and legal procurators; we see rapresentatives of the nobility and of the commercial community; we see the students of the university, &c. ; in short, we see rappresentatives of all classes of the population, and the Maltese artizans are represented by the banners of the philarmonie societies" and of the clubs whose Members are mostly 31'tizans. "What wiE the Members of the Government say now? (groans). I know what they will say, because they hale said it on other occasions. They will say that the people side with the Elected M~mbers because they hear only one version of the story, that given by the Elected Members. (A voice - Why don't they come here). The Members of the Government do not come here to uphold their views. (A voice-They have not the courage). They might have come,' if they liked, as thousands of people have come. They have not come because they are afraid of you; they have soldiers at their back, they have the Police (continued groans) they have bayonets and guns (gl'Oans). They have not come because they are afraid of your opinions and because they know that your opinions run counter to theirs. They are not afraid of yon, they are afraid only of one thing, of truth, for they do not seem to have the benefit of its acquaintance. I shall now speak on the two questions, for the con8ideration of ,vhich you have been called here; the language question and the question of taxation. The language question concerns all the classes of the population, and not, as the Members of the Government say, the upper classes only. It concerns the "working classes, whom the Government want to keep in ignorance. In Government Elementary Schools, which are attended by the children of the poor, the Government have introduced a system of instruction under which the greater part of the children cannot learn anything, because Maltese is taught for three years, when Maltese can be learnt by the children from their fathers and mothers at home without the help of teachers. (Applause). The children of the poor do not remain at sc bool more than three 01' four years, when they leave school to earn a living. It is, therefore, clear that, after having attended school for three or four years, the c uilc1ren of the poor are as ignorant a's before, and can acquire no knowledge, because with .the excep­ tion of a few fable-books, and a few prayer-books there are no books mMaltese. There are no books for craftsmen, no scientific books, no books on history in Maltese, and it is therefore evident that the Government want to ktep the lower classes in ignorance. (Applause). , The Goyernment vyant so teach only one other language besides Maltese, viz. the English language. And why do they want to teach only that language? Because they want to make soldiers and sailors of the Maltese, and this was stated by Go\'ernor Fl'emantle himself in Council, when he said that the Imperial Autjorities were concerned in the Language Question because the British Government might some day require ,Maltese soldiers ad Maltese sailors. In other words this means-we want you to learn English to make soldiers and sailors of you. (Applause). But there is something worse. They say that they ,want to teach you English in order that you may emigrate. This means that the English J..Janguage will serve the Government for getting rid of 63 you. And if only the English Language is studied in Malta, you may be sure that they will get rid of you, because Malta will be flooded by Englisl;1men, .and you will never know English as Englishmen know it, for it is their own language. In the past, Englishme? came to Malta, but they could not get on, because the Italian Language, whidh they don't lmow and which they will llever know so well as you, was an obstacle in their way, and so long as the Italian Language continues to be used in Malta, they will never be able to get . employment here. But should Italian be suppressed, Englishmen will occupy .all posts, and certainly the best billets. t Voic~s. vYe don't want them). And what I am telling you, has of late been stated in the English papers. They stated that the English Language only must be used in the Transvaal, because there are thousands of Englishmen in England who -are out of emplyment and who must get a living in the Transvaal. So far they cannot get on in the Transvaal because a second language is used there also. (A voice - There are bullets down there). As the Italian language is an obstacle to Englishmen in Malta, sotbe Dutch lauguage is an obstacle to Englishmen in the Transvaal. Some people say that if Englishmen were to come to l\ialta, they would only oust Maltese aoctors, lawyers and Clerks. But this is not correct, and if you would have .a proof of what I am saying, you have it in the fnct that nowadays even for the situation of a gardener, the Government require a knowledge of English. Some people say that Englishmen will never come to Malta. But, is not the Police full of Englishmen? (Voices-Yes, Yes). Are not the Government Departmen ts full of Englishmen? (Voices-Ye:'!, Yes). Are not the Schools full of English masters and mistresses? (Applause). Are not these English­ men taking the bread of the Maltese? (Applause). So far their number is not .great, but with the spreading of the English language they will come in greater numbers. Englishmen go to India, to Australia, to Uanada and to other countries where the climate is bad, to live among savages; will they not come to Malta, wlLre the climate is so mild, where they always have their own way, because the Government always side with them? It is obvious to all that the language question does not concern lawyers, doctors and Ecclesiastics only. It concerns all the classes of the population, and it concerns '\"omen too, because English women will be appointed School-mistresses in the 'Place of Maltese. Our fathers and forefathers have for nine hundred years protected the Italian language because i G suited the requirements of' the .countryand because Malta is surrounded by peoples and nations who sJ)eak It1}lian or a language resembling Italian. According to a calculation made by the President of the Chamber of Commerce, the annual value of the trade between Malta and Italy comes to 1: 700,000. Then there is the trade with France, with Spain, with Tunis and with the other Barbary States. In our relations with these countries, we make use of Italian and we could not make ·use of English. . The Italian language is the language of our Church, of our Courts, of Arcbives. The Government tell us: give it up and adopt the English language inste:ld. (groans). 'Ve want to learn English; but only so much of it as is sufficient for our needs, without giving up the ltalian language, because so long as we use cwo languages a Maltese is worth more than an Englishman; but if we learn only the English language a Maltese will be inferior to on Englishman (Applause). I now pass to the question of taxation. The Government proposed a law in the Council to increase the revenue by £ 46,000 a year (gl'Oans). ,Vhat are tl1ese £46,000 required for? To carry ont the drainage works; the Government say, because without drainage, the soldiers may contract disease and die. The Government therefore "i'ant to carry out the drainage works with all possible speed, and they wont wait. But 1 say, if the Imperial Authorities want the drainage at once, why dont they pay for it themselves? (Applause). The Government want £ 30,000 for the repair of streets and roads. But can not these streets und roads be repaired one by one as we have done in the past? (Applause). Do they want to repair the roads in order that officers may drive 64 a tandem on smooths roads, or do they want to repair the roads in order th'at; they may be damaged 'on the follwing day by the traction engines? The, Government said that new taxes will entail no hardship-that the amount wbich everyone. will have to pay comes to a trifle. And therefore the Govern­ ment say, you will have to pay. But do you know why the Members of the, Government say this? Because tbey are iu receipt of big salaries, and because their salaries ftreincreasecl daily. They do not kno\v what poverty is. Thev do not know what living on two shillings a dav witb a big family to feed means? The Chief Secretary (Groans .... ). The Chief Secretary (Groans .. :.) The Chief Secn-tary (Groans) .... whose salary has lately been increased by three hundred pounds, said: that the Maltese are rich (Cries of "liar "). ,I will show you whether the Maltese are rich or not. The number of persons who pawn articles at the Monte di Pi eta is 30,000 every year, and this can be seen from official statisticspuulishbd J:ly the Government. Can people who.· pawn their articles and clothing and their underclothing be rich? (Applause). But the Chief Secretary (Groans) who says that the Maltese are rich, in a report to the Secretary of State stated that commerce is declining. He .... (cries of Who? Who ?,." .... ) He, Count Strickland (groans) stated in the Council that the import in 1899 diminished by £ 3,400,000 and that the exports diminished by .£ 3,500,000. This is clear evidence that commerce is falling off, and if commerce is decreasing how can the peopj,e be rich? (Applause). The Chief Secretary also stated in his report that the· number of steamers calling at Malta is decreasing, and that in that year, 300 steamers less than in the preceding year entered the Harbour. Now I will give you the reasons for this: Steamers no longer call at Malta because our Harbom: does not offer the same accommodation as it did in past years: it has Leen appropriated for men-of-war, and bit by bit mercantile steamers will be driven out. The boats have been deprived of their mooring,grounds. and in rough weather many boatmen find no place where to moore'their boats. Steamers are made to wait outside the harbour when a red .flag is hoisted on the Custom-House as signal that a man-of-war is leaving the Harbour. If a steamer blo\ys her vyhistles, she is made to stop it, because it may cause a headache to somebody. Under these circumstances it ]8 only natural that steamers do not call at the Malta Harbour. And in the f~ce of all this, the Government have the courage to come forward and ask us. to pay £ 46,000 (Voices-No, No) ,yhen last year taxes to the tune of £ 40,000 were imposed on us, against our will. We have called this meeting to show the Government that we .will not submit, and that if these taxes are brought forward again, matters will take a serious turn. (Iconna xi ngheidu) because no one has the right to take money from our pocketcs. (Prolonged applause). . MR. EVARISTO CASTALDI said: - . Maltese People, I call you so, because I see in you each and every Maltese existing in Malta. A proof of this is to be had in these numerous banners, which represent all tbe societies and every class in the country. (Voices: Yes). I haye been charged to address you as one of the Deputies of Commerce. I should like to give place to others who are more capable af speaking on the subject. 1 shall, however, do my utmost, and confine my remaks to the shortest compass, as time presses. I need not point out to you the questions under discussion-you are well acquainted with them. I begin with the Langnage Question, which I consider the more important fOt, the Maltese. This question is not of to-clay's starting(Voices: They have long been tempting us) yes, and each time they had recourse to deceit. Either the Local Go­ vermnent are instructed to write ,,,hat is not true, or the deceit lies with the Imperial Government in order to hoodwmk the English people, which is tue most generous and liberal people in the world, and could not suffer such a law-abiding, peaceful, and loyal population as the Maltese to be treated worse than slaves. My hope, and I believe yours as well, is reposed in the English People (Applause). I bave my good reasons for stating this .. When, upon a previous occasions, this same question was under public discussion, and the Maltese People took the steps which you have taken to-day, the people were 65 charged with Italian political sentiments, with Italian aspirations (Voices: No). It was a snare. This trickcannot be played to-day, because after the Ladysmith popular manifestations of the Maltese, we cannot be charged with " Irredentism." The English People and all the English press have with {)Ue voice declared the Maltese as the most loyal people under the British Flag. Therefore, the first trick has exploded. They tried out found out another one. They began by stating that the parents of the children fre­ quenting the crovernment Schools are for the English llanguage. And when the Fiftt'en Years' Ordinance, so to call it, which was meant to impose the English Language after that period or time, .was brought forward, it was accompanied wIth a Proclamation couched in honehed terms. It was therein stated that they wanted to satisfy us-without eur eyer asking for it. As I stated before, I am not in a position to state whether the deceit lies with the Local or the Imperial Govt. I can state thi,a : that Mr. Chamberlain, the Colonial Secretary (Prolonged hootings) stated in the House of Commons-a Chamber which corresponds to our Council, with the difference that the Members there are not slighted as in our own Council-that 99 % of the parents are for English (Cries of No). It is necessary that the means used by the English Govt. to hoodwink the Englisll people, which as I stated before, is most generous and liberal, should he foiled (Voices: vVe have foiled it). Do you know who foiled it? The whole and entire Malt,ese people; so that to-day it cannot be stated that 98 % are against, and 2 % are for, the substitution, because the substitutIOn is desired by no Olle (Voices: You are right). We are desirous of learning English, but we cannot suffer onrselves to be taken by the neck and be told: study English by all means. We are in the centre of the Mediterranean and the more languages we know the better for us. Besides, we wish to learn English, because it is the language of the nation that protects us. Our Representatiyes in the Council have b~eri, and are always prepared to afford the means for the learning of English. vVhat will this gentry want? to strip us? I had a talk yesterday with an Englishman, and when I submitted to him the thing as it really is, he exelaimed: ,Ve have been decei\ed, for the English care only about the forts and the sea; he went ou: yon should not be treated like the Indians; you should begin a struggle, yon should fight it out to the bitter end. Do you promise to do this 1 (Prolonged Yes). We should continue the struggle until the English people take it iuto their head. The English people will be convinced when they see that our contracts, the history of our private relations are written in Italian, so is the history of our civil relations, the history of our political rights. ,Ve, therefore, can see no reason why to a Maltese, who must naturally be acquanted with Italian, an ' English copy should be sent of civil acts. I lUll sorry I cannot enlarge further upon this question. Let us go to the Taxes. The question of taxation has been, well thought out, has been eloquently remarked by that clever man who addressed you beore mG, Dr. Grech Mifsud (Cheers). I shall, .howeve1;, consider his vie,..,. from another point. The taxes, they say, are \vanted because there are certain works which are urgently required. But anyone who is not a fool, must realize that we cannot find sufficient hands for all such works, particularly when there are so many important works in course of construction for the Imperial Govt. Besides, it would not be fair to put, so much work upon the market at on8 time, without keeping the bread for the workman in future (Voices: That is for a purpose). I have given some time to the subject, and I can state that there are many works that could be carried out without any taxes, nay with a profit to the Govt. But apparently, they won't listen to this, or the pretext for additional taxation would vanish. £ 46,000 of taxes! Anyone who has Christian feelings, who has a good heart, could not propose this (No). And with what fairness, disregard our views once that these ,yorks must come out of our pockets? ,Vhy insist on saying: either this or nothing? I believe that the Elected Members who represent all of us should have the power to lay down which, and when, certain work should be carried out, as we are the tax-payers. In conclusion, my opinion is this: as the .lVlaltese people are averse to the substitution of the language, an Ordinance be 66 made repealing the 15 year's Ordinance (Yes); and, as we have to furnish the money, an amendment be made to ~he Con~titution empowering the Elected Members to decide which and when certain works are to be carried out. As you have well perceived we and all those w:hQ spoke before me, love the English people, that people which is a parl}gon of constitutional liberties, we have great hopes in that people. It is of paramount 'importance that this movement should be pursued further (Yes). As I have no more time on hand, I call upon you to shout out: Malta for ever! (Applause). The next gentleman who is to address you is one who has been for most of his life a Representative of· the people, which show the invariable. confidence reposed in him by the people, Mr. Cachia Zammit (Applause). MR. CACHIA ZAMMIT said:- I shall not detain you more than four minutes, as time presses. I shall address you in Italian, because you are well acquainted with Italian, and . because the Maltese language is made up for one half of Italian words. (Yes). (The speaker continued his speech in Italian). I cannot find words to express my gratification on bel:olding this imposing pupular assembly, which show clearly that you, Maltese, fully endorse the conduct of your Representative (Prolonged Yes), and are resolved to uphold them (Yes), against the daring aggressive policy of the Government of Malta, (yes), because you have come ta this place moved not merely by the love of the fatherland, but by something more absolute, more lofty: your duty. You are well aware that a fight for the fatherland, for I~olitical rights naturally involves sacrifices and calls for abnegation. Your object and our object is a disinterested one-the good of our country (Bravo). So long as this sacred fire is kept burning, the Maltese people is free, active, and powerful (Bravo). vVe must not despair of the fate of Malta. Nations, peoples do not die. Your destinies, your existence, your good name are in your hands, Maltese people (Bravo). They must be sadly mistaken, who by artifice and in the secret reeess of a cabinet think that they can decide the destinies of a people (Cheers). It is not by ministerial despatches, by insinuations, by lies, by plotting, that the aspirations of a people can be stifled (Bravo). I t is not by vetoes, by Orders in Council (long hisses) that we can be struck down; they would instil fresher vigour to fight the enemy that tramples our interests under foot, that lays a heavy hand upon this Island. Justice is on ou~ side? and we shall make it triumph. vVe won't hear of taxes (No). We want to hear of economies (Bravo). It is not by means of the workman's penny, not by' affecting indu- . stries, not by creating new tortures and tortured people, that' the public revenue is increased; but by a firm and impartial economy in the public administration (Yes). I am glad that you completely share my views. Other gentlemen have already spoken to you about the language question. I shall say only this: that Italian is a legacy bequeated to us bi onr fathers, it is a sacred legacy we should defend with all our might. You should follow the example of the English, that is, whenever a question of high importance is under public discussion, be uDlted and yon shall win. The struggle we have embarked upon is a hard one; but we are supported by thE: love you bear to justice and to public morality, by the admirable way in which you' have always combated artifice and oppression. Emboldened by your support, our heart is strengthened, our faith revived. We shall fight as brave people lmo,Y how. My fellow-citizens, give us your support, and you will see that your support was not in vain. Your fathers have shed tears, have shed blood (Applause). 1\fR. ALFONSO 1\'1. GALEA, who was introduced by Dr. Mizzi, as the representative of the working classes, from whom Dr. Mizzi said he had received a special mandate, said: I have never had an apportunity to speak before the people, you will, therefore, excuse my inexperience. I have come here to speak the views of the working classes, high and low of Malta. It was once stated in the Oouncil by the Official Bench that these classes were not represented, arid that, therefore, the Govt. had to represent them (Voices: We won't have such a I need not Jouch on the subjects under discussion, as they ollt by others, and you have expressed yom concur~ i will now~~submit to you the resolutions (cheers). who was received with cheers, said: us bririg OJlr .do{ngs~to a practical conclusion. I sho,uld like myvoice reaches (Signs were made that he was audible at us tnerefore place our views 9n record ~(Yes). There is the Panzavecchia, who will certify as to the correctness of first resolution is this: "that it is the opinion of all . (10 not approve of the substitution of English to onged:t::lO, which was echoed by a prolonged 1'10 by the platform)," we (10 not approve of it as it hurts our afl'ee people, as we are not slaves; we (10 no not e substitution of the English language to Italian as tal to tIle political, intellectual, an(l econOlnic country, in fi.lct, to the .interests of all the classes Therefore the Electe(l lIembers of the Council, e ", (of whom I am a Member), " shoul{l (10 their to prev:ent that this substitution be mtrriedinto shoul(l cOlnbat, according to law, any lllCans that to that effect. " Now all those \vilo are favourable to this raise their hands. (All pr,esent, so far as could be seen (1), ). Now all those who are against the re~olution, will please ds (No hands were raisul). to the Taxes. "'Ve (leclare that it is our opinion that be (lone for the present" (Confused Voices: Not for never. Please to amend it). Yes; (2), "because the bear any lnore taxes, mul that the ElectNI (10 their utmost to prevent the imposition of (The same procedure was foHowed in passing this resol ution). ion will be formed charged with handing these Resolutions the Governor. This Deputation will consist of the Chairman r. Sceberras, of the Secretary, Mons. Panzavecchia, of ft the Chapter'of the Cathedral of Malta, and of the Cathedral sentative of each of the Chapters of St. Paul's, and those of of a Delegate of the Parish Prie'sts, and of a representative ieties attending here to-day. They will hand over in writing ons. If you approve of tl1is step, please to raise your hapds ds were raised). ANZAVECCH£A, who was received with cheers, said: has been stated by my colleagues, I don't know what I have be repeating their statements. With regard to the language, every thing for its sake. It has been inherited from our me. Italian is mo~t useful for the country (Yes). I do not t the other language is not useful. All languages are .useful , ts of an island. We are in the heart of the Meditorranean, that carries on extensive trade, and we should, therefore, languages. But the language of the cOl1ntryshould be the (Yes). To-day we hav8 had the sentiments of the country on e to the Taxes Question. We are in no need of taxes (No). uite onough (Yes). The revenue of Malta exceeds £ 460,000, 234,000 is Jevied by taxes-more than one-half. That is e works of luxury, of caprice, which are to be carried out, are

was in a position to see the whole assembly, whilst the stenographer part of it. Dr. Mizzi assures that the raising of hands appeared

.lltaJ.ut1U by the suppression of the words: " for thi3 present". wan them effect e diminish, i ad of increasing salaries. There is some d should be altogether done away with, as it is of no use. department I refer to. vYe have on histori.cal record what said to our fathers : Y ou areg()!~g to exchal1gEl l!-S for an but, mind you, that government will leave your eyes but to say that this will be the case; but if we do not resist, we s pass. vYe must resi'st with all legal means, with all the Constitution. We must resist that we may not have eyes' Besides the two questions dealt with to-day, there are other questions to discuss, they wiII be considered at a futUl'e m discuss the Grand Harbour Question, that harbour which whole of Malta. If that harbour is suffered to fall, it will That harbour is threatened, they will have it. SOllle years had made a contract whereby much property was given up, perty, and as this cession was made without the conc that contract is null and void., To-day the Imperial Govern an underhand way of having that contract confirmed. But ou in Council are men, with open eyes, and will not allow the be any longer deceived. To the students: I cannot but have mendation. From you, brave youngmen, our country expects one day present your breasts to defend her. You will one d places, and I am sure you will carry out yOUl' duties ;.( Applause). DR. SCEBERRAS, who was received with cheers, said: It was in the most solemn way that the two resolution can now safely state that they were endorsed by the whole co questions were dealt witb with the greatest honestrand clearn tl~~tJhe. English language is not useful; but Italia~js as necessary, and the substitution would not only be ruinous, Qll (Bravo). As tu the taxes, no ope has spoken of a tax whic}:h has not proposed, and nobody questioned the .utiliy of the' plation. But, in admitting their utility, it is the common 0 should be carried out so as not to aggravate the people. 'having disapproved of any taxes and the subtiti1~ion of the state that, after to-day's meeting, the honour of the country is That, however, is not s11fficient. This is only the beglnn do something else (Voices: We shall do it). vYe must have un must have constancy (Yes), we must have civil courage, the c COllVil1ctions (Bravo). And you, brave students, raise up your h our countr.y. Respect always her rights,and have them respe duty, this is Heligion. In this way, you will have the love of citizens and the blessings of posterity. On the look. out, Maltese moment is solemn, rememberour'fathers, our honour, rememlJ Our.country for ever! (Prolonged cheers). 1'he meeting is now

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