Bound Volumes, Hometown History

July 27, 2023

135 Years AgoTwo thousand Italians in New York are absolutely destitute and dependent wholly upon charity for the continuance of existence. So at least says Signor R. Marzo, general manager of the Italian Society of Emigration, and he is probably a good authority. And there are many more who, being without employ, would also be starving but for their having some small savings upon which they live in the most economical fashion. When their means are gone, unless there is such an improvement in the labor market as there now seems no reason to expect, they too will be added to the army of paupers. The society is already doing what it can to relieve the distress of these unhappy people. To procure aid Signor Marzo has issued an appeal to the charitable, and has already the gratifying response of contributions amounting to over $700 from well-to-do Italian residents of New York. Last year 42,725 Italian emigrants landed here. The present wretched condition of so many of the Italians is due to the excessive immigration from Italy within the past six months.

July 1888