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Telegrams and congratulatory messages poured in upon Mussolini in such number that they were lugged to his office in bales and sacks. King Vittorio Emanuele, Queen Elena, the Queen Mother and Crown Prince Umberto were among the first to express heartfelt relief that Mussolini had been spared to defend Italy and the House of Savoy. In all the large cities of Italy imposing demonstrations of thanksgiving were participated in by thousands, who paraded through the streets singing and cheering.
French Comment upon the incident was inclined to be cynical. Said the Paris Soir:
Mussolini has just accomplished another coup de force. Zaniboni was a Unified Socialist, but was excluded from the party on account of his too frequent visits to the King.
Nevertheless the Government tries to implicate 25,000 members of the Unified Socialists who have 24 Deputies in the Chamber. The party is dissolved and no longer has the right to meet.
Matteotti also belonged to this party. The exposure is timely also because the trial of the Matteotti assassins has become inevitable. Gen. Capello, who is jointly accused, is a fervent Freemason. The Fascists are violent against the Grand Lodge.
Mussolini has occupied all lodges with the military and thus forced double vengeance on those accused. He will not let matters rest there. The pretext for increased despotism is yesterday's announced plot. It comes so timely for Mussolini's purposes that doubt whether the plot existed is permissible.