ITALY: New Series

Born to Edda Mussolini, 17, Vittorio Mussolini, 11, Bruno Mussolini, 8, a brother—Romano Mussolini. Rushed to the side of his wife, Donna Rachele Mussolini, at the Villa Torlonia at Carpena, Forli, Premier Benito Mussolini. Said he to reporters, wagging a warning forefinger: “Remember that journalistically my wife and family do not exist!” But it was “arranged” that the new baby received due publicity. Before he was many hours old, it had leaked out through indiscretions, “intentional or otherwise,” that the baby’s features are “exactly like those of his illustrious father,” which was rightfully considered an impossible piece of propaganda, typical, said critics, of Il Duce’s conceit.

Proud Signor Mussolini said, prognosticatingly: “Not the fourth child, but the first of a new series.”

King Vittorio Emanuele, hearing of the advent of a baby Duce, wired his “cousin”* his warm congratulations, as did Pope Pius through his Secretary of State, Cardinal Gasparri.

* Dictator Mussolini, by virtue of possessing the Order of the Annunziata, the highest Italian decoration, becomes the King’s “cousin.”