Rome, Mar. 22 (By A. P.)—The sixth birthday of Fascism was celebrated today by a monster mass meeting and a parade of more than 20,000 black shirts through the Corso Umberto. But the great moment of the day came when Premier Mussolini, making his first public appearance since the beginning of his illness, emerged on the balcony of Chigi Palace and addressed a wildly enthusiastic crowd of 30.000.
Significant in the premier’s short talk was the phrase:
“What I want to say to you is that it is spring now, and now the fun begins.”
After the first ovation had ceased, Mussolini said: “I cannot resist the desire of letting you hear my voice on this occasion. I do not know whether it will please you.” (Cries of approval.) “My infirmity has not taken away my voice. My appearance here marks for me, and for you, an integral and total resumption of Fascist action against everybody. Will you follow me?”
Deputy Farinacci, secretary-general of the Fascisti, after the restoration of comparative calm, urged the crowds to disperse quietly.
Daily Kennebec Journal, Augusta, ME, March 23, 1925