Students of the University of Catania
[Translation.]
The patriotic Catanese and youths of the university to the people of the United States of America.
Brothers: The fame of your victories rapidly spread through the worlds and humanity applauded your virtues in the strife for emancipation; but her exultation was brief, and was cut short by the terrible news of the assassination of Lincoln.
Nations have aspirations in common; princes and peoples entertain them in common and abide their destiny. Your victories are the victories of the whole people; such also are your disasters, and in like manner your griefs are in common. The most powerful arm lent by the Almighty in aid of the rights of humanity has been cut off, and all thoughts now dwell on that mournful theme. But the wailings poured forth over the grave of the heroic dead are not in vain; such grief strengthens and graces and renews the virtuous purpose. May you, who have enjoyed the vast benefit of the counsels and example of the hero, renew to him your vows consecrated by the blood of millions of martyrs, that the work of emancipation to which he guided you may not remain incomplete. Wherever man moves on earth, let him be regarded as a brother and tread on free soil; remember that liberty is powerful; give aid to the oppressed in distant lands; listen to the divine idea of Lincoln—free America for Americans!—and humanity, blessing his memory, will also bless the virtues of her brave and generous sons.
The committee in charge,
- PAOLO GASTORINO.
- COSMO DI ANICY.
- PAOLO BETRINA.
- CARLO VICCIOLI.
- PAOLO GRANDE.
- GIOAOHINO POTERVO.
- COSTILLO BISCARIS.