fast losing its hold upon them in Italy, as well as America, and from
which they are rapidly drifting into indifference and unbelief.

In a late investigation made by the Italian government into conditions
in southern Italy the beneficial effect of the returning immigrant
was expressed in the strongest terms.

In effect this report said that "greater than the benefit any laws
that the government could pass, better than any training which the
government could give the people was the beneficial influence of the
returning immigrant. Not merely did he bring new wealth into the
country, but what was of still greater importance than the imported
wealth, he brought with him the American spirit of intelligence, and
enterprise which made of him a much worthier and more helpful citizen."
[Footnote: The Immigrant Problem--Jenks and Lanck.]

* * * * *

He came of generations of Waldensian Protestant ancestry in Italy,
this alert, efficient, cultured Italian pastor. He found the parish
to which he was assigned composed of several thousand of his countrymen
in a Hudson river town; the building to be used for church purposes
a dirty, run-down old hall, a part of the most disreputable corner
of the town.

There was not one Italian Protestant, or sympathizer, so far as he
could discover, in the community and there seemed to be the greatest
apathy to the Mission on the part of the old aristocratic church of
the town.