the Ministry of the Interior will present the Syrian Order of Merit of the Excellent Class to her who wins the title of Mother of Syria for the year 1954 — this by the inspiration of the Syrian constitution, which provided for the necessity of protecting and safeguarding the family and of encouraging offspring and mar-riage. The Directorate of Social Affairs has asked its departments in the Syrian governorates to make the necessary preparations for celebrating this day according to special programs to be drawn up for the purpose.

• With the coming of the lush, enchanting spring, the Syrian Society for the Arts began presenting its many-colored artistic programs. The first of these was a festival for the famous composer Giuseppe Verdi, at which Miss Inayat Ramzi spoke of Verdi, the artist of society, who gave from his art fire and light; of the genius of this inspired composer; and of his art, which was an effective instrument in guiding the masses, whetting resolves, stirring minds, and fixing the goal, at a time when Italy stood in need of just such a clear goal and of deep faith in it.

The lecturer dwelt at length on the analysis of Verdi's patriotic music, in which he portrayed most splen-didly that period of Italy's history through which he lived — the period of unity and independence — and on the explanation of his national operas, which came as a clear mirror upon which were reflected the events of that critical period of Italy's life. In them he depicted the existing conditions within what they ought to be, so that there emerged a picture of life as it is and as it should be — a tremendous world of present pains and awaited hopes, containing a portrayal of the circumstances and crises through which the homeland was passing and of the problems the people suffered; and containing, beyond this, a portrayal

of true patriotism and of clear national hopes.

In it there is sorrow; in it there is valor and self-sacrifice; and in it there is a bitterness that stirs the

emotions of chivalry, of zeal, and of pride.

All this won for Verdi life and strength, and gave him the character of struggle in place of

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