The William F. Cody Archive: Documenting the life and times of Buffalo Bill

 

FALSE IMPRESSION GIVEN ITALIANS OF AMERICAN CITIES

Buffalo Bill's 'Wild and Wooly West' and Movies Are the Real Cause

WOMAN INTERVIEWED

Madame Montre Says it Must be Very Difficult to Live in the States

Rome, Dec 5. — (By Mail.) — Buffalo Bill's Wild West has "advertised" America throughout Europe. His circus, playing frequently to European spectators, has left a trail of false impressions behind it. The American "movies" shown here only emphasize them.

The case of Madame Montre interviewed today in a Roman boarding house is by no means uncommon. She is a well known writer and literary woman.

"O you are an American!" she began. "I am so glad to meet you. For I am making a scientific study of America.

"I was recently presented to some people from a State called Indiana. Really they didn't look so much like Indians. Of course, their manners were a little off.

"It must be very difficult for one to live in the States. The constant clash of the American and the Indian civilizations is undoubtedly a nerve-racking annoyance.

"Of course, the poor Indians really did give a civilization to the world. They were a simple and natural people, having a real art and a real literature.

"The Indian at least has blood and not machine oil in his veins. Naturally, there are some savages, the good being always mixed with the bad."

The Americans are frequently called "the Germans of the New World." Now New York City is regarded as the beginning and end of the United States. It is alleged a riot of sky-scraping buildings, cocktail-loving women, spoiled wives and fresh children.

Banner image: Buffalo Bill Center of the West, Cody, Wyoming, U.S.A.; Original Buffalo Bill Museum Collection, P.69.118