SICILIAN CHARACTERISTICS
Surprising Defects in the Habits of the Natives From the London Times
The last British consular report from Sicily remarks that there are dark shades in the Sicilian character which contrast with the simplicity by which one might imagine the people to be wholly possessed. They can be deceitful, reticent, malicious, and vindictive; petty thefts and robberies are not uncommon; it is said also that in gratitude they are sometimes wholly deficient. It is significant that to be "scaltro" (cunningly clever) is with them a meritorious quality, and that advantageous lying is regarded with favor even in children.
Owing to the spirit of "mafia" and "omerta" which pervades all Sicily, they combine to hide each other's misdeeds, and in the case of robbery, and even assassination, it is generally impossible to get evidence against the wrongdoers, even from the victims themselves. There is a secret understanding among all that no one shall assist the legal authorities in their efforts to bring criminals to justice, and the Sicilian, as a rule, relies on himself and on his friends for obtaining retribution for private wrongs, and every one who transgresses this unwritten law has to fear the vendetta of his neighbors.
One of the most disagreeable traits in their character is excessive cruelty to animals, of which travelers in Sicily frequently have seen revolting instances. When remonstrated with on account of this they simply shrug their shoulders and say "What matters? They are not baptized." They cannot comprehend that any creature has any claim to consideration outside the pale of the Church. Frightful raws in horses and donkeys go unnoticed, and are fed on by flies, deep holes are plugged with tow, and lame animals are made to work with heavy loads as though nothing was the matter with them.
As for relieving a horse or donkey of a heavy burden going up a hill, such a thing never enters their heads. To see a country cart crammed with people behind a horse which can scarcely stagger under its heavy load, and to observe that no one ever endeavors to relieve the poor animal in the most difficult passages, is a common occurrence. Live poultry is carried to the markets slung from pack saddles, or by pedestrians from the hand, by the legs. The birds keep their heads up as long as strength endures, till at last they can do so no longer, and die a painful death by a rush of blood to the head. Children are, it is said, taught cruelty to animals from infancy, for one of the commonest sights in town and country is to see children playing with newly-caught robin redbreasts and goldfinches, which they hold tied by the leg with a string, and pull back when the poor bird attempts to fly.
Another defect in the character and habits of the Sicilian peasant is lack of cleanliness. But in spite of all these the general demeanor and habits of the Sicilian are so pleasing that one feels inclined to regard his deficiencies with much leniency.
