118                 THE ITALIAN CONTRIBUTION

CHAPTER XV

THE ITALIAN-SPEAKING COLONY IN NEW YORK CITY

INTRODUCTION—The Italian-speaking colony in
New York City divides itself sharply into two groups,
roughly called in this connection the "older" and the
"younger" generations. It would not be amiss to say
that for the most part those individuals making up the
"older" generation secured their training or schooling in
Italy; a scant fifth came to America while very young,
possibly even in their teens. This is not to say that
they are any less American. The "younger" generation
on the other hand was born here and constitutes a
thorough product of American life and American insti¬
tutions.

Unquestionably there are many prominent Americans
of Italian blood that are not mentioned here in the fol¬
lowing pages. In many cases some of these are even
better known than are those whose names one will meet
with in this writing. Those that are included here have
come to the writer's personal attention and he can there¬
fore present accurate facts with respect to their affilia¬
tion to the life of the Italian colony in the city.

OLD GENERATION—Some notable religious figures
are noticeable both among the Catholic and Protestant
sects within the ranks of the "older" generation today.
Representing the Catholics there is the Very Reverend
IMgr. Gherardi Ferranti, Vicar General of the Italian
work in this diocese; the Reverend Dr. Grivetti who has
made an enviable reputation for himself through his
efficient handling of the New York office of the Italica
Gens; Father IVIagliocco, whose wonderful singing and
musical training mark him off as one apart from all
others in his line; the very pious Father Coppo, Provin¬
cial of the Salesian Order, who recently celebrated his
•silver jubilee ; and lastly the silver-tongued orator. Father
Silipigni is to be noted.

The Protestants likewise have some men of marked
ability.   There is the Rev. Antonio Arrighi who has given