Chapter 337

Chapter 337: American Fellow

In the bustling harbor of New York, Italian immigrants disembarked from their ship, many of them suffering from seasickness. They faced a chaotic scene as they were hurriedly driven off the boat by impatient personnel. It was clear that their arrival in America did not immediately bring the freedom and prosperity they had hoped for.

Among the crowd was Jonathan, the North American general manager of Hechingen Bank, accompanied by his wife, Angela. They observed the commotion on the pier, discussing the influx of Italian immigrants.

Jonathan: "Another immigrant ship?"

Angela: "It's probably Italian. There are indeed a lot of Italians who have come to America recently. Some time ago, Italians docked in New York almost every day. It seems that the situation in the Kingdom of Italy is not very good."

Jonathan, a proud German, had strong opinions about Italy due to historical conflicts. However, Angela cautioned him not to express such sentiments publicly, especially in the presence of Italian immigrants who had formed influential communities in the United States.

Angela: "Jonathan, it's good to talk about these words at home, don't say that outside. If you are heard by someone who cares, you may be in trouble."

Jonathan: "I know, honey, but I'm just saying that when it's just the two of us here."

Angela's concern was valid, as the Italian immigrant community in the United States was known for its mix of revolutionaries and gangsters. Many of the most notorious American gangs were controlled by Italians, and there were political and social tensions within these communities.

The rise of Italian gangsters in the United States had been facilitated in part by Ernst's assistance. Italian refugees who contacted their relatives in the United States often became targets for recruitment, a process driven by both patriots and gangsters.

On the pier, the ship's owner, Captain Mani, displayed a different attitude when dealing with Mr. Babur, one of the representatives of the Italian community. The Italians had begun pooling funds to ensure the safe arrival of their compatriots in the United States after reports of unscrupulous shipowners abandoning immigrants at sea.

Captain Mani: "Mr. Babur, this is some of the fare collected by our chamber of commerce. Thank you for your kindness and for saving so many Italian people."

Captain Mani had treated the recent Italian immigrants with impatience, but the money provided by Mr. Babur changed his demeanor considerably.

Back on the pier, Italian immigrants who had just disembarked from the ship were met with assistance from fellow Italians. They received bread and water, and those who needed it were offered advice and help with their transition to life in the United States.

One Italian man, who had lost his family in Italy and sought refuge in America, expressed his gratitude for the kindness he had encountered since stepping ashore.

Italian Man: "I was on the boat, and I felt like I was dying, but when I stepped on land, I felt alive!"

Another Italian immigrant offered him advice and support, assuring him that there were opportunities in the United States for those who were willing to work hard and think creatively.

Italian Man: "Don't worry, brother, since you're in America, everything will be fine!"

Despite his initial concerns and hesitation, the newcomer was offered a chance to join a company run by an Italian boss, which could provide him with a job and a means to make a living in the United States.

Italian Man: "Our company is recruiting, and the boss is also Italian. Are you interested in joining us?"

The Italian immigrant was surprised and intrigued by the opportunity presented to him in his new homeland.

(end of this chapter)