March 28, 1912 Arrival in Naples

Naples harbor, between 1900–1905

Naples!  Of course we know what is coming--and we dread seeing Shoghi Effendi and other companions taken off the ship for medical reasons.  But the thought of 'Abdu'l-Bahá in Italy is delightful! 

The war--and the possible confusion of our brave Persians with Turks--is sad however; 'Abdu'l-Bahá must have yearned to get off of the ship and look around.  In a larger sense, He must have grieved at the prejudice and hatred between Italians and Turks; perhaps this gave Him further reflection on offering ideas concerning peace to N. America. . . . 

Mahmúd writes:  Thursday morning, March 28, 1912  [aboard the Cedric]

Naples, one of Italy's most important cities, appeared on the horizon and was seen by `Abdu'l-Bahá. The ship docked. At this time Italy and Turkey were at war; the hatred between them was so intense that if the enemy were observed in one country, he would be harmed and abused by its inhabitants without question. Because of this, the friends urged the Master and His companions not to disembark at Naples because their Eastern attire and Turkish fezes would incite the hatred of the local people. Thus `Abdu'l-Bahá did not leave the ship at Naples but instead looked at the city, its gardens and buildings from the deck of the ship. He spoke much that day about the hardworking laborers and workers' rights, about how hard they work and how desperate and needy their lives are:

What hardship these coal miners have to suffer, how poor and needy they are! It is necessary for the directors of companies and the owners of factories to allot a certain share, however small it may be, to their laborers so that their condition may be improved and they may be deterred from striking.

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From the microcosm of these laborers to the macrocosm of humankind, 
the Master wishes to improve our condition.  How laudable and humane!