between 1838 and 1839, crispi founded his own newspaper, "l'oreteo", from the name of the sicilian river oreto. this experience brought him into contact with a number of political figures including the neapolitan liberal activist and poet, carlo poerio. in 1842 crispi wrote about the necessity to educate poor people, about the huge damage caused by the excessive wealth of the catholic church and regarding the need for all citizens, including women, to be equal before the law.