The Stourbridge Observer, Cradley Heath, Halesowen & District Chronicle.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1880-03-20 00:00:00

THE FEELING OF IRRITATION AND
UNEASINESS IN ITALY.

The following is an extract from a leader in The Times :

" An important, though somewhat discursive, de-
bate is now taking place in the Italian Parliament
on the general foreign policy of the Government.
One speak's' delivers himself of an elaborate
survey and criticism of the European relations of
the kingdom, while another is content to dwell on
Italian intercourse with Tunis, and a third on the
want of reciprocity between French and Italian
coral-fishers on the coasts of Sicily and
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reasons why a discussion on foreign affairs n the
Italian Parliament should be long, discursive,
and animated. Italy is the youngest of the Great
Powers, and has the sensitiveness of youth in regard
to its international position, Every patriotic Italian
wishes to see his country powerful, respected, and
Influential, and this is not only only on account of the
general interests which Italy shares with the other
European Powers, but because it is almost a point of
honour with him to claim that the voice of Italy
should be heard in all international questions. It is,
moreover, indisputable that the questions which have
lately been stirring in Europe and the East effeot
the interests of Italy in a great variety of
ways. As a Mediterranean Power whose subjects
have established themselves in all parts of the
Levant, Italy cannot be indifferent to any question
involving the fate of the Turkish Empire and its
dependencies. In fact, whatever effects the balance of
power and the relations of States in Europe and the
East is necessarily a matter of concern to Italy. It
is well known, too, that Italian susceptibilities were a
little ruffled by the results of the Congress of Berlin.
The clamorous and irresponsible partisans of Italia
Irredenta were irritated because their country drew
no direct gain from the Congress, and even more
sober politicians seemed to think that Italy and
her representatives had . been a little put on
one side. This latent irritation began to show
Itself openly when Italy claimed a share with
England an France In the control of Egyptian affairs.
It is still exhibited
.by the party of Italia Irre-
denta, and is shown in a more insidious but hardly
less disquieting form in the uneasy feeling which
prevails both in the Peninsula and outside it that
Italy would not need muoh temptation to embark on
a restless and more or less adventurous foreign policy.
In the critical condition of European relations it would
be easy for an ambitious and sensitive Power to add
general disquiet and to prejudice the cause of
ptoeat
le. The Italian Government may be very unwilling
to do anything of the kind, but there seems to prevail
throughout Italy a general Renee of irritation and dis-
satisfaction with the present condition of European
affairs, which we can only hope will be dissipated by
frank and re-assuring declarations on the part of the
Government before the debate now proceeding is
, dosed. .."

In the Italian Chamber on Tuesday the debate was
resumed on the estimates of the Ministry for Foreign
Affairs. Signor Cairoli, the Premier, defended the
policy of the Government. He said with reference to
the Italia Irredenta movement, which he described as
ridiculous, that he would inexorably put down any
attempt to disturb the good relations existing between
Italy and Austria. Signor Cairoli expressed his
confidence in the maintenance of peace, while de.
claring that the time had not come to reduce the
army. In the course of his speech he said
Italy played an honourable part in the work performed
in Berlin; Italy had left that Congress without prejudice
to any of her interests, and after having assisted in sup-
porting those liberal principles which are her raison ditto.
It could not be said that Italy was isolated bepause she had
not accepted any ties which could bind her. She was in the
normal condition of a Power which, having no peculiar
designs to realise and no other desires beyond those of
maintaining peace, preferred before alliances which might
precipitate events the preservation of her own liberty
of action without, however, excluding tho ooratality
of friend:hip or the facility of making special accords
in certain circumstances. Such was the programme he
thought beat for the national interest', which might
be placed in danger by a different polio'', whether of
exaggerated fear or reckless adventure. Never would he
betray the country by rash policy, which would be at once a
crime and a folly. Peace was for Italy more tkan a simple
aspiration, it was a necessity, for it was not in the midst of
commetions which trouble the life of peoples that the work
of their moral and economic prosperity could be accom-
plished. Firmly resolved most scrupulously to respect all
international obligations, he was determined to show no
tolerince or weakness towards the provokers of insane
agitations."