The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1891-04-03
ansrRDrry OF THE WAR IDEA.

When the recall of Baron de Fava, the
Italian minister, was first announced 1t nat
urally excited considerable talk, and in the
heat of the moment speculations that it might
possibly be the initiatory step to a war with
Italy were INDUCED in. The more that sober
second-thought reflects on it. however, the
more apparent the absurdity of such an idea
becomes.
In the first place Italy is bankrupt nation.
She has formidable navy. it is true, but even
in peace it requires all her resources 70 main
tain IT, In the event of war she would soon
be stranded. for she would not be able alone
10 stand the strain upon her treasury single
month. Her only reliance then would be upon
her allies Germany and Austria.
But any one who gives even cursory atten
ton to European events can readily see what
little reliance can be placed upon the aid OF
any two Of the powers forming the Triple Al
lance in case Of war between any one of
them and the United States. Germany is by
far the most powerful Of the three, and she
has her hands full watching France. This
latter nation has ever in her mind the recov-
cry of her prestige and her provinces
Alsace and Lorraine, lost in the
Franco-Prussian war, and would be
only too glad to see her hated rival and
natural enemy, Germany, weakened by being
involved in a serious difficulty with any coun-
try. but more particularly with one so strong
and so distant as the United States. The
Kaiser is already greatly alarmed Mt the grow
ing friendship between France and that great
bug-bear of all Europe, the Russian Bear,
which with lynx-lke eyes is watching every
opportunity for an aggressive move
ment against England in India or
Germany and Austria in Europe 10
enlarge It's territory and power. We read
that the recent investiture Of President Car
not, of France, With the Russian Grand Cross
of st. Andrew was made the occasion Of much
ceremony and of many illusions TO the abnor-
mally close relations between France and
Russia. Then. besides, the Gar has decorated
NJ BROS. the military attache Of the French
Legation at st. Petersburg with an Order set
in brillants. and also presented him with
malachite vase. Besides all this, q French
fleet is about to be welcomed at Cronstadt
with popular demonstrations, and President
Carnot is likely to travel in that direction by
water 10 attend the opening Of the French
exhibition at Moscow this spring.
When all these various facts are considered
Italy's bankruptcy and helplessness, if left to
herself TO carry on any great war; her entire
reliance in such an event upon her allies Of
the triple alliance Frances ambition to re-
gain her provinces and prestige lost 10 Ger
many; Russia's readiness TO seize upon any
favorable opportunity to enlarge her territory
and power; the growing friendship between
France and Russia, and the necessity for Ger
many and Austria TO guard with constant Wig
lance, at all times, the integrity Of their re-
spectve empres-the absurdity of Italy's de
claring war against the United States on &C.
count of a half dozen debased and branded
criminals becomes simply ridiculous.
The whole truth is that the recall Of
Baron dc Fava was merely piece
of cheap bluff. Rudini, the present Prime
Minister Of Italy. is regarded by all his coun-
trymen as a political weathercock; in other
words. o demagogue. He rests on a very
shaky foundation at best. and to attempt to
strengthen his power, and at the same time
appeal TO the temporary popular prejudice
excited by the killing OF the Italian murder
ers in New Orleans no has recalled his Minis
ter TO the United States. The step was taken
more for political effect at home than any
thing else, and was only a piece of fimsy
jngoism.