New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1895-11-23
GREAT BRITAIN AND ITALY.

The Turkish question strongly affects the
whole constitution Of Europe. Nominally, the
six great Powers are in accord. They may
actually be So too but every new day throws
fresh doubt upon It, There are hints thar Russia
wants to act on her own initiative; that the
German Kaiser is trying to force Great Britain
TO Join the Triple Alliance; that that other in
congruous Triple Alliance Of Germany, France
and Russia, which bued Japan and went In
for international loot in Asia, will be renewed
in this affair that general boycott OF Great
Britain by the Continental Powers will be estab-
lished, and various other combinations. In the
mean time distrust and Jealousy grow. The in
terests Of humanity are neglected. The game OF
international politics Is seen to be the same olu
game of selfshness and greed.
There is one contingency, which has been hint
ed at by an authoritative voice: which has an
air Of more than ordinary plausibiliy and which
has in it's realization perhaps greater potential
ties than any Of the others. That Is, that Italy
may cast off the yoke Of the seemingly moribund
Triple Alliance, and form Dual League with
Great Britain. There are many known facts
which point that way. There is n real and long
standing friendship between the two Powers.
Indeed, Great Britain has for years regarded
Italy as her only friend. There is n marked
identity OF interests. Both are great naval
Powers Both are deeply interested in the con
troll of the Mediterranean. Their African pos
sessions. in the Northeast lie side by side and
have reciprocal interests Geographically they
are not unlike One is insular. the other PENN
sular and both depend upon sea power for free
dom from invasion. On every hand they come
nd M n a
the possibility of conflict Moreover, both are
more or less alienated from the rest Of Europe.
Great Britain Is not likely soon to be on any
thing like terms OF alliance with France or
Russia nor would she have anything to gain
but probably much to lose from compact with
GERMANY and Austria SO Italy, too, stands
apart from them in interest The Triple ALI
ance imposes dreadful burdens upon her, and
does her no good in return. There is no fear OF
her ever needing Germany's or Austrlas pro
lection against Russia or France
But an alliance between Great Britain and
Italy would have a definite and reasonable pur-
pose of mutual benefit. 1t would establish sea
power against which no other possible combina-
lion would have the ghost Of a chance OF sue
cess II would relieve Great Britain OF much
anxiety about the control OF the Mediterranean,
and it would set Italy free from much Of her
military burden. 1t would also strengthen the
peace Of Europe by putting the overwhelming
balance OF power into the hands OF the two ma
tons which. OF all. have the least wish for war
and the strongest reasons for maintaining peace.
Perhaps it will not be effected Italy may de-
eide 10 staggcr on under the burden she bears
for others. Great Britain may decide TO stand
alone trusting only her own strength and strv-
ing to keep it greater than any hostile combna
ton that NAV be made against her. But how
long can such things be?