Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1896-03-06
THE WAR IN AFRICA
Italian Sentiment Divided Regarding
Its Desirability.
MILITARY MEN GENERALLY FAVOR IT
Considerable Anxiety Regarding a
Garrison.
RIOTING IN LARGER CITIES

ROME, March 6-Among the military
men there is strong sentiment in favor of
pushing the campaign in Africa to the ut
most, even if it is necessary to call out all
the army reserves and send $1,000 addition
al troops to Abyss ia.
But the sober-minded representatives of
the business community advocate a policy
of peace. even If it is necessary for Italy's
pride to suffer in order to obtain these ends.
The masses, as rule are opposed to any
further sacrifice of the lives of Italian SOL
dlers and they are in sympathy with those
VINO favor complete change in the colonial
policy of Italy.
The work of dispdtchng reinforcements to
Massowah is being pushed with praise
worthy vigor. On beard the chartered trans
ports gangs of men relieve each other, SO
that the fitting out of these vessels is con-
tinued day and night. The army reserve
men Of the class of 1872 just called to the
colors, will, SO soon as equipped, relieve
regiments now doing garrison duty, and the
soldiers thus rendered available for active
service will be shipped to Africa as prompt
ly as possible unless the incoming ministry
makes a complete change in the colonial
policy Of the country. advocated by many
prominent men, and it is determined to
make peace at any price with the Abyssin-
ians.
A Garrison i'm Peril.
The RopOlo Romano this morning refers
to the fact that considerable anxiety is
felt for the safety of the Italian garrison
of Adigrat, Abyssinia and another great
disaster is feared. The troops, it is ad-
mitted, nave only three days supply of
provisions, and they are known to be sur
rounded by the Shoan army. Unless
promptly relieved Adigrat, 1t is said, must
fall and a further massacre of Italian SOL
dcrs may follow.
Gen. Baldissera, who has relieved Gen.
Barateri of the command of the Italian
army in Africa, is well aware of the dcs-
perate situation of the garrison Of Adig. g.at,
and is looked upon as certain to spare no
effort to relieve that place. But the ques-
ton which is in everybody's mind here is
will the Italian commander be able to col
lect a sufficient force of troops to accom-
plsh his purpose, taking into consder;i
tion the damoralized condition of the Afri-
Can troops?
Demands of the Opposition.
There were a number of meetings last
night of the different branches of the op-
position, but nothing definite was decided
upon, although a group of members of the
right party passed a resolution demanding
the complete abandonment of Abyssina,
as its retention would only involve waste
of money and men.
The Marquis di Rudini is not looked upon
likely to yield to the representations of
his friends and consent to undertake the
formation of new cabinet, with Gen.
already held that portfolio three times
first in 1870, again in 1873 and lastly in
1851. Gen. Ricotti is credited with having
greatly increased the efficiency OF the
Italian army by the introduction of new
armaments and reforms of various natures
He was born in 1872, and resigned his CON-
mand in 1852 in order to have more free
dom of action after having been chosen
leader of the right party in succession to
the late Signor Sella. Naturally, in view OF
the extensive military operations under
taken by Italy, the minister for war, at
least for some time to come, will be hardly
second in Importance among the Italian
ministers.
RiOting In the Large Cities.
The rioting caused by the anger of the
people at the conduct of the Abyssnian
campaign, brought to a climax by the re-
cent defeat of the army in Abyssinia, was
continued last night in nearly every large
city of Italy, although rainstorm clear
ed the streets of the capital.
At Milan large mob marched through
the principal streets, smashing windows
right and left, yelling eXecrations upon
Crispi and his ministers and calling for the
trial and prompt execution of General Bar
atieri. The rioters made their way to the
railroad station with the intention of pre-
venting the departure from Milan of the
army reserve of that city and neighborhood
belonging to the class of 1872. But, antici-
pating trouble, the authorities kept the
men in the barracks and sent regiment Of
These precautions served only to increase
the excitement OF the mob leaders and an
attempt was made to break into the de-
pot. A number of sharp encounters be-
tween the rioters and the soldiers and po-
lice followed The soldiers and carabinieri
were pelted with stones and the points of
the bayorets and swords were used to
drive back the crowds. A number of SOL
scores of rioters were slightly wounded.
The disturbances continued until o'clock
in the morning, at which time the troops,
at the point of the bayonet, had cleared
the railroad station and its neighborhood
of rioters and established a Gordon of sol
diers about it, while guarding with strong
pickets all the approaches. The troops
remained on duty all night. j
There is today marked Improvement in
the de,neanor of the pcpuace. y procla-
nation by the mayor enjoined the inhabi-
tants of Rome to be calm and avoid assem-
tlases, which would tend to develop riotous
demonstrations. business Is proceeding as
usual, and the only evidences here of the re-
cent disturbances are the strong additional
guards of soldiers on duty about the palace
and all public buildings.
Troops Fired Over the Mob.
There was serious riotins at Parma last
night. The municipal buildings and rail-
read were besieged by angry mobs, VIM
dows were smashed, there were a number
of lively fights between the police and the
populace, and the troops were compelled TO
fire volley over the heads of the most
riotous of the mobs. This dampened the
aIdor Of the riotors, who scattered in all
directions, pursued by the carabinieri, who
succeeded in arresting several of the lead
of the disturbance. They will be kept
prisoners until the popular excitement sub
sides.
The students of Pisa invaded the railroad
station here last evening, as result of a
report having been circulated that the ar
t:llery of the garrison of that place was to
be transferred to Naples for shipment to
Africa. They marched in procession to the
depot. shouting, Down with Crispi,'' Get
US back soldiers Death to Bara-
teri" etc.
The local authorities, however, proved
equal to the occasion. A strong force of
police was sent to the station, and the stu
dents were dispersed after burning all the
&C pies obtainable of the government news
paper organs and smashing a few windows
The excitement in this city broke out
afresh this afternoon, when it became
known that the workmen and other soce-
ties had been quietly at work organizing a
great demonstration for tonight. Unless
the authorities succeed In preventing them
they will proceed to the capitol this even
ing and appeal for a prompt recall of the
Italian troops from Africa.
LONDON, March 6.-The Pail Mall Ca
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