The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1901-04-04
FLIRTING WITH ITALY
LA BELLE FRANCE SEEKING To AD-
VANCE HER OWN INTERESTS.
Much Expected from the Fetes lou-
Ion-Russia's Withdrawal, Viewed
as Rupture of Alliance.

PARIS April 3.-The Franco-Italian fetes
at Touon next week are now the chief
topic of interest in the French press and
the subject is much discussed in political
and diplomatic circles. Spectacularly the
festivities will be very brilliant. while it is
generally conceded that the occasion will
rank as one of the most important historic
events since the Franco-Russian demon
stration at the same port.
Although there is no question of an alIi-
ance between the two countries yet. the
meeting OF President Loubet and the Duke
OF Genoa will be an incident of the first
value. because 1t will officially mark the
opening of a new era of good feeling be-
tween France and Italy.
France is not seeking an alliance with
Italy," said a French diplomat who is in
close touch with the official relations OF the
two countries THE Franco-Italian demon
stration at Toulon does not imply that at
all. We have no reason TO expect that
Italy will detach herself from the triple al
lance On the contrary, we have every
reason 10 expecl that she will renew her
adhesion. The great significance of the
coming event lies In the fact that 1t indi-
Gates that the irritation felt by Italy to-
ward France, which was aroused by the
French occupation of Tunis. and which,
ranking i'm the minds of Italian statesmen,
has done so much TO injure our mutual re-
lations, is now entirely removed, giving
place TO a desire of a better understanding
between France and Italy.
eve shall now be able to discuss the
questions that are pending between the
two countries, notably the political situa-
ton in the Mediterranean, with a better
disposition on both sides and a brighter
prospect of satisfactory understanding.
The commercial convention concluded last
year was an important factor in bringing
about this good feeling between the peo-
Piles themselves. great improvement in
our mutual trade has resulted from that
convention Silk firms in Lyons and other
manufacturers in the southeastern dis
tricts Of France have established branches
and now maintain close business relations
with Milan and other towns in southern
Itaiy Commercial houses in these latter
cities have made similar extensions to
Lyons and other French trade centers
LAS result there has been a revival of
appreciation in Italy of the Importance Of
the French market. The invasion of north
Italy by the Germans, who. in certain
branches of industry, especially those re-
quiring highly scientific methods have been
crowdng the Italians out of their own
markets, has engendered jealousy and been
instrumental in directing the attention of
the Italian business community towards
France. The triple alliance is closely
bound up with the commercial conventions
of three partners. conventions which at
present are favorable to Italian trade in
Germany and Austria-Hungary: but Italy
will apparently find considerable difficulty
in getting those countries TO renew such
articles in the commercial conventions as
favor the import of Italian products.
Therefore, with a view of widening her
commercial relations with France, Italy
may decline TO renew certain clauses of the
contract bearing upon her military and
other contributions. Any such relief TO
Italys obligations must necessarily be OF
advantage TO the military position of
France in Europe.
Thus" concluded the diplomat while
the meeting of NJ. Loubet and the Duke of
Genoa together with the Franco-Italian
naval demonstration, must not be taken as
a prelude to the withdrawal of Italy from
noteworthy modification of the interna-
tional situation. We do not wish for a
written convention with Italy. We believe
the establishment OF thoroughly sym-
pathetic relations between the two peo-
Piles will prove of greater worth than any
existing treaties