The Mitchell capital. (Mitchell, Dakota [S.D.]) 1879-1918, 1911-10-05
THE MEDITERRANEAN WAR.

In the treaty CT 1878 which ended
the Russo-Turkish war, Italy was
permitted by the powers to make Il
pacific penetration of Tripoli,
Ever since then Italian interests have
been developing in that North Afri-
can colony. one OF the possession OF
the Turkish empire. Tripoli is one OF
! the four original Barbary state with
which the United States carried on
a warfare for Is years a century ago
in order to break up their piratical
! practices. Tripoli lies directly south
across the Mediterranean from Italy
and is we'll situated to afford an cut
let for the superabundance of Italian
population.
Nominally. at least, the present
conflict with Turkey is the result CT
complaints by Italy Of mistreatment
of Italian subjects in Tripoli. 1t was
alleged that outrages had been per-
petrated against Italians there with
out redress from the Turkish gov
eminent. However, the haste with
which italy rushed into war with
Turkey goes to indicate a desire to
strenfthen that country's hand in
Italy, even to the exclusion of Tur-
key altogether.
Italy a we'll make bold with
Turkey in this fashion for Turkey
virtually has no navy. On the other
hand, Italy ranks fifth among the
| powers in a naval way. AS compar-
ed with Turkey, her navy stands in
a ratio of Z to 1. She has seven
tirst-class battleships, while Turkey
has IL Her navy totals l75 yes
sells and Turkeys only "a. Further
more, the Turkish ships are antiquat-
ed and beyond doubt unfit for an en-
gagement. When Greece declared
war on Turkey in 1897, the review
ing vice-admiral found that most OF
the copper plates on the hulls had
been taken eff and sold by the sail
ors. The Turk has NO inclination for
the sea ana, the Turkish vessels are
Differed b Americans and English.
On the other hand, the Italian is a
natural sailor and the navy has the
REPUTATION of being in splendid con
dition. With so great an advantage
on sea, Italy could confidently ex.
+, pect to be able to prevent Turkey
from landing reinfcrcements in
Tripoli and this would mean certain
VICTORY Tor italy
On land, Turkey would be a for
midable opponent Of the Italians.
The peace footing of the Turkish
army is $4,000, as compared with
225,O0O in the Italian army; while
THE war footing is $4,000 in Tur-
key and $4,000 in Italy. Notwith-
standing the Turkish army is poor
ly disciplined. poorly paid and only
specifically organized, the Turks
demonstrated in their war with Rus
| STA that they are q, formidable OPP
ponent for even the greater powers,
| when given an opportunity to fight
their battles OH land. But in this
case, Turkey is helpless without a
navy to protect transports carrying
her troops. She cannot reach Tripoli
on land except by passing through
Asia Minor and Egypt and this would
not be permitted. She cannot march
into Italy without passing through
Austria and of course that would not
be tolerated.
At this distance it seems clear that
Italy has seen an opportunity to
pluck Tripoli from out of the Turk
ish empire and, unless the powers
stop her, she seems almost sure to
succeed in doing that very thing.
The services at the Congregation
al church Sunday were of an inter-
esting and helpful nature. In the
morning despite the gloomy weather
and the busy week of orn palace
Il large congregation greeted the
pastor. Rev. w. M. Mair preached
a sermon that created considerable