Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1911-03-12
ALL TO VISIT ROME
Rulers of Europe Will Not Boy
colt italian Celebration.
STRIFE AMONG DIPLOMATS
Vatican Said to Have Sent Notes to
Powers Which Caused
Trouble.
Special Cablegram 10 The Star.

Special Cablegram TO The Star.
ROME, March 1.-THE royal boycott OF
Italy. which a month ago seemed I'M
pending, and which. if 1t had been car
ried into effect. would have robbed the
festivities of the f1ftieth anniversary of
Italian independence OF half their glory,
has happily been lifted.
The story of the impending boycott and
its removal is remarkable.
In December last secret notes to the
chancelleries of Europe informed the sew
erai governments that during 1911 the
doors Of the Vatican would remain closed
to princes and kings any other eX-
allied parsonage visiting the Eternal city
as an evidence fof- the sentiment with
which the Vatican looked on this event
modern Italy was preparing to celebrate.
Duel of Diplomats.
The Vatican had hardly expressed its
view of the festivities when a strange
duel began between the Italian and the
pontifical diplomats. Ambassadors and
ministers ON the one side. and nuncios
aud apostolic delegates on the other. both
tried with the utmost skill to achieve
their respective end.
The inside history of this diplomatic
duel will not be told for many years to,
come. At present the little that is known
indicates that for some time the efforts
OF the Italian diplomatic corps were sue
cessfully. neutralized by the shrewd prel-
ates of the Vatican diplomatic service.
For a time, indeed, it looked as though
the Vatican had prevailed upon the mon
archs of Europe to remain away from
Rome, and news came from several cap
itals that there was no mention by the
respective rulers OF q visit to Rome.
Intimation by Berlin.
The first intimation to that effect came.
from Berlin. Semi-official information
said that the emperor. whose visit to his
villa at Corfu was scheduled TO take
place some time in March, would give
Rome a wide berth, and he would travel
incognito to Venice, where his yacht. the
Hohenzoilern. would take him to the
Greek island. Similar intimationS were
next made about King Albert of Belgium
and King Haakon Of Norway. The first
was 10 spend his usual fortnight on the
Riviera, and the other q month or SO at
his villa at Capri, but nothing was said
VI a visit TO Rome.
Then the lay diplomacy. backed by
popular and press opinion, seemed to pre-
vail, and IL was learned that the kaiser
mad changed his mind, and the intricate
situation was solved by the remarkably
direct declaration that Emperor viii
liam would visit Rome as concession
10 the democratic press OF both Germany
and Italy.
Now the Kings Are Coming.
Emperor Franz Joseph of Austria was
then invited to indorse Williams change
OF plans by finding a pretext for a visit
The octagenarian ruler has never been
10 Rome and he has still to return the
visit King Humbert paid him in Vienna.
At present he is considered too old to
travel, but 1t has been announced that
the war lord is considering whether or
not he shall act as a bearer OF g special
message Of amity from Franz Joseph to
King Victor.
According to last advices the kaiser
will be in Rome on the 18th OF April,
but he wants 1t distinctly understood
that his visit will not be anti-Vatican
In character. The visit however, is con-
sidered as a distinct victory for the press
and the people will accord him such a
reception that he will not soon forget
THIS being coronation year. King George
of England is not expected, but il is
understood that King Haakon has de-
cided to visit Rome in May: Albert Of Bel
siun, will be here in May and President
Fallieres has announced that he will be
in Rome during that same month.