The Detroit times. [volume] (Detroit, Mich.) 1903-1920, 1911-12-30
Campaign In
Africa Is Bnrdensome
BY HENRY WOOD,
Rome correspondent Of the United
Press and Detroit TImes.)

ROME. Dec. 30.-While the final
outcome OF Italy's occupation and an
neXation of Tripoli and Cyrenaica is
still problematical. yet at the present
moment there is nothing TO indicate
that in the end e VIII net be-sHe-
cessful.
In general way. II Is not believed
Italy will have 10 abandon the project
unless there would be an unusual com
bination OF adverse circumstances.
Such a combination, for instance.
might be very serious epidemic OF
cholera among the troops. edverse in
teryention by the powers, or a series
OF defeats, all OF which, coming at
once, might. and most likely would,
result in arousing big opposition at
home, Such a combination, however,
does not seem likely at the present
moment, and II is unlikely that a
single one OF such a combination OF
adyersities would appear 10 be suf-
ficient TO force Italy to withdraw.
For the present. therefore. Italy is
making slow, but certain steps towards
the subjugation and occupation OF the
territory At the present time the
military lines about Tripoli and the
other occupied cities are being adj
vanced. and the Italians are seeking
TO force the enemy backward into the
desert These advances are being sue
cessful, although not without loss or
life to the Italians. but this they APP
pear TO be taking as a matter OF
course.
In the meantime, the rainy season
has set in in Tripoli, and the native
tribes are declared TO be without the
necessary 10 remain in the field. In
addition. the sowing season is coming
on, and with total crop failure for
the past three years. II is believed
the tribes will desert the Turks and
return 10 their farms.
In addition. by the rigid patrol of
the coast which Italy Is able TO main
tain with its large feet. all supplies
and munitions OF war 10 the natives
are practically cut of. II is conceded
that the resisting tribes have been
able to get some arms and supplies by
way OF Egypt and Tunis, but II is not
believed that these have been in large
quantities. Both England and France.
which have the protectorate over these
adjacent countries, are now exercising
great vigilance TO prevent the further
delivery OF arms and munitions.
AS to the situation at home. Italy is
in good condition. She had been pre-
pairing for the Tripoli move for years
past and had harbored her resources.
The minister of finance recently stat
ed that after meeting all war expenses
TO date, estimated at 100000. 900
francs, he still had a similar amount
with which to carry on the war.
In addition italy still has plenty OF
military reserves. and additions TO the
navy are being rushed to completion.
The government has the loyal support
OF practically the entire nation. There
is not at present any discomfort as to
the conduct OF the war, and the only
opposition is from the Socialists.
However, should reverses come,
they undoubtedly would result in a
stronger anti-war party. As yet. how
ever, the people are Loyalty supporting
the government In its efforts TO make
Italy one Of the colonial powers OF
the world.
WASHINGTON, Dec. 30.-A "a,
hour battle, in which the Turkish
troops defeated the Italian force, kill
-