The Durham recorder. [volume] (Durham, N.C.) 1879-19??, 1911-10-03
HIGHWAYMAN AMONG THE
NATIONS.

NATIONS.
Italy is playing the desperate and
dangerous part Of highwayman
among the nations. The sud
den and unexpected seizure of the
Turkish fort in Tripoli has startled
the world That the fiimsy excuse
put forward does not justify the
action is the general consensus of
opinion of the European powers.
The highhanded course is capable of
only one Interpretation. and that is
that the Italian government has en-
tered upon a career Of conquest and
territorial expansion and desires a
foothold in Africa in order to de-
mand a share in the general parti-
tioning of that vast continent
amongst the other nations which
have already entrenched themselves
in the different colonies. At time
when all Europe seems to be seeth-
ing with the martial spirit, with a
general feeling of uneasiness amongst
the powers that is liable to break
out into bloody war at any time, the
highhanded act of Italy may bring
about dire consequences. For some
time. France and Germany have been
on the verge of flying at each others
throats over Morocco. All of the
other governments of Europe have
kept watchful and jealous eye on
the progress of events in Africa
which are tending toward the divis-
ion of the entire continent amongst
the powers, hungry for colonial ex-
pansion. Before the bandit-like act
Of Italy, there was excellent grounds
for believing that this division could
be effected peacable. but this nope is
now almost completely shattered.
The area of Tripoli is about 4oO,-
900 square miles. II is bounded on
the south by the desert Of Sahara. by
the Lybian desert on the east, and
BY Tunis on the west. The products
of the country are scant. consisting
mostly of a few dates. lemons
oranges and cattle. There is only
a small amount of arabic land. and
that is poorly titled; the inhahitant.
are poor and consist for the mos
part Of half savage nomads. Their,
is an export trade at the port o
Tripoli. seized by the Italian nav
Saturday, which amounts to ab0u
81, 900, 900 per year, consisting fo
the most part of ostrich featherl
brought by caravans from the int
rior. The greater part OF this trad
has been controlled by Italian mer
chants who have established them
selves at the port under an agree
ment OF the Italian government wit
the Turks. entered into number o
years ago. When the youne Turk
took possession OF the government
J some time ago. after bloody Teyo
J luton. the attitude toward ID
Italians changed TO one Of hostility
Italians have realized that II voul
be only question Of time until thei
dominance Of the trade Of Tripo
would be at an end. and the govern
ment decided upon a bold stroke I
guarantee the maintenance OF the
9 position.
What the result will be no ma
can foresee. 81 far. everything Is
ltaly's favor. The Italian troops b
cupy the fort. and the Turkish al
thorities seem 10 be unable TO decit
i what course they will pursue. II n
. Turks should decide to fight. an e
tremely interesting conflict would |
precipitated. The Turks have alwa!
n been known as fierce fighters. az
o man to man would be more than
/" match for the Italians The Turk,
government could hardly mobiIi
more than 100000 men at the on
side. while Italy could perhaps put
million III the field Italy has
standing army o. about $4,000
while Turkey has a much small
"A number Of enlisted men.
le So far. all u the other powe
* have had nothing 10 say. but II ia
II allowed 70 take possession
Tnpoli and attempts 70 establish
y permanent base. there will like
= arise some complications.
THE VALUE or PUBLIC HEALT