The Ocala evening star. [volume] (Ocala, Fla.) 1895-1943, 1911-09-30

0GG0H01uE I'D OoIn0S, &SApOASOh
Invasion OF Egypt and Palestine. was
the twelfth crusade, the present at
tack ON Turkey BIZ the Italians is the
thirteenth Thirteen is an unIucky
number; II remains to be seen whether
Italy or Turkey has the Ill luck All
the preceding crusades have had one
result-whItening eastern sands with
Christian bones.
It's too early to bet on the result
Italy is the biggest, strongest and best
equipped. but unless the Turk has sad
~ deteriorated he. like Fuzzy Wuzzy.'
Is "a first class Aghting man."
The lighting will not be confined to
Tripoli. but go on all around the Med
fterranean, Egean and Adriatic coasts.
and probably the hottest part of 1t
will be In Albania, right across the
Adriatic sea from Italy.
Italy will have a powerful ally In
Montenegro. and receive much assist
ance from the Christian population of
Albania. which is large and discomfort
ed The war will almost certainly re-
open the Eastern question, and will
probably result in Austria and Rus
STA acquiring large slices OF Turkish
territory. Greece and Bulgaria will
also be on the grab. and il Italy is
successful at the outset their armies
will probably help hers.
The war may and probably will end
In driving the Turk from Europe. The
odds are against him and he has no
resource except In himself.
Persons familiar with conditions that
led MP to the Russo-Japanese war. re-
call the fact that Japan took the course
that Italy is following. in practically
f~< tho
to her powerful opponent and thereby
secured a tremendous advantage by
preventing the consolidation Of the two
sections Of the Russian feet which
we're lying at Port Arthur and Che
mulpo. Korea.
Most OF the small Turkish fleet is on
the Syrian coast at the eastern end OF
the Mediterranean sea. and it is be-
lfeved that Italy declared war with
the deliberate purpose OF securing an
stack upon that fleet before 1t ear
make its escape to the shelter of the
powerful shore batteries. It Is said
by our state department that there car
be no objection to this course as has
been adopted by italy in this instance
SO long as there Is no undue interior
ence with American commerce or othel
interests.
The Albanians are opportuning Gen
esal Garibaldf to take advantage OF tn,
situation and organize another Alban
ian revolution.
Italy's declaration Of war on Tur
S Key grew out Of unsatisfied demand
that the Ottoman government. domi
nant In Tripoli for 800 years. shall sur
render all economic and political right
to Italy.
tensive development. The soil alons
the coast is fertile. Not so much cal
be said Of the interior
The land fighting forces OF Italy AM
Turkey compare favorably, although
Italy appears to have the advantag,
for war on foreign soil. because tn,
italian government has plenty o
transport ships and competent nav,
to guard them en- voyage. while Tur
key has no transports and the fight
ing strength OF her navy is nil.
Turkeys army has $4,000 unds
arms and reserve strength OF 900. O00
all well trained fighting men.
ItAly's army comprises 225,000 ac
tive soldiers and a reserve force o
100000. all ready for the field.
There are twelve battleships, TWEEN
fy-three cruisers and numerous de
stfoyers. submarines and transports ii
the Italian army.
Turkey has only one frst-clas
cruiser and number Of almost worth
less gunboats
The pope IS showing great interes
In the preparations for the expedition
and has ordered a propaganda to in
struct missionaries to use their infiu
ence in favor OF the Italian plans. con
sidering these plans as offering ad
vantages for the spread OF Catholisr
In North Africa. He hopes success wi
be attained by Italy without sheddin
blood.