The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1914-12-05
turkeys EntranceinWar Com.
pels Action to Protect Italian
Interests in Africa
People Anxious
To Aid Allies
Arms and Equipment for Moro
Than Three Millions of Men
Gathered Past Few Months.
Navy Highly Efficient
BY PHILIP II. MACKENZIE.

rome NOV. ~ tby maH9 Tho
question that has concerned, even
agitatedt all Europe. Why has Italy de-
layed III following sentimental and
practical interests and Intervening on
the side OF Great Britain. France and
Russia can now be sufficiently
answered,
L am able to state on incontro-
vertible authority that Italy has mark
ed time i'll policy of watchful
neutrality solely because her army and
her navy were unprepared for the
enormous demands that modern war
fare makes. But within two weeks
after the Parliament conyenes on De-
cember Italy will he ready for the
great yenture--completeIy equipped
with heavy and light guns, ammuni-
ton, horses clothing and food supplies
tor soldiers and sailors: with a vast
store OF munitions depoted aud ready
for instant distribution and use.
Within two weeks from December
Italy will be prepared AS completely
as the experience and foresight of her
statesmen and general staff can pre-.
pare her to defend national honor and
to realiz the vision of a greater Italy
An Italy that VIII possess the Adri-
attic as an Italian lake, that will have
regained Trent aud Trieste, that will
forever safeguard her colonies in Asia
and Africa and will. at the same time.
satisfy the hatred OF her people for
Austria and their ancient affection for
England. There is not the shadow Of
doubt and there never has been
where ltaly's sympathies and interest
trend in the great war. The subject 10
not open to controversy. The govern
ment has been able only by tremend-
Gus exertion TO hold the people In
leash. That is not the point.
Was Not Prepared,
When the war began and for four
months thereafter Italy was IN poor
position to match her military ana
naval power against the magnificently
equipped organizations of Germany
and Austria. 1t was a simple matter
for her To withdraw from the triple
alliance. since Germany and Austria
were powerless 10 force her to join
them; bur the alternative demanded
by the people, 81 frank alliance with
Great Britain, France and Russia, Was
impossible.
First of all she lacked modern field
guns. 1t required l.T46 of the new
Deport type TO supply a modified
army. The work of procuring these
guns was not begun until 1912 and
large contracts were placed with the
Creusot works i'll France. The De-
port Is the invention of Colonel De-
port, t'ae designer of the French SER
vice gun. and has remarkable adj
vantages over the German and Aus
trian types Before the war began
some contracts were fulfilled. But
when the war started France need
ed the batteries of Papa Creusot, and
Italy could do no less than privately
acquiesce in the taking over of her
contracts with Creusot Immediately
however. the War Department began
to rectify the loss. | am not per-
mitted to state how Italy has sue
ceeded in completely arming heI
twenty-four regiments of artillery
with the most up-to- date guns. but
It has been done.
Has Procured Supplies.
At the outbreak of the war, boots
uniforms and underwear were lack
Ing There was not enough of such
Departments 10 supply more Than
four army corps at the most. Quietly
hut energetically, Italy has heen man
tffarttrira and purchasing from
abroad all such articles,
The italian people now understand
why their Government stood to ono
side There is less uproar over the
passive attitude. The people under
stand The hustle of preparation lie.
voritabIe dynamo of energy. gettiM,
ready for what? The future alons.
viii answer. But this much can be
said; If laundering diplomacy or de-
liherate malice stab at Italys honor
or her national aspirations a pre-
pared and powerful nation will be
quick 10 take vengeance.
So far as the state of the army n
concerned the plain fact is that al
ter January /. 1915. Italy will have
3.l 90. goo men who can be summon
ed without draining her resources.
and that the Government has actualls
completed the work Of arming ami
equipping this vast force
Show Workmanship.
What is true Of the army holds
good with the navy. Itaiy's naval
wit h -s3sa "
curacy Let me tell you an incl
dent of the gunnery practice whce
the King reviewed the fleet nj Ia
ranto toward uhe end Of October.
ThAy took the old ship ConnSnA
which was only 2l0 feet long anil
sat very low ia the water, anch0re
her 10000 yards from the thre
dreadnaughts Dante AliEahelrt 116o~
nardo de vinci and GiuilO