The star-independent. [volume] (Harrisburg, Pa.) 1904-1917, 1914-10-13
ITALY's DELICATE POSITION

The serious illness of the Marquis A. di San
Giuliano the Italian Minister of Foreign Affairs,
whose death, at this writing, is momentarily ex-
pected according to Rome dispatches is exceed
ingy unfortunate at this time when Italy's chances
of remaining neutral and keeping out of the terri
bic European conflict are hanging on so thin
thread.
The influence of the Marquis di San Giuano in
the Italian Cabinet has all been thrown in the
direction of peace 1t probably can be 5. / with
accuracy that he has been the safety valve that has
thus far prevented his nation becoming engaged in
the hostties which, at this distance from the
scene Of them, seem so unnecessary Upon him has
fallen the burden of keeping the Italian govern
ment from becoming involved and his death or his
prolonged illness might very logically be expected
TO result in the party having its say and the
nation being plunged into the conflict despite what
we believe to be the desire of the Italian people as
whole to keep out of it all.
How critical the situation is in Italy at present
is shown by the fact that transports have sailed
from Naples to bring home the seasoned Italian
troops who have been in Tripoli and Cyrenaica
since the start of the TurkoItaan war There
100000 of these veteran soldiers who are trained
fully well if not better than any other military
forces representing a European power Added to
the fact that they being brought home is the
significant fact that the mobilization of other Ital-
ian troops has been going steadily on until there
about 100000 fighting men in the various
camps.
If Italy goes to war it doubtless will he on the
side of the allies and against Germany and Austria
The Italian people, as whole have never over
come their resentment at the acquisition by Aus
TRANS of Trent and Trieste which are inhabited bv
people of Italian origin and therefore of Italian
sympathies, although under Austrian rule. 1t is
perhaps largely due to this fact that Italy did not
join the Germans and Austrians at the start of the
Another important influence on the present stu
atlon IN Italy was the appointment yesterday of
General Zupelli as the Minister of War While it
is understood to be General ZupelH'S policy to
strengthen the military power of the country to the
fullest possible extent the peace advocates of Italy
may take some comfort in the fact that the new
War Minister is reported to be strongly pro-Aus-
TRAN III his leanings and would therefore in the
event of war, probably throw the weight of his
lnflence IN favor of Italy becoming an ally of
Austria
This reported attitude of the new War Minister
may have the effect of balancing matters so that
italy may remain neutral even with the death of
the Marquis di San Guiano for rather than see
Italy go to war against Austria as the popular de-
mand seems to be- it is reasonable to assume that
General Zupelli would seek to induce his govern
ment to continue its attitude of neutrality
There is hope, therefore, that despite the gravey
complicated situation in Italy the counter infu
ences in favor Of one side or the other NAV
work out in way that will spare the Italian people