New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1914-10-11
DR.. Vittario Rdcca Tells
Hop His Land Feels
About the War.
R, HERBERT FRANCIS SHERWOOD.

-OR many reasons Italy has an especisl
interest for Americans She is loved LOT
her art treasures and the charm OF her
cities and mountain scenery. "l'n uer
peasants Americans have a growing acquaintance
The temperament of her people WINS the SHee-
tions Beyond the general fact that she has oeeh
Obliged TO tax herself to high point in order 10
support her end under the terms OF the Triple
Alliance, comparatively little is generally known
about her internal affairs living, political
entity,
When war broke out Of the questions which
people asked vas what Italy would do. One felt
tia. il would be a shame should that fair land
with its priceless evidences of the culture of the
psst, be blasted by the kind OF warfare in which
moderns Indulge. Italy decided to remain neu-
trail Not all of the reasons for this step have
been made clear in this country. 1t is known that
Italy felt that she could honestly decline to take
the part of the Dual Empire; and, further, that
she had an antipathetic attitude toward Austria
n the following interview with Dr. Vlttorlo
Racca formerly professor of economies in the
University of Rome, and now head of the Italian
department in New York University, it is pointed
out that Germany WAS far from being loved IN
Italy, According TO Professor Racca, Germany
for many years has been attempting through
every channel and by most insdious methods to
Germanixe Italy.
4 MEMBER OF THE FACULTY OF THE UNI
VERSITY OF ROME
DR.. Races who came to this country two or
three years ago to study social and economic con-
ditions, became attached TO America and decided
to remain. Prior 10 coming he had been mem
Der Of the faculties of the University of Lausanne
and the Commercial School in Rome, as well as
the University of Rome, and had studied Co
nomic conditions in the Balkan region for his
country. He returned TO Italy early last summer
10 make visits, and when he endeavored 90 leave
there early in September TO return 70 has WORK
at the New York University the fact that he car
ried in his pocket paper which showed that ne
had already been examined for military service
and found exempt was all that saved him from
being prevented from sailing. While in Italy he
spent most of his time in Rome, where he was IN
close contact with political leaders and journal
lists He also for hort time on the north
ern frontier, where be witnessed the actual mob
ilEation.
az come from a country" said Dr.. Racca, TO the
writer in response TO request for information
about Italys position, that so far. at least. IS
neutral and as ! wish to be loyal to the neu-
trality Of the United States as possible ! do not
care TO express any opinion Of the present Euro
pc.n war; but if you desire any facts about the
conditions in Italy which indicate or explain her
present position | will he delighted to tell you
al ! can"
az has been remarked more than once that
italy announced neutral course partly IN order
to be able 20 choose the favorable moment for
accomplishing her own ends by taking sides with
one or the other party"