Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1914-08-06

STA and France. BY it's provisions
the three powers were bound to sup
port one another in certain contingen-
cies Its terms were made more defin-
lite in 1887. although its exact terms
have never been divulged. The ALI
ance was renewed in 1902 and in 1907
The period of its last renewal extend
ed to June 14.1914. The world has
been led to believe that it has again
been renewed for another IL years.
There are indications that Italy feels
at liberty TO contemplate Withdrawing
from the triple alliance. Secret ne
gotiations seem to be going on to en-
has never been a contented partner
with Austria and Germany.
Metternich, Austria's most famous
prime minister, who died in 1858, call
ed Italy merely a geographical express
sion" At that time Metternich was
correct as far as Italy's international
importance was concerned. Italy was
torn by internal things, but chief
ly by the growth of Germany's naval
power. That could be interpreted
only as a menace TO England, for
England is the supreme lord of the
seas. Edward VII, used his powers
of diplomacy to good advantage to
protect England against Williams de-
signs. Russia and France had long
been friends.
England's admittance into the bond
with them has made the triple en-
tente a formidable force to reckon
with
Do Austria and Germany strike
now. under the fiimsiest pretext, be-
cause they are afraid to wait longer
when the triple entente will be strong
er still? Do Russia, with the sup
port of France and England, strike
now because they are afraid, to wait
for Germany's navy still more to ex-
pand?
VIII Italy remain in the triple al
lance. or will she deliver ner friend
ship over to the triple entente? Eng
land has long been making overtures
to Italy. England wants her friend
ly services to help guard the Medi-
terranean sea. Great Britain cannot
spare ships to guard it herself. She
has to have them massed in the North
sea, to meet any sudden attack the
German newborn but mighty fleet
might make. Otherwise Emperor Will
liam would be landing with his army
upon the English coast. The Eng
lish firmly believe that he seeks TO
be crowned in Westminster Abbey as
the lord OF the British Isles.
Itaiy's Position.
France is now guarding the Medi-
terranean for England. Italy could
help and the work would still be bet
fa
Bismarck declared that Prussia
gave Italy her independence by fore
ing Austria TO give up TO her Venice
and Lombardy. But II was by a Bis
MARKHAM trick which prevented Ma
poleon III, from doing this for Italy,
himself The Italians are grateful to
France and Napoleon II. They feel
no debt of gratitude to Prussia. They
detest the very name of Austria.
An Austrian army officer could not
hope TO spend a day in Rome with
out being openly insulted on The
streets. An Italian army officer in
Vienna would meet the same fate.
Today in Rome, the queen of Italy
is sadly mourning the humiliation
which Austria is meeting out to Ser
via, the land of her own race and
people. Servia's queen. If alive today,
would bs the sister TO Italy's queen.
The old king of Montenegro was the
father OF both. Italy will not helm
Austria and Germany to spread ruin
and devastation in Servia IL Italy's
queen can make II otherwise. Italy
will forsake the triple alliance and
join the triple entente IL she can
bring it to pass