Norwich bulletin. [volume] (Norwich, Conn.) 1895-2011, 1915-05-24

OF the middle ages and because the
majority of the people are of Italian
stock For the same reason the Dali
matlan Islands are considered to be
part Of Italia Irredenta."
Trent Once Part of Roman Colony,
The district of the city of Trent,
known in Italy as the Trentino. once
formed part of the Roman colony of
Iridentlni, which in 1927 passed under
the rule of a bishp, and then, after
various changes. came into possession
of Austria, together with Lombardy
and Venetia. After the defeat Of
Austria in 1859 by Piedmont and
france. and even after Piedmont had
taken over LOmbardy and the king
dom of Italy had been formed in 1861.
Austria continued to hold Venetia, un-
til her defeat in the Austro- German
war of 1866 gave it to Italy. There
was left in possession of Austria, how
ever, the wedge of the Trent district
as a menace to Italy.
italy Wants Istria.
The territory to the eastward which
Italy desires is made up principally of
lstria- In early days a part of the
republic of Venice, it passed to Austria,
together with Dalmatia, with the alb
olition of the republic in 1897. In
1905 Austria was compelled by Napo-
leon to cede Istria to France but in
1913 Austria seized it and has held it
S1ucS lndL Ll1ne-
5000 Square Miles of Territory SOUGHT
Aside from the DaImatian Islands,
the territory sought by Italy includes
about 5000 square miles, with more
than 100000 Inhabitants
When the war began Italy's army
was considerably below the normal
peace footing, estimated at 3O0. 600
men. Almost half of these troops were
in TripoH. Three classes of men were
70 h. =
others were summoned from time to
time until now the active or first line
army numbers more than 1,000, 600 men
of all arms.
Strength of Italian Army.
The age limit of active service in
italy is -. Men between that age and
40 form the territorial army, consisting
OF eight classes, amounting to about
IloO0OQ second line troops. There are
also about 100000 men trained but
exempt from military service who in
case of urgent necessity could be call
ed to arms. Volunteer corps likewise
could be formed, so that ItaIy's total
war strength, including resources of all
KINDS, is figured at about 1000, 900 men.
In eight months She has spent $780,
100000 in military preparations.
Prohtlng by the lessons of the war to
date, particular attention was paid to
artillery, and her equipment in this
Oh III II Oil ludCulne guns To nSdNX siege
pieces is said to be unexcelIed in the
worlds armies. Her heavy guns are
reported to be superior to the now ia
nous German and Austrian type and
in military circles there have been
rumors that she has evolved a field
piece of about three-inch calibre ex-
ceeding in range, accuracy, easy hard
ling and effectiveness of projects
even the famous French '75."
Powerful Fleet of Modern Warships,
Italy has a powerful fleet of modern
Warships. The Duke of Abruzzi,
cousin of King Victor Emmanuel, who
is the chief naval officer of Italy, re-
Gently assumed command of five
dreadnoughts, the most powerful
squadron ever assembled under the
Italian flag. In addition, Italy has
eight battleships of the pre- dread
nOught type, nine armored cruisers, 13
protected cruisers and the usual COM
plement of destroyers and torpedo
boats She also has 25 submarines.
1taly's population (1913) is given as
35.23S,0 ,000. Military or naval service is
compulsory and universal