The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1915-07-06
INGSERVES
AS UNDER OFFICER
Victor Emmanuel Takes Or.
dcrs, Though He Might BE
Commander.
SHARES SOLDIERS PERIL

Special. Corresponfence 10 THE SuH.
FAIRS, June lS.--The telegram saying
that the King of Italy had been made
a corporal in the Third Zouaves OF the
French army made a great impression
in Italy. the Rome rsspondent Of
lie Temps writes all the greater. as
Victor Emmanuel III. Is rapidly gaining
on the field of battle the same popu-
larity won by his grandfather, who was
always proud of having been named
Corporal after the victory OF Palsstro.
Although the Italian Constitution
gives the Kins the right Of peace and
war and the command in wal of all
land and sea forces. Victor Emmanuel
has insisted or acting as a simple gen.
eral. taking orders from the generalis-
simo. Ii would have been an easy mat
ter for him to have taken the field as
commander in chief, for he has studied
the science of war from childhood. Is
always In close relations with his gen
erals and is closely acquainted with the
powers and means OF foreign armies, He
has carefully studied the present war
day by day.
During his conversation recently with
Peppino Garlbaldi he spoke chiefly
about Joffre and his generals. Later.
while he walked for over an hour in
the gardens OF villa Ada with Gabriel
d'Annunzio. he asked him everything
about the French army which the poet
could tell him. However easily, there
I fore. he could have assumed the part Of
generaliss.mo. he has gone TO the other
extreme and never gives even an
opinion unless he is pressed to do so
by the generalissimo himself.
The head of the army Is Gen.
Cadorna. | am only one OF the officers
in the service OF Italy" are not only the
Kings words. but they express an ac-
tual condition.
The other day the soldiers fighting on
the banks of the lsonzo were discussing
a telegram which said that the KIM had
shared a dangerous march with the AL
pines and had decorated with his own
hand a corporal and W privates WHO
had accomplished feats In his presence.
The men. believing the King still in the
1'rertino, were cnNying the Alpines their
luck in having him with them, when a
cry arose. The King :"
And cries Of Long live the King ~
grew nearer as the monarch, In gray
green uniform. without any stripes, ap-
leared on horseback The enthusiasm
was intense men crowded round the
ioya, visitor 10 thicKly that his horse
could not move.
What do they want. these brave fel-
lows said the King to his aid. DO
they expect me 10 cry Long live the
King" as we'll? That would be too
much"
Then raising his cap in the air he
shouted, Long live the soldiers of
Italy 80
This bsought more cheering and more
crowds TO cheer. until the officers had
to, order every one to- their ranks to
Civ the King room TO move.
And OF he went to- another point of
the battle. This CHEEKY indifference -
danger Is the admiration OF the troops
bu, a source. Of anxiety to the Gener-
alissimo.
The other day. for example. the King
was in the midst of his troops when a
shrapnel passed over his head. thsTtore
runner OF further projectiles OF the same
kind. According TO the regulations every
man should throw himself nat TO give
the least possible mark for the bursting
fragments. The King seemed TO hest
tate, but a private near him took him
by the shoulder and made him bend
down.
Just then the dust thrown 4p By the
she'll fell on the Kins and covered him.
The King raised his head. took up 4
little Of the earth that had fallen on
him and said. 1T is a good omen."
Gen. Cadorna, however, on this &C.
casion, was almost angry. He did not,
as has been reported, put his King
under arrest. hut he begged him to re-
main for at least Ave days at :. certain
distance from the front The King
/ quietly replied. Il obey"