The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-02-16
WAR ECHOES

Martin Marshall in Leslie's: Italy s deep interest in the freedom of the Suez canal is well understood. Relations be- tween Italy and Turkey are very strained indeed, and if the Turks should capture the big ditch, Italy's communication with her Red sea colonies of Abyssnia and Eritrea would be interrupted, a sit uation that the Quirinal could not toler- ate Therefore, the closer the Turks approach the Suez canal, the more likely Italy is to enter the war on the side Of the allies. It is reported that the Italian government has mobilized all men be- tween the ages of IS and 39. The Italian army, while perhaps considerably below the standard of the French troops, is certainly not to be despised Italian troops have shown their worth in the colonial wars in northern Africa and in the war with Turkey, and if the govern ment had ample financial resources the military value of Italy could not be ques~ toned There is shrewd suspicion however that before Italy can enter the war, 1t will be necessary for the allies which really means Great Britain in this case-to find some ready money for her. It is interesting, in this connection, to note that the Bank of England has financed the Roumanian government to the extent of $25,OOO,O0O
 Demetrius c. Boulger. in the March Scribner: From the very beginning of his reign King Albert had to deal with difficult questions. The organization of the new regime on the Congo, the set tlement of the troublesome financial questions between King Leopolds exec utors and his heirs, and the uncertainty in the political situation owing to the bitter party feeling added to his cares; but his chief preoccupation continued to be the defense of his country in view of the increasingly menaeing international outlook in Europe. With regard to the Congo he took the deepest interest in the reforms that had become necessary, and, to show his entire disinterestedness, hs assigned the large annuity reserved to King Leopold as compensation for ms sacrifices to some beneficent work in con- nection with Central Africa One year 8 annuity he made the foundation of 2 pension fund for the Congolese service; another he assigned for medical research and every year he refused to touch a penny of the money for any personal use or purpose.
 In all those tasks he was aided by his wife, Queen Elizabeth, who devoted her attention and efforts to aid and alleviate the sufferings of the sick and the poor. ther's direction of the routine of a hos pital made her an expert on the subject of the treatment of the sick. She insti- tuted the collection on her name-day of funds by the sale of an artificial rosette for the hospitals, and for the poor she esta blished creches and coal and blanket clubs on a large scale. She was the first of the Belgian rulers to think of the poor and suffering, and it is not surpris- ing that she became the idol of the people as their bonne petite reine. But her delicate health made every one of her subjects fear that they might lose their fairy godmother too soon, and none would have dreamed that she would have the physical strength to play the part of heroine as she has done during the ter rible scenes through which her poor coun- try has passed. But with great minds and brave hearts the spirit rises trium- phant over bodily infirmities, and Queen Elizabeth has acquired an imperishable place in the affections and gratitude of the Belgian nation.