Vilas County news. [volume] (Eagle River, Vilas County, Wis.) 1896-1927, 1915-06-02

Estimated That Over Million Soldiers Were Ready Before the
Outbreak of Hostities- Intervention in Struggle Is the
Result of Popular Demand

of King Victor EmmanueIs govern
ment should be to localize the confllct,
but that at the same time it should
prepare for the worst and mobilize It's
entire land and sea forces at once,
calling out not only the regular es-
adjustments but also the reserves.
Italy tried to persuade Montenegro to
rest on the defensive, but rumor
that Austria had designs on Mount
Lovtchen led Italians to believe that
if once installed there Austria never
would let go.
Although Italy, Austria and Ger
many we're then bound in triple ALI
ance known as the drelbund, Italy had
long determined that she never would
permit Austrian encroachment on
the Adriatic. Therefore she was dis
trustful over the rumor that Austria
was seeking Mount Lovtchen.
Almost at once after war was de-
clared among the big powers. Italy
took action showing that she did not
consider that the bonds of the triple
alliance compelled her to take up arms
side by side with Germany and Aus
tria. A dispatch from Rome dated
August i declared Italy had formally
notified Germany that she would re-
main neutral.
italy Was Neutral.
The complete text of the dispatch
follows:
1T is authoritatively announced
that the Marquis di San Giuliano,
Italian foreign minister, has Informed
the German ambassador that Italy
will remain neutral, her obligations
under the triple alliance treaty apply
ing only to defensive war.
Italy, therefore, considers herself
released from her engagements, the
war waged by Austria-Hungary, sup
ported by Germany, being essentially
an offensive war"
Italy formally proclaimed her neu-.
trality August g. The cabinet at Rome
affirmed it's determination August to
maintain an armed neutrality, SO as to
be in readiness, according to a mes
sage from Rome, to intervene If the
balance of power in the Adriatic
should be upset.
AS early as August 10 Italy mobi-
lized between 100000 and 100000 SOL
diers on the Swiss and Austrian from
tiers as a precautionary measure, hold
ing all the high passes over the alps,
such as the Theodule and Zermatt.
Italy Buys Grain.
With the Dardanelles closed Italy,
although having on hand enough grain
to last several months, began inviting
offers from the American market. The
government at Rome was willing to
assume the war risk and do everything
possible to facilitate the shipment of
grain from this country to Italian
ports.
Victor Emmanuel's mobilization de-
cree went into effect at once; more
than 100000 men fully equipped with
arms and ammunition, it is expected,
will be put into the field within
month. Because of the work of prep
aration that has been going on for the
past few weeks mobilization went for
ward rapidly. The regimental depots
have been crowded by reservists who
have been expecting call to arms.
The calmness and cheerfulness of the
reservists and their families complete
ly-belie the temperamental excite
ment which is supposed to be an
Italian characteristic and affords proof
of the popularity Of the war spirit.
Sacrifices Quietly Made.
The sacrifice displayed by all classes
is wonderful. Mothers, wives, sweet
hearts and even children accompany
the reservists dry-eyed to the bar
racks, farewells having been taken at
home.
Volunteers besieged the war Office,
eager to enlist. Rich and poor are Of
fering every class of vehicle for trans
portation. Thousands of citizens have
placed their houses at the disposal of
the Red Cross.
The king ordered all royal princes
holding commands to start immediate
ly for the front. The pope authorized
the clergy to offer prayers for Italian
victory.
The problem concerning the diplo-
mats accredited to the Vatican from
Austria and Germany was solved
when it was officially announced in a
note from the government that ambas-
sailors from Austria-Germany and Ba-
varia to the Holy See we're authorized
to remain in Rome during the war.