Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1915-05-18
Giolitti's Influence

The King, who has never been willing to
deviate from his constitutional duties, has
found that no other man but Signor Salandra
can control the situation, and has succeeded
in keeping him in the office of Premier. That
was the only possible solution of the serious
situation brought about by the former Pre-
mier Giolltti, in whom the German Ambas-
sador, Prince Won Buelow, had found his
strong ally in his efforts to keep Italy out of
the war through concessions which would
never definitely solve the burning question
of the Adriatc. But the solution of the min
isteral crisis. with the Salandra Cabinet re-
tanning power means war at an early date,
notwithstanding the opposition of Signor
Giolitti, who, unable himself to assume again
the Premiership, suggested to the King the
names of two men who probably would have
bllndly followed his advice Sgnor Giuseppe
Marcora and Signor Paolo Carcano, two of
his lieutenants in the Chamber OF Deputies,
But, what is the real attitude of Signor
Giolitti toward the Intervention OF Italy in
the European conflict? The question is JUS
tilted by the recollection of a statement made
by the former Premier in recent session of
the Chamber while the foreign policy of the
Salandra Cabinet was being discussed Gio-
litti said then that Austria had asked Italy
in 1918, nearly one year before the assassina-
tion OF Archduke Francis Ferdinand, whether
Italy would give support IL Austria declared
war on Servia. At that time Giolitti who
was Premier, was In Piedmont, and the Aus
trian request was telegraphed to him by the
late Marquis D San Giuliano. who counseled
a response in the negative. Giolitti answered
that Italy could not support Austria in a war
against servia; that if Austria wanted to
declare war she could do it at her own risk
while Italy would retain her full freedom OF
action, she could not approve such a stem
This statement, which was quite unnecessary
and also an utter condemnation of the Aus
trlan policy, as we'll as a revelation that
Austria had prepared for war against Servia
long before the assassination OF the Arch
duke in Serajevo, was considered In political
circles in Rome as an attempt Of Glolitti to
counterbalance the popularity acquired by
Salandra with his utteranees in favor of the
realization of the national aspirations OF
Italy, a popularity which menaced Giolittis
leadership in the Parliament and his reputa-
tion OF being the high protector OF the Gov
eminent 1t is not impossible that Giolittl,
seeing the uselessness of his efforts to retain
the upper hand in face Of the national policy
followed by the Salandra Cabinet, decided 70
withdraw his support and compel salandra
10 resign.
However. Giolittrs influence and power in
Parliament is not broken. and II Is possible
that signor Salandra, whose resignation was
prompted by his conviction that being op-
posed by Giott he could not count any
longer on a large majority in the lower
branch OF the Parliament, obtained from the
King. before accepting his request TO remain
in once. the promise that the Chamber Of
Deputies will be dissolved
This step seems indeed necessary If the
salandra Cabinet Is 70 be left free Of any