The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1915-05-24

literally forced into the war by popula,
demand With the exception Of the
Official Socialists" which became the
designation of the party after u split on
the question OF neutrality. every politl-
cal party Ia the kingdom has been In
favor Of armed intervention.
II was this same result that the Gov
rnmen hoped and expected to attain by
the Tripoll war three years ago. But the
war appealed to the people as a matter
OF political expediency only. and while
there were many demonstrations OF pop.
uldr approval the country was never
strongly united IN It's favor.
But where the Tripoli war has had the
effect In a way OF cisuriting the various
factions a war against Austria holds
them together with a single bond. more
powerful than any consideration of poli-
ties or party. Revolution Is q word that
IL frequently heard In Italy. more IRE
quen'ly probably than the actual condi.
lions warrant. for the mai measure OF
the agitator's strength is after all not
the number o. nature of the demonstra-
lions that they MAKE but their represen
tation In the Chamber of Deputies
This representation. while showing an
increase since the Tripoli war. Is not vet
100 y Nl'l " ~ lHf fNA'lN VI ~ utltlOn-
STATIONS as expressed In strikes. But
twice since the European war began she
word has been heard throughout Italy.
Will probably more popular feeiiuf. Ne
hind II than ever before. In the ,S.iy
days OF the war. before ltaly's position
was clearly established. when it seemed
possible that she might he drawn into
he conflict on the side of Germany and
Austria. her allies OF thirty years. the
thought Of revolution ran through the
country like wildnre. Anything. even
revolution. before W fight with Aus.
tria :" was the popular cry. and there
were MANY evidences 10 show that the
army would actually rebel before Il
would 60 as a body 10 the aid OF al
ally which, individually, man by man.
II hated.
Later when ltaly's position OF neutral
ity was affirmed and ieaffirmed by the
Government. the popular attitude under
went a change. 1t was not enough for
the people to remain neutral, and again
the pressure ON he Government found
expression in threats of revolution. Wa
or revolution :" was the cry that has per
sisted steadily, that has been the slogan
OF the demonstrations that have swept
Italy from end To end. Every Italian has
been brought up to consider Austria his
ltIfulldIN fiIflNN thu 'hd' wa WV
her was inevitable and awaited only the
favorable moment. Believing that that
moment had arrived, he refused to bs
denied.
Albania has always been q cause oi
anxiety To Italy. not shat she par;icu'
larry aspired to possess II herself. bu'
that she was determined tina Aus,ria
I should not. We do not care who ha'
albania, just so II is not Austria hal
been the keynote Of all the Italian actor
n and toward tina; rough and troubled
bit OF seacoast less than twelve hour:
across from Brindisi.
The climax Of the Balkan agitation
! came with the annexation of Bosnia an,
herzegovina. At the very first Italy
accepted Austria's action with serenity
believing that an arrangement would he
entered into whereby she would receiv,
! compensation. probably In an increased
hold on Albania. for Austr.a's aggrand
cement. When this compensation failed
10 he forthcoming ltaly's irritation wa
intense. and II Is said that only Eng
lands strong stand ia the Interest q
peace prevented war.
Certainly this act on the part Of Aus
tria brought home to Italy a realization
that such tangible benefits as there nigh
be in the alliance were not for her. anC
,hat Austria. with Germany behind her
took little account OF her ally's nationa
dignity and aspirations.