The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1915-05-24
First Clash Comes When Aus
TRANS Cross The Italian Bor-
der and Are Driven Back By
Alpine Chasseurs
BRIDGE BLOWN UP
AND HOUSES RAZED
Austrians Feverishly Strength.
en- Defenses of The Trentino.
Inhabitants of Riva Driven
Into Mountains Without
Food

Rome May 23.-The first armed
clash of Importance was reported to-
day from Brescia, Austrian troops
lcrossed the frontier through the Mon
tozzo Pass, about four miles north
of the Tonale Pass, on the western
border of Tyrol. The patrol was met
by a troop of Alpine chasseurs and
forced to retreat after stiff fight
1t is not known whether there were
any casualties.
The Austrians are feverish1y
strengthening the defenses of the
Trentino. railroad bridge near Ro-
verto, Just north of Lake Garda,
through which the frontier line runs,
was blown up today. Many buildings in
the town have been destroyed because
they would interfere with the artillery
fire across the lake. The buildings
which have been RACED include the
convent of the Holy Cross. the civil
hospital. St. Mary's Church, and a
large tannery.
Rtva Evacuated.
Riva. the large town at the head of
the lake, about three miles from the
Sfrontier has been evacuated. The
inhabitants were driven out without
warning and were forced to take TO
the mountains, where they are now
without shelter or food. The GUS
toms posts along the frontier have
been removed. Many prominent
Italian residents at Rovereto and Riva
have been placed in detention camps.
where they will be held as hostages
to guard against a revolt to aid Itsl-
ian troops.
Notices signed by King Victor EN-
manuel calling to the colors all men
belonging to the army classes from
lIS76 to 1895. In other words every
Italian of military age. were posted
in every city and town of Italy this
, afternoon. The fact caused no excite
fment, as general mobilization has been
expected since the action of parlia-
ment on Thursday The reserves. the
Alpine Guards. the garrison artillery
and the customs guards. will be called
out tomorrow. The carbineers. sharp
shooters. aviation staff. transport and
medical corps will be called at once.
The infantry of the territorial militia
of the five classes from 1917 TO 1881
will he called to the colors Tuesday.
The remainder of the reserve forces
will not be called until June /.
The war Office has announced that
all Italians who desire to volunteer
will be accepted in all branches OF
the service. Inhabitants Of the ''un-
redeemed provinces" are eligible 10
serve in the army.
Colleges into Hospitals.
Pope Benedict has ordered the Hos
pice Of Santa Marta and the six sem
inaries. including the German college
and the South American college. con-
yerted into hospitals and place at the
disposal of the Red Cross for wound
ed soldiers.
The army authorities have taken
control of the railroads and all vehi-
cles. wagons and automobiles. as well
as all the horses in the kingdom, have
been Communicated. The censorship
in Italy Is much more strict than that
in France and England, II has been
announced that no newspaper GORE
spondents will be permitted to accom-
pany the army, and nothing will be
published regarding the operations be :
yond the official announcements of the
War Offce.
Baron Macchio, the Austrian Ambas-
sador, called at the Foreign Once this
afternoon, wearing q silk hat and
frock coat. to bid farewell to Baron
sonnino, the Foreign Minister. II Ia
expected he will leave Rome this eve
ming. II was reported today that
Baron Macchio would delay his depar-
ture. but 1t is believed this report was
spread In an effort to deceive tina peo-
pie, SO that the Austrian envoy could
get away unnoticed.
Baron Macchio also had a conference
with Prince Won Schoenburg Harlem
stein, the representative of Emperor
Francis Joseph at the Vatican. who
will likely leave Rome at the same
time.
The troops guarding the embassies OF
Germany and Austria here have been
reinforced.