The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1915-05-23
Actual Declaration of War VII
Not Be Preceded by Ulti-
matum, 1t 10 Thought
NEWS OF FIRST CLASH
NOW HOURLY EXPECTED
Great Crowds Gather In Front
of Dr.. Nelson Pages
Residence and Cheer For
United States

Rome. May 22.--King Victor
Emanuel signed Cnis afternoon
decree ordering the mobalizs- I
ton OF the Italian army and
navy tomorrow.
The King also issued y procIe-
nation signed by 4n the minis.
tiers, explaining why Italy hae Il
been forced TO take mp arms
against her old ally, Austria, /
and appealing TO all the citiseM /
Of Italy to do their duty.
This has led 70 the, Oeiief that
war will be declared on Austria
without the Formally or A ui-
timatum. aS
Practically the entire population On
Rome was gathered this afternoon o.
the Capitoline Hill. where Primes
Colonna. the Mayor OF Rome. con-
voked meeting of the City Councak
in connection with the measure %
be adopted following the mobiliza-
ton order. The Capitoiine PALACES
were decorated with tapestries CONF
memorating the glorious events H.
the history OF Italy. 49,
Prince Colonna opened the session
with a patriotic speech, In which hs
recalled Rome's glorious past and
the eyentful history of the city.
Populace Acciaims Mayor.
Hundreds of thousands OF voicsa
burst forth into wild acclaim ~ the
Mayor concluded his speech and thA
national hymn was intoned. Prince
Coionna then proposed that the muir
titude accompany the municipAl
Councillors to the Quirinai to maka.
a demonstration of loyalty 20 thm
King.
Preceded by q man bearing tho
historic banner of the city of Rome.
the crowd marched to the Piazza del
Quirinaie cheering the mayor and the
councillors. On the way the crowd
was increased to such an extent tIsAE
the piazza was insufficient TO hold the
throng. II is estimated that more than
quarter of a million persons were
present.
When the king and queen, with
the royal children, appeared at one az
the balconies of the palace the en-
thusiasm of the multitude beams
frenzied. King Victor invited the
cony. where the Italian nag and tho
banner of Rome were hoisted side ~
side. The cheering was delirious
when the king. after bowling hi1
thanks TO the throng. picked up the
Italian flag. waved 1t before the crowd,
and kissed IL. His children waved
their handkerchiefs and the crown
pFluG6 shouted hVFlSd lIhil4.
Willing to Shed Their Blood.
After the speechmaking was con-
cluded the king invited the mayor ana
the aldermen to go into the palace.
where the sovereign expressed his
gratitude for the loyalty and patriots
ism of the people of Rome. Prince
Colonna said;
We are willing to shed our blood
for the House OF Savoy"
King Etcfnr jnteryunfad ho Mayer
with words, Say rather for the glory
OF Italy"
The crowd then resumed street
demonstTnt lions, marching past the
Piaxxo del DragO. the home Of
Thomas Nelson Page. the Amerf-
can Ambassador. where there
were loud cheers for the United
States, and denunciation or tho
sinking OF the Ludtania. There
were angry manifestations IN
front of the German Embassy.
because the news OF tho attack ON
Signor Bollau, the Italian Ann
bassador at Berlin, had Just boon
made public.
The guard of troops outside tn
Austrian Embassy has been increased.
1t is expected that Baron Macchio, thu
diplomatic representative OF tho dual
monarchy. will leave this vening. HI
depa rture was hastened by the IN
nouncement of the mobilization de-
cree. No reply has yet been Siv0n
to the request of Prince Won Bueiows
the Kaisers representative. for 1nre~
well audience with Baron Sonnino. the
minister Of foreign affairs. The Turk
ish ambassador. Nabi Bey. will NJ
leave until the declaration Of war -
actually published.
Another Demonstration.
There was . patriotic demonstxaH
-. H. n H. - ~