Evening star., 1915-05-12
OBSERVERS ARE AGREED
DECISIVE STEP is NEAR
Former Premier Giolitti, Still Striv-
ing for Neutrality, Will Sup
port the Government.
WAR VOTE WITH THE KING
Constitution Vests in Him Decision,
But He Is Expected to Accept
Verdict of the
Ministry.

| ROME, May II, via Paris, 3:45
p.m.-What is considered the last
| definite proposal of Austria con-
cerning the territorial conces-
sions demanded by Italy..was re-
ceived today by the Italian gov
ernment.
The cabinet at once went into
session to consider the communi-
cation.
Final Decision With King.
ROME. Nav IL. via Paris-Final de-
cision as to whether Italy shall declare
war or remain neutral rests with King
Victor Emmanuel. The Italian consti-
tuition gives to the sovereign alone au-
thority to declare war, make peace and
conclude treaties
Ihere Is a diversity OF opinion in the
tapltai. however. as to whether action
pN ms majesty should be purely formal
or SIMPLY In accordance with the de-
cisIon reached by his ministers Those
VINO favor making his constitutional
prerOgatiye more than matter Of
form are urging that as soon az Ans
tria makes its final decision regarding
terrltoriai concessions the cabinet sha il
ask the king to take supreme command
and rely upon his judgment
Responsibility With Cabinet.
Apparently, however, majority nj,
the people believe the cal b1net must as
sumo the responsibility one way c- an
other. with the certainty that it's deci-
sion will be sustained almost unani-
mously by parliament and the country.
The part that parliament is to play re-
mains uncertain. 1t may or il NAV
NOT De asked to express an opinion as
10 the wfsest course to pursue.
The nnal Austrian counter proposals
are expected soon. but ii is not expect
ed they will satisfy the demands of the
ca bfnet. which insists upon the cession
OF all territory either racially or strate-
gically Italian.
In State of Indecision.
Italy is In a state Of indecision today
with regard to her stand for or against
war. She Is halting between the opin-
ion of former Premier Giolitti. who be-
lieves it would be better to avoid war
and that of the cabinet
Giornale D'Italia which Is supposed to
reflect the governments views, with
holding the conviction that Italy for
complex and grave reasons cannot
cept the scant offers of Austria, even
putting aside the delay with which
they were made. and considers it more
advantageous to join the war on the
side OF the allies
The opposite opinion of even such
an authoritative parliamentary man as
Gioiitti, the newspaper adds, "canpot
make the cabinet recede from the reso-
luton il has arrived at after long and
conscientious diplomatic work and the
! military preparations that have been
made.
Signor GioIitti it is declared will
support the cabinet even il war is de-
| clared. putting his patriotic duty above
| difference in opinion.
Troops Suppress Disorders.
| Troops were called out last night to dis
perse great crowd Of war enthusiasts
who paraded the principal streets crying
Down with Austria Down with Gioiitti".
and cheering for Premier Salandra and
| Minister of Foreign Affairs Sonnino
Most Of the persons in the throng ap-
| parentlv felt great aninosity toward
| Former Premier Giolitti who is regarded
as the leader Of the peace parley An
| attempt were made to storm his resi-
dence but it was frustrated by soldiers.
/ The crowd jeered as Il passed the Ger
man ecclesiastical college.
| Demonstra tions similar to that in the
| ca pita are occurring in the larger towns
| throughout the country Clashes with
those who favor neutrality have been pre-
vented several times by the Intervention
| Of troops and the police.
| Every precaution has been taken by
the authorities of Rome to protect the
| Austrian and German diplomats ac-
Z L. tn lt,Ir
| can.
| Governments Hands Free.
| The two great political bodies In
| taly-that in favor of war and that
which believes the country should re-
| main neutral to attain its national aa-
| Ipirations-have. up to the present time
refraine from any direct endeavors
| To interfere with the deliberations ~
| or the conclusions to be reached by the
J cabinet and this in spite of the very
tagitated discussion of these national
| questions which Is going on from one
| end Of the kingdom to the other The
/ groups fayoring war are the democrats
J the radicals. the republicans the ma
tionalists, the reform socialists and the
| ,noderates Those on the other side ~
the question are the Catholics. the in
I transigent socialists. the conservatives
F. and the supporters OF former Premier
/ tiiolitti.
| Signor GioIitti is still firmly convinced
that the war can yet be avoided by the
obtaining from Austria of adequate con-
cessions. On the other hand, the GiornaIe
dItalia. in an article called Plain speak
ing. recapitulates the present situation
6wells on the possibilities of a runture
with the neutral faction. and in unmis-
taxable words condemns the course fol-
lowed by Giolitti.
Reports Situation Grave.
BERLIN. via Amsterdam and London
May II. 2:10 p.m-The Tageblatt says:
"The situation in Italy continues con-
fused, and. despite exertions made at a
late hour by neutralists, is undenia bly,