The Eureka sentinel. [volume] (Eureka, Nev.) 1902-current, 1915-05-29
Italy Formally Declares War

Hungary. The decree which brings the eleventh nation into the
war W signed by King Victor Emmanuel at Q o'clock this after
noon. Hostlities are to begin tomorrow.
, The first clash between Italian and Austrian troops occurred at
Forcellini di Montozzo soon after the declaration Of hostiities had
been signed. An Austrian patrol crossed the border in a pass bet
ween Pont di Lego and Pejo and was driven back by Italian Alpine
chasseurs with slight losses.
All Austrian and German ships in italian harbors have been
ordered confscated by a royal decree issued to-day Immense
bodies of troops are massed on both sides of the border. 1t is re-
ported here that 100000 Austro- Germans II concentrated and ready
to cross the frontier. An enemy torpedo fleet is cruising OF Cattaro
EVENTS LEADING UP TO DECISION TO ENTER WAR
The entrance of Italy into the world war which began last Aug
ust brings the number of States engaged in the conflict up to IL
Italy, allied with Germany and Austria Hungary since 1882 in the
triple alliance. was called upon last Summer shortly after the as
sassination of the Austrian crown price at Sarajevo, Bosnia, to sup
port the Germanic empires. She declined and there began a series
of diplomatic negotiations which soon resolved themselves into Ell
forts on the part of Germany and Austria Hungary to induce Italy
to remain neutral.
Prince Won Buelow, an astute German statesman, whose wife is
an Italian woman, was sent to Rome with instructions to do his ut
most to save the situation. He labored indefatigably for months,
but in vain. He offered Italy certain parts of Austrian territory as
the price of her neutrality, but her answer was always, ut is not
enough" 1t now appears that Austria did not really believe that
Italy would enter the field against her.
In the meantime there had arisen instantly a war party, led by
"Irredentists," which made its voice heard in no uncertain terms
Dispatches from Rome for months past have indicated that the SEN
timent for active participation in the war was stronger by far than
that on the side of continued neutrality.
People Demand War
The cabinet of Premier Salandra resigned early in May. This
was the signal for violent demonstrations in many of the important
cities of the kingdom, all in favor of war. A wave of patriotic
fervor swept the country and the people were loud in their demands
for beginning of hostiities. Troops had to be called out to main
tain order, but everybody and everything representing continues
neutrality was denounced and decried. Even relatives of King Vic
tor Emmanuel we're hooted and there was talk of revolution. The
emperor of Austria was burned in eigy in Rome aud Pre-
mier Gioitt, leader of the pacifcists, was driven into secusion-
These evidences Of the popular determination had their effect
The announcement was made that the ministry Of Premier Salandra
would continue in Office, whereupon there was instant calm through
out the country. Having gained their point, the people quoted
down as quickly as they had risen to voice their determination and
turned their faces to await the call to arms.
Futile Efforts
For months the diplomatic exchanges between Vienna and
Rome had been constant, but the most persistent efforts of the dip
lomats to keep Italy out of the war were futile. The triple alliance
was denounced by Italy on May 4, but even after this diplomatic
endeavors we're continued, Austria offering Italy further concessions
as late as may 10.
Italys first move on land undoubtedly will be against the Aus
trian frontier. Large numbers of her troops are modified in this
territory and the forces OF Austria Hungary are lined up on the other
side of the boundary. The very mountainous character of the ter
rain. where the opposing armies face each other, the southern part
of the Austrian Alps. promises operations and fighting OF the most
difficult nature. For several weeks past both the Austro- Hungarians
and the italian armies have been engaged in f~ortiying and other
wise adopting protective measures. each on its side of the dividing
line.
Fleet In Adriatic
So far as known the italian feet is mostly in the Adrahc, un-
der the command of the Duke of Abruzzi, who is known to many
Americans through his visit to the United States some 10 years ago.
It is generally believed that the feet will proceed promptly against
the naval strength of Austria in these waters.
One great purpose of Italy in entering the war is to gain pos
session of "unredeemed Italy, a sweep of Austrian territory to the
north and east near the head of the Adriatic sea. This region,
which includes Trente and Trieste, is italian in all but nationality.
To attain it has long been her cherished am bhion.
Italy's total war strength, including resources of all kinds, is
figured at about 100000 men.
rroob Mrraoroa Moor Elm awful tragedy had ouarreled over