The Brattleboro daily reformer. (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1913-1955, 1915-04-30

Present War.
ROME, April 80 - Commercial expan-
sion has been the keynote of Italian policy
in the Mediterranean. In this, Italy has
been actuated by motives of self-interest.
just as any country would be. When the
war of the nations broke out eight months
ago, Italy was placed in an extraordinarily
difficult position. Every month of neu-
trality increased the difficulties of her DO
stion.
To meet these difficulties at ALL It was
absolutely necessary for Italy to reserve to
herself freedom of action. This she wisely.
did, Now if she enters the war attention
should be called to Italy's hopes and fears
as related to her trade interests For
these hopes and fears explain many things.
Commercial expansion is intimately con-
nected with political expansion Italy
understands this perfectly. She under
stands what would happen to her poIiti-
caly and commercially if her army and
navy, on being put to the test, proved in
effective, and what would happen if, as a
neutral, she came to be looked upon as a
nation not to be reckoned with She also
has considered carefully what gains might
be hers, territoriaIly. in sea prestige and
IN trade, with successful campaigns. She
has had to look upon the situation from
every angle.
ItaIy's first thought in the midsummer
OF 1914 was of her own peril. She began
To strive toward the goal of military and
naval preparedness. For nearly half a
year, Italy practically has been ready to
act, should occasion have required. Nat
uraly, March found her more prepared
than she was last autumn. Even then,
however, she was in much better shane
than either England or France at the com
mencement Of the war. The earthquake
interrupted, but did not seriously inter
fere with national plans for Preparedness
Italy realized that she might be drawn
suddenly into the war. Left to herself
She much preferred to take her time. She
calmly accepted the chance of waiting too
long. There was this chance, to be sure
but also there was the chance Of gaining
much without fighting of entering the
struggle ON the right side and at Just the
right instant for Italy.
1t was figured by those in authority that
the waiting game, if not too much drawn
out, would not harm Italy's commercial
expansion, and might help it materially.
Commercial expansion, along with the
preservation Of national interests gener-
ally, has been what responsible officials
have kept in mind.
1t may be set down as a fact that the
Italian policy of 1914-1J has not been
mapped ont with the object of serving the
ends Of nations other than Italy. Berlin
and Jenna scarcely could have been sur
p1ised last summer at the cabinets an
nouncement that Italy interpreted the
Triple Alliance as a purely defensive pact
and so refused to Join Germany and Aus
tra in the war. The Giolitti revelations
show that months before the outbreak Of
war Italy had been sounded by Austria
with respect to the Dual Monarchys in-
tentions toward Servia. Italy's response
was disappointing to Austria. 1t now is
said that this response was confirmation
OF response given some time previously,
when the same subject was preached, Italy
had evidenced willingness to come to
understandings with France and England
III so far as her own Mediterranean inter
ests We're concerned. Despite the leauings
OF individuals, therefore. and despite Teu-
tome pressure, Italy long ago was marking
out path of her own.
To this distiuctively Italian policy the
Salandra cabinet fell heir. The cabinet has
developed this policy. 1t is a careful cabi-.
net, with a reputation for being level
headed. 1t is not enthusiastic about cbas-
ing what may turn out to be wills-o'-the-
wisp at best, doubtful CLEANS Turing Italy
g to possible conquest and political advan-
tdge, At any rate, the cabinet has had no
idea OF following CLEANS without keeping
out an eve for pitfalls. 1t has studied the
developments of the war, as it should, in
relation to the interests Of Italy. Along
hli e ,1..I
months has been in favor of the allies. the
government has taken into account the
popular feeling aroused in Italy by the
treatment of Belgium.
Salandra Is recognized as a safer premier
than GiOlltti. The latter is a wonderful
organizer, but he has more of the politi-
cian than the statesman in his makeup
In Salandra the statesman predominates
Baron Sonniuo also is showing expected
strength in the ministry for foreign affairs
Germany undoubtedly suffered a loss in
the death last October of the Marquis Iii
San Guillano, who had been minister of
foreign affairs since 1900
In the weighing Of probabilities reference
to which has just been made. Italy has
not shown any disposition to minimize
German power. She could not afford to
minimize it. Italy doubtless has arrived
present
extent and prospects of Austro-T Hungarian
power. Austria of itself does not alarm
her, But Italy, naturally, has appreciated
the strength Of German influence in Ger
tam quarters in the Balkans, and. in par
tlcular, the strength of German influence
at Constantinople. She has had to consid-
cr the possible results to her own posses
slons of a general Moslem uprising. Ger
many most acute diplomatist, Prince
Won Buelow. was placed in Rome and
clothed by his government with large an
thority. Won Buelow, by the way, is
more at home in Rome than in any other
lsace outside of Germany BY promise
and by other means. Germany has been
untlng in efforts TO keep Italy from
joining the allies-at any rate, to keep her
neutral.
Meanwhile, the attack on the Dardan-
Giles develops Italy knows what that