The Brunswick news. [volume] (Brunswick, Ga.) 1906-2016, 1915-06-03
Italy's Defense.

as TO whether Italy was justified in
entering the war There is plenty of
room for argument.
ItaIy's haggling with Austria for tire
price of peace while she made cold
blooded preparations for war. and her
final alliance with the enemies of her
former allies. have created an unfa-
vorabIc impression among many open
minded people Of all races That i'm
preston has been by no means coun-
teracted by Italy's eloquent talk of
realizing her national aspirations"
and rcscuing ITALY unredeemed"
from Austrian bondage. nor even by
the technical explanation that Austria
broke the triple alliance treaty and
refused Italy the compensation prop
erly due her.
At the same time, there is another
side to the case.
The two important steps in Italy's
remarkable change of front have been
first, her declaration Of neutrality, and
second, her joining the triple entente.
The first was almost universally APP
proved by neutrals. The world felt
that Austrias aggressions against
Scrvia were wrong, and that Italy was
legally and morally right in refusing
to back them up with her own arms,
and that she was doing II service TO
civilization by remaining out of the
war. II was recognized. too that
wise policy probably strengthened her
decision TO keep out Of the struggle.
II she had Joined Germany and Aus
tria in their war. Great Britain and
France with their overwhelming sea
power IN the Mediterranean would
have seized her African possessions
and bottled her up at home.
n italy, then, had maintained
strict neutrality, she would probably
have gone through the ordeal in Il dig
nified and honorable way. with the
respect of the impartial world But
her neutrality became continually
harder Aside from the clamor of The
people TO vent their ancient srudgo
against Austria, the traditional op-
pressor. and win back their lost Ital
ian colonies, there were important
considerations of national welfare.
Germany and Austria were bitterly
aggrieyed by what they called Italy's
ltrcachorous deseltion. They had come
to hate her. II they won. they would
seek revenge and they would have
the power to punish for many a long
year
Italy slowly came to realize chat
she did not dare TO let the Teutous
win, Having gone SO far. for her own
safety, she must 70 the rest Of the
way, and join the other side to insure
the defeat of her late allies. Her
statesmen have not openly said SO. but
there is little doubt of their compel.
ling motive, All other considerations
such aa the redemption" of tho de-
sired territory the ract that a French.
English alliance was more natural and
the desire TO protect her theoretical
interests in the Balkans aud gain con,
eeasiohs In the Orient, were subsi,
| diary To this big, imperative need Italy
felt of guaranteeing her national sal.
yatiun she entered the war. II will
be remembered. not when Austria was
crushed but when the Germanie allies
seemed at the zenith of their power.
In other words, ltaly's real plea,
stripped of all legal sub.leties and
popular misconceptions. is the plea of
necessity" Neutrals seldom admit
the full force OF such plea 1t seems.
| however. TO have been quite as nee.
essary" for Italy to join the allies for
the sake OF saving her own bacon as
it was for Austria to attack Serbia or
for Germany TO attack Belgium, Italy
has merely followed the example of
her former allies.
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