The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1916-08-28
Long Awaited Declaration
Brings to End One Of Strang-
est Situations in History
ITALIANS MAY NOW
BE USED IN FRANCE
Will Add to Allies Strength
Against Teutons in West.
Rumania Expected to Take
- Similar Action Shortly

Rome. Aug. 2s.--Itaiy today Is at
war with Germany.
The declaration OF hostilities was
made by italy Following informa-
ton that 1t had reached the Imperial
German government through Swftser-
land. announcement of the govern
ments action was made here late yes
tsrday.
The intoierable situation created by
the fact that Italy was at war with Ger
nany's ally and the fact that Germany
loaned all possible support to that ally.
Austria Hungary. against Italians and
their interests, led the government to
IL decision. That decision was made
public In the following announcement:
The Italian government declares
In the name OF the King that Italy
considers herself TO be In a state OF
war with Germany as from August 2s,
and bess the Swiss government TO con-
vey this informal ton to the Imperial
German government"
The complete cessation OF all COM
municRtion between Italy and Ger
many brought about by the Austrian
Italian war made II necessary for italy
20 convey through Switzerland her
declaration OF war to Germany.
EXPECT RunnAnia To Follow.
II lis believed here that Rumanis.
with which nation Italy long has had
an entente will follow the Italian
government In a declaration of war
against the Central Empires and their
allies
In some quarters ii is expected that
this announcement by the Bucharest
government will come no later than
today or tomorrow.
Following "A meeting OF the cabinet
today the official announcement OF a
state OF war between italy and Ger
many was made A statement giving
the reasons for the action of the
Italian government also was given ons
by Baron Sonnino. minister OF foreign
affairs. 1t 10 In the form OF a COM
srnai uAs&tion TO Switzerland. g. neutral
and was transmitted through the
Italian minister at Berne. II says:
The hostile acts OF Germany to-
ward italy have become more fire.
auent suffice II to mention the per-
sistent military afd rendered to Austria
and the constant participation Of Ger
man officers soldiers and sailors in
the war against Italy.
owing to German help, Austria
Hungary was enabled 10 concentrate
her maximum effort against italy. Ger
many gave up Italian prisoners who
had escaped from Austrian concentra-
ton camps into German territory. TINS
imperial government instructed the
banks to consider Italians as enemies,
stopping payments and also stopping
pensions due italian workmen. yio-
latng the law openly and revealing
systematic hostility.
IntolcrabIc Situation.
This state OF things was intolerable
aggravating and wholly 70 ItalXs de-
triment. the situation resulting from
the fAot that italy and Germany are
allied to different groups OF states at
war.
For these reasons the italian gov
eminent declared in the name Of the
King that Italy considers herself in
state OF war with Germany as from
August - requesting the Swiss gov
eminent to inform Germany"
Ths announcement of war with
Germany had the most cheering eff
feet possible on the people. Great
crowds formed In the streets i'm
nediately the news became public
sections Of Rome. Reports from the
provincial cities tell OF equal rejoicing
throughout the nation.
Crfsae ut Bucharest
~Dtpfomattc circles have information
that Rumania will follow in Italy's
foot stops The situation ut Bucharest
has reached a crisis. 1t Ia declared. In
an effort TO quiet the populace.
ssm-ofIfciai com murication was issued
there today. The transcript reaching
here rsads:
Tho excitement and uneasiness
shown In various quarters in the last
few days made his majesty DESTROYS
of hearing privately the opinions not
only Of the government and the repre-
sentatives in Parliament but also Of
leaders Of political parties former
premiers and presidents of the
chambers.
Instead OF appreciating the real
character OF the Royal summons,
various newspapers made 1t a pretext
for fresh agitation and excitement
accompanied by unwarranted COM
ments and false details.
A possibility much discussed here
tonight is that large number of
Italian troops will be sent into France
to aid the allies on the western front.
A great offensive invasion of Alsace,
directed from Belfort as a base, Is
declared to be the plan OF the allied
commanders.
Declaration Not Unexpected.
London. Aug. 27.-Declaration of
Yfa1 ~. han