New-York tribune., 1917-10-31
II. s. Rushes
$23O,OO0,000
Loan to Italy
Action Follows Cabinet
Meeting to Decide on
Best Means to Aid Ally
By G. w. Cilber.

WASHlNGlON, Ocl. 0V'-i ne N~D'
net held a long session to-dav and 1t
is understood, discussed the Italian
situation.
Great anxiety is felt here over Mack
ensen's drive in Italy, in spite of infor-
nation from Rome that the danger has
united the Italian people. One hears
even the opinion that Germany may
force an early and inconclusive peace
b. a success in Italy, but the general
Judgment is that il is easy 20 exag-
2erate the Importance Of such inya-
sions as this.
Recognition of the serious situation
was given to-day in a $3.50, 1000 loan
to the Italian government, one OF the
largest advances so far made By the
United States to any Allied govern
ment. Action came soon after Secre-
tary McAdoo left the Cabinet meeting.
The money will be expended posthaste
in obtaining coal, munitions and guns
with which to stem, il possible. the
onrushing Teuton drive.
The inyasions Of Rumania and Rus
sia are pointed TO as instances Of sue
cessful drives which will not greatly
affect the final issue of the war. II
the Italians hold anywhere, the situa-
tion will remain practically the same
as 1t has been, except so far as the
moral advantage Of q feat OF arms
will bensft Germany. The war will
be fought out on the West front, and
all Italy needs TO do is TO keep busy
her share Of German and Austrian
troops.
L. S. Will Rush Aid
It is understood here that this gov
eminent will join the Allies in sending
whatever aid is practicable to Italy.
This assistance must be Of two kinds
immediate military assistance, espe-
cially big guns and munitions. TO be
rushed to the Taglismento front be-
fore Germany can drive Cadorna from
that position, and economic aid. 10 sus-
tain the morale of the italian people,
especially in case the Austro- &c rman
forces succeed in driving further be-
yond the Tagliamento. This country
made its first contribution of that sort
a few days ago. when it supplied Italy
with 100000 tons of shipping. The
aim Of that contribution was TO en-
courage the Italian people to sustain
the shock of the Mackensen drive
which was then seen 10 be coming.
In Italian quarters il is said tina,
Cadorna can hold his position on the
Tagliamento if guns and shells reach
him in time. The Italian army has
all along been short of big guns.
Italy Industrially Weak
Italy is not strong country indus
trially, and the shortage Of shipping
has prevented her from being ade-
quately supplied either with steel and
coal for the manufacture of munitions
or with munitions themselves. The
dispatches show that the Teutons
captured a large number of Italian
guns in the first onset, and great doubt
ia felt about the equipment OF
Cadorna's army if he succeeds in re.
forming it on the Taglismento. It is
supposed that guns and shells are be-
ing rushed from France to Italy. in the
hope of putting Cadorna into me posi-
tion 20 hold the Tsgliamento line
Whether this can be done in time de-
pends upon the condition of the Italian
troops when they reach the new line OF
defence and upon how quickly Macken.
sen will be able 20 follow up his first
blow with another at the new position
Must Maintain Morale
The great problem of this government
to meet. instead of the other Allies, is
that Of maintaining the morale of the
Italian people IL reverses more seriou.
than those already met follow in the
coming days or weeks.
The problem. like that in Russia. vii
De economic rather than military. Ital,
has begun to weary of the war, mo-
from loss OF man power, like France
but from the severe economic strair
to which she has been subjected. Sh,
has suffered severly from lack of Goa
and food. And if she is TO be held t.
the task OF purely defensive fighting
upon some line, either the one to which
she has fallen back or another. ther,
will be another demand for shippinl
TO alleviate her economic ills.
And the best that is expected o.
Italy now is that she will maintain A;
defensive fight while the war il bein,
won elsewhere. No one expects tina
IL the present German drive is hclc
az the Taglismento Italy will fight ne
way back again over the mountain,
which cost her so much TO gain an,
which she has just lost so quickly. A.
an offensive power Italy is now a
much gone as Russia herself.