Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1917-05-28
Italy and America

a LMOST it would seem that General Ca
dorna's unchecked drive toward Trieste
was timed so as to bring news of Italy's sue
cessful military operations to the forefront
just when the Italian commission to this
country had begun it's conference with this
government Certainly the result of the Of
tenslVe OH the Carso plateau just at this time
is peculiarly Fortunate in that it will serve
to quicken public interest in America in the
part played by Italy since her entrance into
the war. OF course. Washington is familiar
with ltaly's sacrifices and achievements, but
the people in general have permitted the
thought of Great Britain, France and Russia
to subordinate unduly in their minds what
Italy has done and what she will do-with
our help.
In the first place, it is to be remembered
that Italy is in effect democracy, despite
her royalty and its privileges. Except that
the crown is hereditary, it possesses few At
tributes not common also to elected heads
Of republics. The King of Italy has not as
much actual power as the President OF the
United States. Therefore, Italy's part in the
war has not been due in any sense TO the
within or ambition OF monarch, or even of
an autocracy, but to the will Of the people
And the will of the people-which accorded
with that of the house of Savoy-compelled
ltaly's alignment with the allies. in the face
OF powerful and insidious German influence
During the earlier months of the war there
was much criticism of Italy's apparent in
decision: OH the one hand. there was
the triple allNnce, to which she was
party the other, there was Italia ir-
rendenta." which cried for reclamation from
Austria. Between the two, Italy was torn;
but on the side of the triple alliance was
the German influence, including Giolitti
great political boss, while joining in the ap-
peal OF unredeemed Italy was the voice of
the Italian people 1t was not unnatural that
there should be delay, and it is not incred-
IDLE that a considerable cause Of that delay
was, also. a determination that when Italy
did go to she should be prepared to
fight
How wise that determination was and how
thorough the preparation can best be ap-
preciated by recalling the fact that, alone
among the allies, Italy is fighting in enemy
territory. The positions her troops now
occupy have been won by almost super
human eXertions, under one of the most bril-
liant generals the war has disclosed. and the
daily reports indicate that still greater adj
vantages are about to be gained. For Italy,
the courage and success of her soldiers point
to an ultimate realization OF her dreams of
the lost provinces; for her allies, they have
meant the r:,n holding Of hundreds of thou
sands Of Austrian. and perhaps German
fighting men from the other fronts. not to
speak Of the economic effect on the central
powers
IT is in order that Italy's strength may he
maintained and further increased that the
distinguished mission sent to us. Italy
does not need food, but she does need other
supplies in addition TO money. which we
can furnish. There is pressing need of coal
and of many metals. The presence of Brit
ish artillery on her front points to shortage
directly attributable to lack of material
Italy has an abundance OF ma n power and an
abundance Of unfailng courage but without
the products and ships in which to transport
them. she Is unable to exert the limit of her
ability. To arrange for these Is the chief
object OF the commission 10 this country
We must join with Italy as we have
Joined with her allies 10 make the world
safe for democracy