Evening star., 1917-11-02
MORALE OF ITALY
BETTER FOR PERIL
People United as Never Be-
fore for Prosecution of
the War.
SPIES TO BE SUPPRESSED

Though Italy's military fate still
hangs in the balance, one Of the most
potent factors in her resistance, the sol
idarity of her people, now has been
fully assured.
Along with this Information came the
news that the italian government,
amazed at the extent German spy ac-
tivities and German propaganda played
in the drive against her armies. Is TAX
ing drastic steps to suppress further
activities of this kind.
Great fear was expressed in the drst
two days Of the Italian reverses that
the retreat of Cadorna's armies might
be accompanied by a loss of morale on
the part of both soldiers and civilians.
1t now develops that Germany had been
working, almost unimpeded. for the
Decentralization.
People United by Peril.
But the effort has failed. Dispatches
received here through many channels
indicate that the Won Mackensen Of
fensive has only resulted in uniting the
Italian people as they have not been
united before since they entered the
war. In addition to the information re-
Ambassador Page has made similar re-
port to the State Department.
Though the insfdious German efforts
have failed. the Italian government
through this sort Of activity. carried
on to a greater evtent in that country
than anywhere else In Europe. except
ing in Russia Prime Minister Orlando
was enthusiastically applauded when.
in the italian parliament Yesterday. he
said, in effect, that the time now has
come when Italy must for the time
being suppress her priced liberty Of
expression to save the country.
Effort already Is being made to deal
used as tools by the German propa-
gandists. to discourage defense Of
italian soil and drastic curbing of
criticism OF Italy's war policy Is ex-
German Work Thorough.
Further dispatches indicate the thor
oughness with which Germany went to
work to spread dissension among the
Italian people. She sought to incite
food riots In various cities, to encour-
age the more extreme branches OF the
ment and demand immediate cessation
Of the war. She worked among the
Catholic population, already somewhat
perturbed because 1t was believed the
allies had not given sufficient atten-
tion to the peace note Of the Pope. and
sions Of the italian army. to weaken
their resistance when the combined
German and Austrian forces were ready
for their attack.
and German military leaders Of the
exact status of supplies and ammuni-
tion In Gen. Cadorna's troops, directed
the work Of the agents who sought to
demorali.e the lukewarm divisions
among the troops: and told the time
and place whom the attack would be
most effective.
Now Back Of Government.
Additional information has been re-
ceived here to indicate that the promise
of the parliament socialist group to lay
aside domestic points Of difference and
unite in supporting the government
was made in good faith. and confer
ences already have been held in Rome
to ascertain how this cooperation
could be made most effective. When last
heard from the conferees were await
ing the arrival of Deputy Turati Of
Milan. leader Of this wing of the So
cialists. and 1t Is probable that he is
now in Rome and the conferences have
been resumed.
Otnef Socailst groups, 1nciudlng the
dissidents, radicals. revolutionary and
the so called "ohicials' have given evi-
dence in varying forms OF their loyalty
to the government. and only the inter-
nationalist. in the minority, show any
disposition to refuse their support to a
vigorous prosecution OF the war. The
clerical element also, under pressure Of
the danger to the country. has lined up
with the government, and expressions
Of their unwavering support have been
printed in II Corrire d'Italia and other
influential Catholic papers