The Washington times., 1917-11-20

have been fighting Germany alone Italy alone fighting
Germany and Austria Combined.
The allies fastening troops guns and ammunition
70 Italy but the Italian soldier unaded thus far badly
vded with ammunition without big guns has checked and
held the rush of the combined Austrian and German armies
IA marvellous achievement
Tribute to this high courage paid by the editor Of the
Echo de PGris
This magnificent defense by Italians is made under
most difficult fighting conditions in spite of treachery and
Before the German attack was made Italian soldiers at
the front had distributed among them mysterousy by spies
copies of what they believed to be real italian newspapers
They apparently the welknown Italian newspapers
printed in italian exactly like certain genuine Italian
papers with this exception:
They had been printed in Germany for distribution among
Italian soldiers and certain reasonable and sedous articles
had been inserted.
These articles read by Italian soldiers and according to
their belief written by Italian editors at home told of riot
ing and burning in Italian cities told of revolution in France
aroused hatred by accusing the English of ncon-
cvabe crimes urged the soldiers to return from the front
to protect their families That ONE sample of cunning
German attack
In the sudden excitement caused BY the onslaught of
the German army released from the Russian frontier this
happened.
phones within Italian lines called up various posts of i'm
poance at the 'front.' ordered those guarding them
treat The only reply to requests for explanation that
the order from the high command and must be obeyd
Those supposedly Italian officers telephoning in Ita
ian uniforms, in reality Bulgarian officers disguised
n Italian uniforms educated at the military school of
Milan, speaking Italian perfectly
Among the masses of population old men and women
Freang before the German attack Italian officers endeav
crng to restore order observed certain awart young 1
ian peasants helping the feeble passing from group to
money.
One Of these benevolent powerful young men in Ita
ian peasant dress heard by Italian officer to speak
with an Italian accent not quite accurate.
he found to be German officer dressed Ital
ian peasant sent in with others like him to panic and
dissension.
This particular peasant with sixteen of his fellows
On the same day last week
It is impossible to exaggerae the cunning for that
these German officers sent inside the lines stripping off
their uniforms dressing Italian peasants rsng almost
certain death 1t is marvellous proof of organization and
discipline
Nothing more romantic could be imagined than the
condition Of five thousand Italian soldiers at this moment
holding against the Germans a strong position Monte
Nero fifteen miles inside Of what the German lines
and surrounded on all sides by German forces
These Italians win in the end must be gradually
cut down, and have refused to surrender.
As they fight in the middle of the German invaders
food is taken to them by powerful aeroplanes
The aeroplanes do not STOP but flying low, drop their
cargoes and reurnsnmethng in war, and unheard of
since the ravens fed Elijah.
Soon French and English regiments, big guns and am
munition Will be cooperating with Italy against the
hined armies of Austria and Germany Meanwhile let it
be remembered to the honor of Italy that Germany and
Austria have been held the open plain by the Italian
soldiers standing up against Odds fighting with light guns
and losing least twenty five thirty thousand day
Let that answer those that know nothing OF modern
Italy misunderstood the character courage and patriotism
of the Italians and here in America ask whether the
Italians are able meet real German soldiers face to face
Anybody who has the broad, chested Italian
ormen building the railroads of the United States doing
work that this country cannot do for ITSELF ought not TO-
question Italian power.
Luckily the Austrians and Germans have added to the
cunning Of their spies particular brutality that has swept
away ali dissension in Italy caused by sociastc political
religious and other differences.
The Italians have learned Of the black jacks made Of
lead covered with leather that the Austrian soldiers to
IN wounded enemies with blow the temple and with
out wasting cartridge"
They have heard true stories Of Austrian ocers and
gentlemen" testing their skill with the revolver lines OF
HELPLESS Italian prisoners They have learned what hap
pens to Wor and children that fall into the hands Of the
(Continued At Bottom Of Last Colunnl