New-York tribune., 1918-05-24
Nations Celebration of
Ally's Entry Into Struggle
Begins in Washington
Lansing Reads
Wilson'S Message
Eagles Of Rome and u. S.
Sure of Victory, Says
Secretary

wxr was celebrated in Washington to-
night at mass meeting under the
patronage of President Wilson and at
which Secretary Lansing and Count
Macchi di Celuere, the Italian ambas-
sador, we're speakers. Many high gov
crnment officials, foreign diplomats
and members of Congress attended.
message from President Wilson
extending fraternal GREETINGS 70 the
Italian people and bidding them god
speed was read by Secretary Lansing.
1t has been cabled to Ambassador Pace
at Rome and will be read througho-S
Italy tomorrow at celebrations COM
memo-ating the day three years ago
when Italy again unfurled her battle
flag against the huns. The Presidents
message is printed elsewhere
The celebration here tonight was
the forerunner of many that are to be
held over the country tomorrow. OBJ
servance of ltaly's Day was requested
by President Wilson in a message to
the nation last Sunday, and at his di-
rection Italian flags were raised TODAY
on all government buildings in the
United States. State Governors also
have ordered the flying of the red,
white and green emblems tomorrow on
state buildings.
Secretary Lansing, in addressing the
mass meeting after reading the Presi-
dents message, said the anniversary
Of a great national decision is ALWAYS
worthy OF commemoration when it
means that people, regardless of the
sacrifice, have proclaimed their purpose
TO support the right.
Secretary Lansing's speech follows:
"The anniversary of a great national
decision is always worthy of commem-
grafton when that decision means that
q RI Of
proclaimed their purpose to support
tie right.
"Three years ago italy made her
great decision. On that cay, which will
eysr be memorable in history, she
wrote across her battlefags the word
Liberty, and unfurled them to the
world. Under this common banner OF
civilization she marshaled her armies
and marched northward where the
clouds of war darkened her borders.
"Since that hour of decision the
Italians have courageously struggled
against the Teutons. To-day the pres
ence of the foe defiles the soil of Italy,
but we who are warning against the
same enemy of mankind have confidence
that the national spirit of Italy and
the genius of ltaly's generals will force
back the invaders.
"To those who know the past there
j
sons of ancient Rome ale standing to-
day, even as their forefathers stood,
face to face with the barbarians of the
north. With the same indomitable
will, which nesyly twenty centuries ago
bore the standards of Rome to the CON
fines of the world, Italy's legions are
now defending her cities and fertile
fields from ruthless hordes and with
dauntless hearts challenging the bar
narians who dare to seek the mastery
of the earth
ut is almost three thousand years
since the Romans found place in the
chronicles of mankind. From that time
until the present the spirit of liberty
has had its apostles and defenders
among the Latin race. And in these
latter days the descendants of those
champions, whose deeds adorn the an
nails of history, have been summoned
even as their ancestors were sum-
moned, to battle against the foes OF
liberty. Again Italy, possessor of the
richest monuments of antiquity, the
repository of the tradition and art OF
the modern world. is in jeopardy. Ir
the ages past Italy was saved by the
patriotism, the valor and the sacrifice
of Italians. So will Italy be agair
saved.
ooh, you of the blood of people who
have given SO much to civilization, nc
greater task has ever fallen upon you
no greater duty has ever been the lot
OF the Italian race, than that which is
yours to- day. You are called forth te
defend the land which is enshrined ir
the heart of the world as the cradle Of
Justice and of liberty. Fail you cannot
fail you must not. fail you will not il
such a cause and in such a crisis.
This is no time to measure the pric,
which must be paid in blood and treas
ure. No price is too large, no sacrifice
100 great, for the protection of you
sacred heritage from the invaders.
To-day America, youngest of tn,
great powers of the earth, is proud tt
cross the seas and to stand side by sid,
with the most ancient power of Europ,
IN upholding the standard of democrac,
and to unite in proclaiming to the ma
tions tortured by war that peace mus
be won and will be won by the nigh
OF liberty loving men, a glorious peac
which will endure throughout the age
because it is written in the book O
destiny that freedom will rise trium
phant from the ashes Of this desoate
world.
ITO gallant Italy, to our loyal asso
ciate and friend, we of America exten
greetings on this day of reconsecratio
TO noble cause, on this day when tn
itaiaan people renew their SOlem
pledge to resist to the uttermost tn
accursed ambitions of the military rul
ers of Germany and Austria.
''italy's decision was the decision o
people who preferred the horrors O
war to dishonor. who preferred to di
rather than to be enslaved by Prussia
masters or by Prussia's vassals.
breathed anew the valOr of Rome.
UNITED with you of the Latin rae
are we who could desire no proude
title than The Romans of the West
citizen of this young republic coul
crave no higher public virtue nor cove
more devoted patriotism than ths
which inspired dwcller on the 'Seve
Hills in the brave days Of the ol
Roman Republic.
My friends of America and of Ital
we will win this war. 1t may be on til
wasted fields of Flanders and Picardy
it may be in the valley of the Piave an
amid the snow crowned peaks of tn
Alps; or. it may be on German lane
beyond the Rhine. Somewhere an
somehow and sometime we will win.
cannot be otherwise, for we fight fl
justice, for liberty and for humanity.
You, men of Italy, you, men of tn
country, must not doubt for momeI
the outcome. As sure as there is
just God in heaven, the day will daw
when victory will crown the eagles {
Rome as sin ancient days, and side
side with the victors, and sharing the
glory, will be the eagle of America.