The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1918-09-24

tary observers that have carefully
studied the exact situation in Italy.
Mere Presence of Americans Enough.
Even If the Americans never fired
4 shot on the battle line, nor never
went out of a training camp, the ef-
feet of their mere presence in Italy
would be so tremendous that in all
probability the Italians would break
the Austrian line and inflict a blow
that would practically put Austria out
of business.
with active American help on the
battle line this result is regarded as
absolutely certain. The mere pres
ence of II considerable body of Amer
icsn troops would give the Italians at
the front and at home such an inspir-
alton that nothing could stop them.
One Punch Would Put Austria Out.
Austria. according to the best OBJ
tainab information, is notNfar from
collapsing anyway, and with one swift
punch, such as the Italians would give
her, If they were adequately supported
and encouraged. would leave Germany
in the impossible position of carrying
on the war alone. This in the judg-
ment of these military authorities,
would be by far the quickest. surest
and least expensive way to end the
war.
whether that is right or wrong.
at least it is perfectly apparent that
Italy ought to have, as she has de-
served, the most liberal and practical
support from the United States. She
is at present in very sore need of coal,
steel and. to some extent, of lubricat-
ing oil. Last winter she was practical
ly without coal and the suffering of
the people, especially in northern
Italy, was very real ana very great.
She ought not to be compelled to go
thru another such winter The nor
NAL coal supply of Italy in peace times
comes from Great Britain. Great
Britain this winter. for certain rea-
sons, will be unable to supply Italy
with even as much coal as she sent
there last year.
Italy In Hard Straits.
1T is of the gravest importance that
the people of Italy, who have endured
with wonderful fortitude far more and
far worse things than we in America
have ever imagined, should not be
compelled to go thru another such
winter. With the proper effort in this
country, with only little spirit OF
sacrifice OF which the people in the
other allied countries have shown sc
much, we ought to be able to spare for
Italy enough coal to Bile her to gel
thru the winter. Already many of her
munition works are closed because OF
the fuel.
Italian Morale Threatened.
"At best the coal supply in Italy has
never been what it ought to be- If
now, it is to be still further curtailed
conditions will arise familiar to every
military observer, that will have dis
turbing possibilities. We can NEE,
this emergency and we ought to do it.
We ought to begin to do it at once and
not stop until we are assured that
Italy has the coal, the steel and the
oil necessary to enable her to keep up
her magnificent work in behalf of the
common cause.
1T would be infinitely better, for in
stance, for us to do as they do in Eng
land, that is to say, warm only one
room instead of the entire house; cut
out the pleasure riding; cut out every
new electrical sign; cut out the hot
water, rather than to allow an ally SO
gallant and SO important to be weak
ened to point vital to our success. u