Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1918-02-05
By HERBERT COREY


period spent in Italy, during which l in
vestigated the causes leading up to and
the results to be anticipated from the
recent military debacle, have returned
to Paris to write the story.
Any other course would have been
folly. For two years an incredibly
medieval government and a stupidity
repressive censorship have kept the
truth from the world. 1t is not to be
assumed that any Italian censor would
wise what 1 have to tell.
Yet that story, properly written and
properly read, should be filled with en-
coura cement for the allied cause and for
the future of democracy. 1t may De
sharply outlined in a few sentences:
The Italian army has been crippled by
the loss of 100000 prisoners and $500
guns. including virtually all of it's
most modern pieces of artillery. In spite
Of that il is lighting on with magnih-
cent dash and courage. There is an I'M
touched reserve of man power awaiting
call.
The Italian parliament is still the
Giolitti parliament of before the war;
which was then pro-German and pro-
peace. Giolitti can recognize the gov
eminent when he sees tit Giolitti-"the
Director'-was the instrument through
which Buelow and Burian, respectively
representing Germany and Austria,
worked in the days just preceding the
war.
Yet Giolitti may not see fit to attempt
a reorganization. In spite or his pollt-
icaI power he could not saddle and bride
the Italian people before the war. He
was a dictator, yet he was stoned in
the streets. While Italy remained
bundle Of only half-conscious and more
or less antagonistic states his boss-ship
was supreme.
But Italy is responding in heroic fash
ion to the stimulus of invasion. For the
first time in her present political incar-
nation of forty-siX years she promises
to become a nation. Giolitti himself
by the testimany of some who know him
well-may cease to be a boss and be-
come a patriot.
consequences of the most enormous
value may follow. Italy may abandon
the very real friendship for. Germany
she felt in the past and, because of the
invasion, become a strongly loyal MEM
Der of the new alliance of the democra-
cies of the west against the autocra-
cies of the center.
Thousands of Italians have known and
loved the United States. but Italy as
state has neither known US we'll nor
loved us we'll. The door is open to
real friendship. 1t depends upon our
selves. She may come to share that
feeling of confidence that is now mani
tested by the republics of South Ameri-
ca after their years of doubt
Two things must be understood in
America. One is that without our aid
Italy must starve. She is nearer the
starvation line today than any other of
the allied nations. The other is that
her arms must be supported. She must
have trained men and guns in plenty.
Up to the debacle of October % and
the days Immediately succeeding, the
story of Italy may be divided into two
parts-military and political. They were
a mere interlacement of weaknesses. The
great wonder is that collapse was so long
delayed. Conditions in the army were
as bad as they could be. At Rome an
inefficient government was supported by
parliament of more than doubtful
loyalty.
Both were under fire from two sources
of propaganda which, differing in motive,
worked toward the same end. The Of
fetal Socialists, who claim SO0s of the
1000 mayors of Italy, and have a string
of-according to the Italian papers
scores of newspapers, preached peace
and limited at revolution. A powerful
pro-German element clamored for peace.
Because the military collapse was the
instrument through which conditions
were brought to light it should be ex-
amined first
For more than two years che Italian
armies fought magniicently and with
excellent success. The European and
American publics have refused the Ital-
ian soldiers the credit that is their due
and have failed-until the tragedy of
October-to ascribe it's proper value to
the Italian front.
IAN army of beggars and mandolin
players" was an Austrian taunt that
has never been forgiven by Italy.
There is no more difficult terrain in
Europe than the one in which the Italian
armies have been fighting. 1t is baking
hot in summer and of an arctic cold
in winter. 1t is all mountain peaks ana
rocks and sand. Yet the Italians went
steadily forward They were thrown
back by the Austrians in 1915, but raj
lied superbly. Cadorna effected a mag
nificent mobilization of resources and
entered upon a triumphant counter Of
fensive.
"Great italy" was in Sight
This reched its climax this year when
the plateau of Bainsizza was taken.
GorZia had fallen. Italy was in sight
Of her twin goals of the Trentino and
Triest National hopes mounted high.
Albania was seized in the hope of Off
setting the French advance through Sa-
lonica. The plan was to trade Albania
10 the French for Tunis. and thus Ito
set a bar across the Mediterranean"
have in my possession map printed