Evening journal., 1918-05-25

Three years ago today Italy entered
the World War with a declaration
against Austria u Is dificult now 70
recall the Italian emotions Of that hour
when, TO quote the sneering phrase Of
Prince Won BulOw, "the street won Ia
ether words, the mass Of the Italian pe0-
pie. led by a small but earnest group
Of patriotic Young Italians" set out TO
complete the work OF the RisorgimentO
and to give Italy her national frontiers
and her stu unredeemed sons.
The purpose and spirit OF this young
Italy" were littleunderstood beyond the
Alps. Its FIRST clear expression in the
Tripolitan war led to recrimlnatiens in
London and to tense moment with
France. Yet, fundamentally, this new
stirring Of the youth Of the Peninsula
was a desire TO raise Italy from her
still humble estate among the great
powers and to free her from the slavery
which a tlmid foreign policy had i'm
posed upon her.
In May. 1915, the mass Of the Italian
people, with neorly ten months Of evil
denee OF the meaning Of the world war
before them, decided FOR the Allied
est chance Of decision for the central
powers. Italian neutrality early pro-
claimed had released the French army
corps mobllized along the Alps and In
Africa. without which the Mame could
not have been won Again italian en-
trance into the struggle on the morrow
OF the Russian disaster at the Dunajeo
gave powerful moral aid, as we'll as
material military assistance, at a dan
gerous moment. SO much ltsiy had
done for the Allies before her frst
campaign had opened.
Since that time the world has been
unjust TO Italy in-lts appraisal OF her
dlflcultles and Other achievements. u
expected TOO muchl Il understood too
little: and there were needed the dlsap-
pointments and the disasters which
have come both to Russia and 10 Britain
10 make comprehendable italian llmita-
tlons and measurable failures.
Fortunately we have acquired charity
and something more than chRrity-just
appreciatlon Of the difficulties Of other
countries our own experiences
and difficulties IN making our tsruy
preparstions. The Italian disaster al
the Isonzo last year was the 1rst In
series Of steps which brought about not
merely unity Of command but unity OF
conprehensien- between the Allies. 10
their own defeat before 81. Quentin the
British could hetter understand the
italian reverse at Csporetto Mter the
DELAYS in our own preparation we nave
been able better 10 grasp ltalys prop
lens.
And today on an anniversary or very
great Importance in the history OF TINS
war. American respect and sympathy
are alike assured to Italy. Il Is goou
thing for Inc future that Italy, who
has given us so many OF her sons.
stands with us in the battle line IL i
A good thing that In the League OF Na-
tlons OF the Western world, now n nshl,
ing for civilization and bound 10 stahu
together hereafter, Italy IS memnei
and a full member. Wfat ltaly mas cVu-
friblrted 30 the war viii be pette'
measured hereafter, but 1t Is plain 70
see that n Italy had not fought three
wears of war on the Venetian rom
there would be added to the welgl' !
of Ulndenburgs present blow many
Austrian divisions. The collapse OF
pussla. which brought misfortune sho
defeat 10 all OF us. brought the hrsl
nIsfortilne TO Italy, and carried the
gspsburE cannon almost within ranse
~ St Marks. There is an invade"
1talv az there is an invaded France
suffering and sacrifice Italy IL thu
represeted -...uo,
There ia q new source Of satisfaction
on This third anniversary In the Know
edge that the Italians have msoe ls'
and equitable arrangement WIN ti'
southern Slavs. and that henceforth on
nroblcm which weighed large IN IN
minds OF those who looked forward u
A lust settlement at the end OF tn
war is thus abolished While Fuss
assumed the role Of protector ana mas
Ter Of the Slavs Of the Adriatlo anu IN
lower Danube. italy necessarily locke
with apprehension to the east coast G
the Adriatic. But the Russian mcnac
has alike disappeared from the shore
OF the Bosporus and those OF IN
Adriatic And the Italians have wlsel
and in obedience 20 the advice or Ma
zini recognized tie aspirations and IN
legitimate hopes OF the Serbs and Croat
and Slovenian people between rum
and The Gulf Of Cattsro.
Today America salutes Italy an ally
a comrade. a nation which has Tough
bravely. suffered much and presents a.
mistaken will and a determined .iac
TO the foe. We are glad and proud L
know that as our forces are pourin
across the Atlantic to the support o
the stricken Anglo French troops b
Flanders and in Picardy other division
OF Italian troops are arriving for a sim