The Bismarck tribune. [volume] (Bismarck, N.D.) 1916-current, 1918-08-19
MONDAY, AUGUST 10, 1918.

II was particularly impressed with
the statements of some Of our own
troops on the western front who are
stationed in contact with the Italian
Expeditionary Force there. Our boys
report that the Italian priyates are
eager to get at the foe. They express
Impotence with their officers when
they are not allowed to charge the
German lines. This same spirit ex.
lists among the troops in northern Italy.
"They feel that the only critical dan
ger in the present situation is that
Germany, fought to a standstill on the
western front, may leave enough men
there to hold the line for the time, be-
ing and turn her attention to Italy
with the purpose of putting. Italy out
Of the war and then, reinforced by
Austrian troops, be able TO defeat
France and England. In the event
that Austria, aided by Germany. should
make any considerable inroads into
Italy there is some danger that the
Bolshevik spirit in Italy might be
aroused and considerable disorganiza-
ton result.
Confidence In American People. H.
"Eut the Italian people have su.
premc confidence that America is com.
ing to the rescue in time to avert this
danger. Everywhere l found express
sions of the most cordial appreciation
OF what America has already done and
has promised to do for the Allied
cause There Is no question now but
what Italy looks upon the United
States as devoted ff1end. President
Wilson lis popular hero in Italy.
They believe that our motives are en-.
tirely1 disinterested.
"They are particularly delighted
with the work Of the American Red
Cross in Italy. It was through this Ur.
ganization that the first effects Of the
American alliance was felt there. I
found that in many districts: of Italy
the change Of sentiment towards the :
United States was due almost entirely
to the magnificent services Of the
American Red Cross.
"Ofticials and people alike are urgent
that the United States send troops
to Italy. They look upon this not
merely as final proof Of American
friendship and means of furthertng
the unity of the Allied forces, but as
needed reinforcement by troops for
whose ability as fighters they have the
profoundest respect. :
Wants Y. $. Commercial Aid. =
"But It is not merely for aid while
the war s on that Italy ts looking to
America. Germany during the years
of the Triple Alliance had spread her
economic roots throughout the whole
industrial and commercial fahric Of It.
ally to such al, extent that despite the
three years Of hostility and the efforts
that have been put forward to tear out
those roots, many Of them still re-
main. When it comes to the period Of
rehabilitation after the war Italy
hopes that the United States will take
the place OF Germany In her Industrial,
commercial and financial life. Her
great need from this country IL. raw
business men In Italy with
whom l talked predicted that unless
the United States did come to the res"
cue in this way after the. war the re-
roots Of Teutonic economic
penetration would revive and that there
would be reaction which would tend
once more to put Italy under the eco
homie thralldom of the Central Pow
ers, which she has been working so
hard to throw off. !
italians look upon Americans "a
4 r-.srH L..
economic mnagicians. They believe We
can accomplish anything that we set
out to do. 1t is therefore to us that
they are now looking more than>to any
other one nation for future relations,
Of friendship that will help place Italy
hrp''y on her feet in the community Of
nations" :,