Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1919-01-07
ITALY IS SOL|DLY
BEHIND PRESIDENT
Trip Brings Proof That Pub
lie Fully Approves His
Principles.
LEADERS HIGHLY PLEASED
BY DAVID LAWRENCE.


Copyright 1919. by New York Evening Post.)
TURIN, January President Will
son has unquestionably captured Italy.
His trip to Rome. Genoa, Milan and
Turin has been the most remarkable
demonstration of his career. Never
did SO many people gather to do him
homage.
IN Milan. especiaily. no less than
10000 persons were congregated In
the public square when he appeared on
q balcony. The only Way m shicA to
give Americans an idea OF the Inn
mense crowd is to say that 1t would
have filled the Tale bowl. the great
stadium at New Haven where the foot
bali games take placesasThe streets
for blocks back were filled with a
yelling multitude. shouting, "vive
wilson,
Outpourings Significant.
The significance of these outpour-
ings is appreciated by Mr.. Wilson. as
well as by the italian leaders It is
indubitab1e proof that the public opin-
zion of Italy is solidIy behind the will
son principles. as placards. posters
and handbi1ls severywhere show. In
northern Italy. especially. there has
been tremendous enthusiasm, the
President meeting the mayors of many
towns and mingling with the people
generally. The crowds have waited
for hours to catch a glimpse Of him
and have then burst into the widest
cheering.
Mr.. Wilson's speech at Milan is re-
garded as most significant from the
European point of view because of the
emphasis given to the opinion of the
working masses. Milan is an indus
trial center. so that Mr.. Wilson said
the right thing in appealing to the
millions thereabouts, but the effect of
the speech probably will be felt equal
Iy in other countries. The part that
raised the greatest enthusiasm was
keenly aware, believe, sir, as any
body can be that the special structure
rests upon the great working classes
OF the world, and that those working
classes IN several countries OF the
world have by their consciousness of
community of interest. by their con-
sciousness Of community Of spirit
done perhaps more than any other in
huence has to establish a world opin-
ion which Is not Of nation, which
ion. one might say. of mankind"
Seen as Bo1shevism Check.
When he declared Those Of us now
charged with the very great and seri-
GUS responsibility Of concluding peace
must think, and confer in the presence
of this opinion" Mr.. Wilson said what
extreme conservatives have been
fearing he might express during his
European trip. thus stimulating radi-
calls everywhere. But Mr.. Wilson's
purpose is never to excite bolshevism.
the times in that direction would best
be curbed by taking into account tho
legitimate portion Of such aspirations.
Indeed the President believes that a
Just peace and prevention OF further
war would be the best curb that could
be devised. to check the present tend
ency toward bolshevikism.
While Turin. is a center Of many So
cialists.sI find the attitude to be one
of supreme confidence that their ideas
win be embodied in the peace treaty
through Mr.. Wilson's influence. The
President is cognizant Of the tremen-
dous undertone OF socialism and boil
shevism, and apparently his desire is
to keep. the movement in control by
temperate utterances. It is significant
that Mr.. Wilson is the first states
man to dare remotely to suggest the
influence Of the working classes in
recent days. and while other diplo-,
mats arc whisperingly calling 1t tho
greatest menace in Europe. none are
willing to take the initiative In con-
trolling It. but believe that the best
method is to resort to every form OF
suppression Of radical opinion or man
Hesitation.
Affords Safety Valve.
Mr.. Wilson's trip has afforded a
safety valve for radical influences.
but while they are rallying around
him together with all political fac
tions in Italy. it would appear that
the WILSON program forms safe
anchofAge for conservatives who
would be able to point constantly to
| the Wilson principles As limit.
The Presidents trip to Italy has
been q huge success. however, not
merely because Of the tremendous
support Of the populace. but because
of the cordial understanding reached
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