The Washington herald., 1920-01-08

pOilIlCal sentiments nave uuucT BOIlc
essential changes. since"
The roly-poly statesman from Ma
pies glanced thoughtfully about the
little al fresco restaurant in the
Roman suburbs. Then, he unmasked
replied:
Dreams of Youth Return.
-"Ah. don't be too sure! 1 wrote
that book while a young man; when
I had twenty-seven years. Funda-
mentally. l have never grown very
far from 1t. and 1 find myself con-
stantly returning to it. No matter
what seas I sail the enthusiastic
dream Of youth is really my rud-
der"
Subsequent investigations and con-
facts indicated that Nitti personally
did not favor "direct action" A pro-
fessor of sociology and economics
himself. he advocated the social and
Industrial education of the masses.
Christian Socialism was to come
through the natural processes OF evo-
luton.
In those days Nitti declared that
Italy was not ready for a true social
democracy or republic. A premature
establishment could destroy Italian
unity and break up Italy into old
time divisions, he felt.
The italian Premier is nationalist
caily patriotic Just as he Is politically
liberal. However, Il is true that his
liberalism IL somewhat tainted by ma
tional and international finance. His
nationalistic enthusiasm is likewise
considerably checked by the economics
of Italy's present situation
King Moves to Save Throne.
Military and political factions, espe-
cially those of Italy's north. opposed
Nitti's elevation to the premiership.
They cursed him as a lieutenant of
the pro-German Giolitti". DAnnun-
zio almost burned into a white hot
rage and tried to kindle lasting passion
against him. Even France is said
to have spent a couple of million dol
lars to prevent his nomination.
But that astute politician. King
Victor. held fast to his choice: he
knew his man Of the hour. Conf
dence in Orlando and Sonnino and in
their parties was crumbling. To many
an eye Italy seemed on the edge OF
revolution.
Food riots were everywhere on the
increase, and 1t was becoming more
and more difficult to localize them.
Italian BolsheviIIi were gaining ground
in the Marches and Tuscany. In some
places local Soviets were even in for
nation or prospect.
The new Premier had to be a mon
archial compromise and a radical con-
cession. In a sense. the King had to
lose his kingdom in order that he
might find It.
Italian royalty undoubtedly saw
that the game was a gamble and that
the counter could slip through its
fingers. The King must have known
that in the last analysis his nominee
would do the opportunistic thing.
But the psychological handwriting on
the wall spelled N-I-T-T-I, and
Victor Emanuel. more politician than
democrat, came quickly to decision.
Knows Many Groups.
Nitti was tossed into the torrent of
Italy's present-day politics to set up
a new current. The King hopes that
this new current by action, counter
action and naturalization will still the
troubled waters. Orlando was the
Kings conciliator; Nitti is the Kings
reconciler.
The present head of the italian gov
ernment is an adept in the arts and
sciences Of reconciliation. He Is friend
ly with Christian and with atheistic
socialist groupings in Italy. He is in
innate with the influential leader of
the official socialists, the moderate
Turati, as well as with the popular
reform socialist leader, Bissolati.
Socialists have shared in his appoint
ments, and. while he was treasury
minister, his secretary was q social
ist.
There Is no doubt of Nitti being
on more than speaking terms with
the republican. Giolitti. After his re-
turn from his wartime mission in
America, he gave his first visit to
the powerful but much-hated Boss"
of Piedmont. Taking things-as-they-
are, the present Premier Is undoubt-
with his former cabinet chief.
italian Premier and Pope.
While the war was in progress,
Nitti had several conferences with
Cardinal Gasparri. papal secretary Of
state. and allegedly one audience with
the Pope. OF all the figures in Italy's
public life he is probably the most
acceptable to the Vatican. 1t Is not
at all impossible that Benedict and
Nitd together will be destined to
answer that most constant and sub
tie question. the Roman Question.
Unlike Orlando. Nitti never echoed
the wartime vivas of the italian
masses for Wilson. Statements in the
American press that the present
Premier was a strict follower of the
President are either superficial or
false. AT HEART, the italian Pre-
mier has never agreed with the Pres
idents disposition Of the Italian
RetaiIiated wilSen snub.
There is always q very personal
element in the Latin, which coIors n
II does nat >,,..a ..ks.-- r-x !. -