The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-12-23
aed By Cheering Thousands Urges America 70 Study Ialy

continue. He sat there rigid, erect. \ staring ahead, not moving except occasionally to moisten his lips or jerk his neck. His attitude was al- most challenge. Here I am. In terview me if you can"
 l jumped to question number two.
 There is much talk about a Latin bloc. Is Italy interested2
 Rome Would Be Heart of Bloc.
 He shrugged his shoulders and would not answer.
 "Is there such a tendency?" I in- sisted.
 Who knows?" and he looked at me with his pene netrating, bulgy, brown eyes. Then, with emphasis, If there should be such bloc Rome would be it's center"
 l tried to get more information but he did not even acknowledge my questions.
 And Fiume?"
 Why should I talk to America about Plume? She could not under stand. Americans have an extensive mentality, like their continent. They can only view things in vast broad way. A port to them can only mean a big throbbing city like New York, Boston, Philadelphia, San Francisco, with miles of docks and scores of ships putting into port every day. Plume is a little unpre- tentious city with 60,00o inhabitants. To an American it Is inconcetvable that any nation should make a fuss over thing so insignificant. To us and to all the nations on the Medi- terranean and the Adratic, Plume Is important, and it is likewise i'm portant that the question be justly solved.
 America is far away and will not make the mental effort necessary to h hnr on continent. Until she does that she cannot understand Europe's prob lens as she should"
 "Then you think she should inter fere in European affairs?" l asked. He Want. America in Europe.
 "Yes!" emphatically. Why will America continue to consider the ocean as great barrier between the two continents as in the days of co tude would be justified if we were months apart as then, but now a few hours and our thoughts are interchanged, a few days and dis tance Is eliminated. America Will learn that Europe's interests are hers It is a pity she is not learn ing sooner"
 what do you suggest as the best method for American participation in European affairs?" l tried to lead him on.
 q make no suggestions. The form of participation takes matters little. The time is more important but she is not ready for the big leadership yet. ., can people as the future leaders or civilization, but that cannot be for another 35 or 40 years. At present they are too engrossed with their 1S,, oI,o m pTcial deVelOD- ment. They are rapidly reaching the climax of this development-a mar velous stupendous thing-and then they will turn to other things. With the same thoroughness, initiative ana youthful assurance with which they conquered the material world they will now tackle poetry, literature, mu- sic and give the world the greatest art of all times.''
 The artistic prospects of America thrilled him. He was different Mussolini. He hammered his words less and spoke with enthusiasm, with animation His severe eyes softened and sparkled with interest. tried to get him back on the question of international politics but he would not follow. He returned to art and America and soon 1 found l was tell ing him what I knew about the artistic inclinations and achievements 
 berg was beginning to melt. The statesman was becoming human.
 O O O Talks Of An American Renaissance.
 Those who accuse America of be- ing inartistic are devoid of imagina- tion," he continued. America is working out her artistic conscious- l ness. You have there two distinct tendencies: your simplicity, refresh ing childishness, almost primitive ness in all the things emotional, and your ultra-modernity in the mechani- two elements. What a startling combination! Think of what it will give us. Today you are still intellec- tual children. No, don't write that" and he placed his hand over the pad I had in my lap, it would offend you, but I do not mean it as an offense. It is so. You are young. You are sentimental. You are spontaneous in your joys as children are. Your minds are open to new creeds and dogmas. Nothing thrills you as much as novelty Today Is the black-shirted Fascist. Tomorrow Pirandello."
 The Duce is well-informed. He | spends an hour every morning skim ming over scores of newspapers from all countries and the news that Pirandellsmo had become almost cult in America had not escaped him.
 That is natural" he went on, flor the theatre of Pirandello has primitive appeal. Marionettes at tract the fancy of children. Piran- dellos plays are intellectual puppet shows. Splendid. I like them," and he smiled. He was glad to be con- sidered among he-primitives-wh appreciate Pirandello.
 Have you seen Pirandello's Henry IV'?" he asked.
 ooddad uritL
 That is the play I like best" he volunteered. "How different from the bourgeois theatre, with its eternal triangle. with the same com plications which always end In the same way, with the same pseudo-hu- man beings as characters. At times l try to go to some of these normal plays, but I cannot tolerate them. They are too stupid. Pirandello is full of surprises, like fireworks for the mind" and with his hands the Duce gave an animated imitation of fireworks popping. He Wanted Three Pieces Of Cake.
 He smiled broadly and we chatted on, about players and singers, auto- mobiles, roads and pastry. I found out that the Duce Is a reckless driver and spins around a curve on two wheels; that he considers eating a private function which one ought to perform alone: that he believes in God and has not been to see the Pope. that he would have asked for a third helping of the cake they served on the train that night had he not been afraid of the bad example in eco nomy he would have set the walter; that he thought I was a wonderful girl because I spoke to him in his own dialect; that he knew enough English to use "all right" fluently.
 l had forgotten long ago that was interviewing Benito Mussolini, prime minister of Italy, Duce of the