Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1927-08-22

Even though there have been de-
malls that the French Mont Blanc Is
the Alpine peak selected by Italians
for notwithstanding in honor Of Premier
Mussolini, the American press finds
the incident a subject for much inter
ested and generally facetious com
ment. Some observers are convinced
that future Italian Biographies will
carry the name of the dictator for the
famous snow-capped mountain.
Referring to Mussolini's early pc
RODS of trials and tribulations" when
he was sent, an exile. from pillar to
land" and lifted his eyes to the Alps
and found them cold" the New York
Sun remarks: But all that Is over.
Even the everlasting hills sing his
praises. In future, when the dawn
comes up like thunder and touches
that highest Italian peak every
tourist in the neighborhood will re-
member. In the meantime. the
French are going to hoist their flag
on the top of Mont Blanc and nail it
to the mast, just for remembrance"
Mature. history or diplomacy"
says the Indianapolis Star, "has
played a scurvy trick on the Italians
in depriving them of the opportunity
to rename the Hottest peak in central
Europe. Although surrounded by less
er eminences, some OF which are in
Italy, Mont Blanc itself, 1872 feet
high. is wholly in French territory.
AS the French nation just now has no
particular love for either Mussolini or
his Fascist movement, it probably will
not appreciate the wonderful opportu-
nifty to win the gratitude Of the black
shirts by yielding this snow.capped
wonder of nature. In view of the
Fascists' determination to emphasize
their domination on earth and sky
and sea, the organizations next step
may be to stand solemnly on the
beach and rechristen the Mediterra-
mean so that future generations will
note the Italian boot extending into
the Mussolinian sea-"
although the Fascist are weaken
ing as to Mont Blanc and are claim
ing that the mountain which they
have christened Mount Benito Mus
solini' is not actually Mont Blanc it.
self, but only the highest on Italian
soil of the several mountains culmi-
mating in the famous French peak"
according to the Louisville Times, "the
impression given in the original cable
grams on the subject persists, and it
cannot be denied that the precedent
thus set forth is q most interesting
one. Indeed, if the Italians abandon
the idea, American ingenuity will
doubtless claim 1t, for as great as Is
this country's supply of natural won.
ders, it's supply of heroes is greater
still. and in many instances even
somewhat more picturesque.
Imagine what boon it would be to
our tourists to be no longer obliged
to try to pronounce strange foreign
names in recounting the sights they
have seen In other climes!'
"The whole thing" as it appeals to
the Worcester Evening Gazette, has
an atmosphere of comic opera-or,
better. burlesque-which Is furnishing
the best international entertainment
the world has seen for many a day.
But there is danger in it as we'll.
FascismO doesn't understand a joke,
doesn't know a joke when 1t sees one.
doesn't realize this Is a joke, and Is
entirely capable of getting quite
snooty about 1t. Serious international
situations have been created by sillier
things" So also the New Orleans
Item recalls that wars have started
over less" and it points out that
there Is little friendship and conf
dence at present between France and
Italy," that Irritation from this Incl
dent might be enough to cause seri-
Gus situation" ~.
Mont Blanc 1t has been for CEN
turtles. and Mont Blanc 1t will re-
MAN," declares the Philadelphia Pub
lie Ledger, as 1t suggests that sit
would be Just about as appropriate
for French zealots to seek to fasten
upon Lake Maggiors the name Of Lake
Clemenceau. pr, Lake Poincare as 1t Is
to honor, ~ Nuce by naming French