Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1929-09-24

One mans guess seems to be as good
as anothers Then it comes to fathom-
ing the significance of Premier Mus
solini's latest act in the Italian political
drama. Tossing back the portfolios
with which he presented himself is
~variously recognized as the beginning of
the end of A simon-pure Fascism. as
the beginning of the end Of Mussolini,
the advent OF a new era in FaScimo or
simply as n more theatrical gesture.
His act Is momentous," declares the
Charleston Evening Post. recalling that
"he has always said that he would, in
time, gradually relax the iron personal
rule he has exercised as head Of Fas-
cismo, as soon. he has said, as the
nation could be relied upon to main
tain the system he has evolved, without
dependence On an individual will to
carry its principles into effect. He
must realize" continues the Evening
Post, that something of that sort is the
only feasible alternative to an ultimate
explosion, inevitable, as a result of the
repressions he has effected in the course
Of his rule"
Perhaps It isn't the end Of Fascism,"
says the Waterloo Tribune, but it is
the beginning Of coalition. Other parties
are to be recognized. The cabinet is
to represent elements that have had
no representation for some time. 1t
isn't the end Of the modern Caesar.
He will be of commanding influence.
The cabinet ministers are of his selec-
ton. 1t is presumed he will continue
to dictate. But there is something in
the fact that he doesn't care to carry
all the responsibility longer"
"Of particular significance" 1t is
pointed out by the Hartford Courant.
"is his turning over the conduct Of
k~,<tSA AAAtAn a. A-Ak1a. F1IA raaonf
announcement that Italy would adhere
conditionally to the optional clause of
the statute Of the World Court, binding
It for five years to accept the compulsory
arbitration Of its international disputes,
indicates a welcome change of attitude
on the part of II Duce. If the man.
ners and policies which characterized
his conduct Of foreign affairs are to
be modified, world opinion toward
Fascism may steadily. improve"
Kansas City Times, "Mussolini has re-
signed seven cabinet positions and proA
NOTED the undersecretaries to be min
listers. We have a bunch, however"
continues the Times, that they will
remain underseCretaries and that the
Duce will things as usual. Where
MacGregor sits. there is the head Of the
table" The Allentown Morning Call
suggests: I'm surrendering a lot Of
posts, he is not surrendering much
power. He still remains the dictator
and the premier. Just as he assumed
all the Offices to himself on other oc-
casior1s, 80 he can take them all back
again, If he Is not suited with the way
his proteges are running things"
ct Is said" comments the Hamilton
(Ontario) Spectator, that his object in
resigning from these jobs was to give
other. Fascists an opportunity for learn
ing the mysteries of administration, so
that the Fascist tradition would be con-
tinued when he had to pass from the
scene. But whether. it will be con-
tinued may be doubted. A dictatorship
depends upon the dictator, and, from
ali accounts, Mussolini will have no one
around him but those who will faith
fully echo his sentiments. 1t Is not
with such human material as that that
an organization a be made enduring"
The Beloit Daily News feels that ut
"A obvious that these ministers will be
just about al much under his thumb as
before"
"A cabinet crisisP A political up
heAval? Not a bit Of It'll" exclaims the
st. paul Pioneer Press. "All that has
nar,1ened is that Premier Mussolini has
decided to resign seven of his cabinet
Jobs and to.'give them to others. He
Continues to be premier and minister of
the interior. Mussolini apparently has
come to the conclusion that he cares
not who holds 1taty's titles, so long as
he runs the country" Nevertheless, the
Danbury Evening fjers feels that ibis
cotton in letting go, however slightly.
Of the reins that he has 50 long held
in his iron fst is welcomed"
HyN1aat the Dice next purposes to dc
"a the wAy u stateeraft not1e but he