Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1931-01-14
Mussolini Inspires Visions
OF More Harmonious World

The radio address of Premier Mlsso-
lini of Italy to the people of the United
States was apparently listened to with
attention, and in general approval,
especially to the part dealing with
Italy's aspirations for peace.
Premier Mussolini presented the
world with real gift in his radio
declaration that Italy never will take
the offensive in starting another war,
provided he meant what he said, and
there Is no apparent reason to believe
ne did not" says the Charleston
Is. Co. Evening Post, which suggests
that perhaps the world can hope that
1t is a good harbinger, and that one of
the many improvements of 1881 will be
change in the atmosphere of Euro
pean affairs conducive to the continu-
ance of peace" The Providence Journal
pictures MuSSolini as having thrown
aside much of the austerity and
brusquenesS of manner which one COM
monty associates with him when he
appears before the public" and finds
running all through his address a
warmth and geniality quite alien to his
usual temperament when addressing
either his own people or those in for
eign countries. His complimentary
references to the United States are
Journal.
"As matter of fact, there was a
spirit of friendliness in his talk and
on no occasion since he took over the
reins of government of Italy has Musso-
hni exhibited a more reasonable and
sensible attitude toward world peace"
declares the Lynchburg Advance.
That the desire of the Italian people
for peace is shared by all the peoples
of the world Is the opinion voiced by
the Madison Wisconsin State journal
when it says: 1.-THE great nations of
the world are not today thinking or
talking as far as their mass citizenship
Is concerned in words or terms of war.
The people are thoroughly aware that
their best interests lie in peace.
X X x
ut is a subSued Mussolini'' that
speaks, says the Louisville Courier
the depression and Frances obStinacy
have helped to make Mussolini peace
full"
THE address was unusual in that it
differed so materially from the bonn
bastic type which, the Premier appar-
emily feels, is necessary to stimulate
greater activity in the Fascist cause or
to divert popular thought from bad
economic situation at home to patriotic
exaltation over possible foreign eXpan-
Sion," notes the indianapolis Star, which
rates the broadcast as having set a
high standard for the start of the year.
1t was forerunner of other treats of
broadcaSting which will
break down the barriers of distance and
alien customs" predicts this paper.
'MusSolini has made an admirable
bid for American friendship. Rightly, |
he has made it direct to the people |
rather than through the avenues of
secret diplomacy" remarks the Cleve- |
land News, which, continuing, says: /
His voice over the radio does not seem
like that of the thunderer, defying the
world. 1t is the voice of a modern
statesman, employing modern and
means of attempting to gain |
the confidence and allay the prejudices
of his neighbors." AS the st. Louis !
Times describes the event: "Benito
of charm. The atmosphere was per-
feet. 1t was the breath of the cam
pagna, the spirit of old art, the force
of new nation-all in crowded half
hour that was a triumph for interna-
tional science. There was something |
about the message that came to us from
the Italian capital that was not short
Of inspirational."
1.-THE world Is reminded once again
that when Mussolini takes the speakers
platform he can be one of two persons
ne can be the belligerent, defiant Fas-
eist who delights in beating the war
drums, or he can be the far-sighted
italian statesman who reaiizas that his
welfare is inextricabigs bound
Up with the peace and stability of the
world. He chose to assume the latter
ole" says the Kalamazoo Gaaette,
which further funds it gratifying tosne 4