The Indianapolis times., 1931-02-03
BY WEBB MILLER
United Press staff Correspondent

ROME, Feb. 3.-As Fascism en-
ters its ninth year it is physically
stronger, more deeply entrenched
and more thoroughly impregnated
in the life of the nation than at any
time in its existence.
At the same time, paradoxically,
there is a more discernible under
current of discomfort among the
people than at any time for several
years.
This stirring of dissatisfaction
tacity is admitted in some Fascist
quarters. Mussolini recently decided
upon a thorough wedding out" of
the party, which is now in progress.
This does not mean there is at
present any organized or really eff
fective opposition to the regime.
Any manifestation of concerted
opposition is dealt with Immediately.
The instigators are hauled before
the special tribunal and sentenced
to long imprisonment if found
guilty.
Much Dissatisfaction
In the last few weeks it tram
spired that there is a special secret
organization for the specific pur-
pose of searching out and repress-
ing anti-Fascist activities, the mys-
terious 20. v. r. A
One of the leaders of the Fascist
party said that the organization
was a creation of Mussolini and di-
rectly responsible to Mussolini as
minister of interior.
The writer was told, in other
quarters, that $1,500,00O annually is
spent on secret police.
The undercurrent Of diSSatisfac-
ton is due to a combination of fac
tors.
InaSmuch as the government con-
trolls nearly every phase of national
activity, it is blamed for everything
that displeases.
Taxation Very High
Taxation Is very high. Mussolini
estimated it at eight and one-half
times higher than pre-war, and
stated it can not be made heavier.
Unemployment is increasing. The
world economic crisis is striking
Italy, and Fascism gets much of the
blame.
Furthermore, there is the normal
movement of public opinion against
any government that endures eight
years.
Fascism is placing it's reliance for
the present and future upon yo,., h.
The rising generations are beng
imbued with the Fascist doctrine
from childhood, either directly
through the Fascist Balilla organ
izations which, according to avail
able figures, total 2,083, ,241 boys and
girls, or indirectly in the ordinary
schools where textbooks prepared
by the state are obligatory in the
first five elementary grades.
Mussolini and Fascism is exalted
in the textbooks.
The chapter devoted to Fascism
in the book for fifth graders COM
mences, Italy was saved by Benito
Mussolini. After the advent of
FaScism Italy began a new life of
disciplined work and concord.
The miraculous work accomplished
by FaScism has made Italy re-
spected by the other nations. -
Black Shirts Are Strong
The third grade book for children
instructs them to strive for
healthy body and spirit and so be
ready "if the nation calls to spring
to arms, and fall serenely if the
country's welfare demands the SUI
preme sacrifice"
In the last few weeks another
development opened the way to in
culcation with Fascist conceptions
of the young men who do not join
the Balilla organizations. This is
the decision that ali youths from
the age of 18 until the conScription
age is reached must undergo pre-
military training on Sundays. The
training is done by Fascist militia
officers.
The Fascist black shirt militia is
better organized and equipped than
ever and numbers 398,000-nearly
twice the regular army.
Next: Miller tells of the indus
trial and labor situation in Italy.