Evening star., 1934-03-16
Economic Results Expected
To Be Small at Rome Parley
Italy Is Found Unable to PrOuide Ne,U
Markets to Any Extent for Austria
and Hungary.

yelling of hidden truth. But I am
inclined to believe that, as general
philosophy, this does represent MUS
solini's idea. He insists that he does
not want Europe divided into groups
not easily aligned for balance OF
power. The purpose behind his four
power pact, now dead letter, was to
prevent such a regrouping by con-
Sultation and decision among the
four great powers, around whom the
little powers yelp for protection and
patronage. This pact broke down
because the little powers instantly
ran together with a great clamor and
indignation, and utterly declined to
regard Italy as any more powerful
than themselves.
1t was a disappointment to Mus
solini but he has not changed his
views because of that. He plays always
for Italy first. Like all leaders. he
Identifies the genius Of his people
with himself.
But anything said about Mussolini
will be wrong, unless I am utterly
misinformed by those who know him
well, If it does not give him the credit
Of big views beyond the frontiers OF
his own country. He believes, ! am
told by those close to his counsel,
that a disaster Is impending in
Europe unless industry and commerce
can be freed from the shackles in
which they are now bound in these
central European states. This con-
ference in Rome Is on its economic
side the first step toward that liberia
ton. This is, indeed, hardly more
than a first gesture.
Finances Unsatisfactory.
am inclined to believe that Mus
soiini is the only man who can build
bridge between these conflicting
interests and animosities in Europe.
He may not succeed. for the diff
culties are almost insuperable. But at
least he is trying, with his Keen and
subtle brain, and what is happening
in Rome today is his bid for leader
ship in this political crisis. He wants
more prestige, more power. His
egotism needs constant food. But
what power he has he will use. be-
lieve, for European cooperation for
peace, unless the interests of Italy
are challenged or attacked.
That, after all, is something. It is
good deal when a man OF genius
is behind such a policy.
The financial condition of Italy Is
at the moment unsatisfactory, accord
ing to my information. A conversion
loan has withdrawn one and one-half
milliardS lire from circulation. with
a deflationary effect upon business,
resulting in unemployment and high
prices. The people in the smaller
towns have not much money to spend
and commerce is dwindling, but the
Fascist regime supports the unem-
ployed men at heavy cost and the
facade of Italian life is impressive
and in Rome magnificent. Rome is
crowded with uniformed men who
have to be paid. The Fascists pro-
vide jobs for the faithful, and that
also is costly.
am bound to say that in all out
ward appearances Italy seems a we'll
clad and we'll nourished nation, with
a margin for the JOY Of life, though
I am told by many people that labor
is very poorly paid and that there is
much poverty.
Mussolini knows what moves in the
minds Of the people. 1t is because Of
this knowledge and his determined
effort to make Italy prosperous that
he lends all his energy to the re-
covery of Europe and to the main-
tenance of his own prestige. He is
a Napoleon. who wishes to win his
victories without war. The other
Napoleon might have lasted longer
if he had favored peace.
Copyright. 1894. by the North American
Newspaper Alliance. Inc. World rights
Reserved.b