Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1938-08-07


- Here, in what was formerly Aus
trian Tyrol Italy is diligently
- translating the countryside and
100000 German-speaking mountaineers
into Italian. Driving leisurely over the
mountain passes and through the fertile
green valleys, an American forms an anus
ing mental picture Of the great Mussolini
seriously understanding spaghetti" on
100000 wienerwursts, as if q frankfurter
under another label would cease to be q
sausage.
OF all the so-called Oppressed" German
minorities in various lands whose salvation
has been assumed by Hitler, those in the
Tyrol live under the strictest denial Of their
national customs and language. In spite
Of this and contrary to what usually Is
written, Germany, which now looks down
on the Tyrol valleys from the other side
Of this historic pass, is not going to step in
as In Austrta-at least. not for the present
nor are the expatriated Austrians asking
above a whisper for "anschluss" with the
Third Reich as are the Sudeten Germans
in Czechoslovakia. Plenty Of soldiers are
seen on the Italian side, but none on the
German.
The reasons are: The present alliance
between Germany and Italy, and Ger
many's reluctance to embroil its $4,000 900
for a mere 100000 scattered in these val
leys. The nountaineers and their children
live in hope Of being reunited with the
homeland and do not hesitate to say so
when no Italian IS within earshot. but a
second Andreas Hofer has not arisen to
lead them, and any organization which
may exist is not talked about. However,
they are quietly sure it is coming.
Easy Going Neglect Is Evident.
italian rule abounds in drastic regula-
tons and prohibitions and easy going neg
lect of all Of them.
Italian is the official language for these
German-speaking people and only Italian
is taught in schools. That IS one rule
which is never waived. Though practically
everybody who lives here or passes through,
except local officials, soldiers and a minority
Of Italian tourists, speaks German, names
of towns, shops and hotels, even of noun
tains, valleys and rivers, and signs in win
dows must be in italian.
A menu may be in four languages
Italian, German, English and French-but
1t must not be in German alone, which IS
per cent Of those who use it can under
stand. Tyrolean costumes and German
music are banned. II native son climbs
high enough up q mountain, he may wear
. green hat with a feather and yodel pri-
vately to his hearts content. but the local
Omen are supposed to get him If he does
it in city or village.
I'VE came to hear your famous Tyrolean
orchestra" announced to an expectant
hotel manager when we reached Ortisei.
had been told on the ship before reach
ing Italy. an italian ship at that, about
this orchestra.
"shssh," he cautioned, I'VE do not have
that kind of music" as flabbergasted as If
I had arrived to search for hidden arms.
That is the law. On Sunday in Vitipeno,
which was Sterling ironshod mule-hoffs of
Italian mountain artillery clattered over
the cobblestones in the ancient street, and,
in the midst OF it. firm on the village
square, typical German band was Justify
and loudly toodeling its native tunes.
Rome Forgets . New Regulation.
Such Is the easy-going Italian law en-
forcement Rome promulgates q new regu-
lation which is rigidly enforced for q month
and then forgotten. Signs on street cars
warn "Vietari Flmari," but q smiling con-
ductor invites you to smoke. The United
States had prohibition and can UNDER
stand.
The old home of Andreas Hofer, between
Merano and vitipeno, remains an inn with
. museum Of the patriot added. Signs, out
side and inside, are In German. The pious
Hofer twice won the Tyrol for Austria
from Bavaria and the great Napoleon, only
to be betrayed both times by the Emperor
Francis Of Austria. In 1910. he was cap
tured in little hut near his home, taken
to Mantua and shot. Napoleon denied he
had ordered the execution and blamed the
Italians. A wooden statue, colored as in life,
shows fierce giant Of man, with great
black beard. in Tyrol costume, well able to
lead the mountaineers against the crack
troops which had conquered the rest Of
Europe.
We stopped on the top of Del Giova Pass
formerly Jaufen. 7097 feet-village signs
here show attitudes, not distances) in q
roaring, wet gale. A little dimpled lad,
II years old, with battered green hat and
hohuailsd ahoss, scrambled up the noun.
tAinside Nh coat.