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Hokitika Guardian, 15 January 1927, Page 2

Mrssoi.iNT. who is virtually the Dictator ot Italy continues to he one of the most, remarkable public men til the times, lie has a remarkable hold in Italy where the Fascist movement is supreme. Mussolini seems to love the limelight, and when, the course of events does not bring him all the publicity his soul hankers for. lie is not above writing to tbe press himself and givng the world at large an intimate picture of the man in his daily round. That lie is vain with a great regard for himself is evident by the strain and tone of his self-publicity, wherein be recounts bis private going and coming. and his inmost procedure. 'Whatever mav he the secret, of his hold on his followers be certainly tries to capture the public imagination with his intimate, picture of hiinscll. 'Withal it must he acknowledged that he lives dangerously in that attempts on his life have occurred frequently and are likely to recur. At the same time he is himself regarded as something of a danger to the world, because of his ambitions ostensibly for the aggrandisement of Italy. The European situation may become involved at any moment by reason of th<- whim of Mussolini. That a 11 pen i s to be tbe general eonelusion having regard to tbe aspirations he hits given voice to on behalf of his country. His countrymen in the main have shown groat confidence in his leadership, which is tantamount to a dictatorship, for personal liberty and speech are very much contracted by reason of his iron rule to suppress any factions likely to seriously oppose the Fascist policy. Tie is strongly Italian in his aspirations, and seeks to make Italy as notable as in the Unman period. He certainly talks and writes freely about himself, yet in between hi' has done much to restore the prestige and credit of Italy. Nationally, the count rv has reciiuerated considerably under his rule, and he will he a figure to remain long in the history of his country. It is not all empty boasting with him. lie has magnificent courage at all events with a supremo desire to forward bis country's cause. Ilis methods may lie amusing at times, hut it is bettor to have so happy a vent rather than some more alarming method to assert his peculiar qualities.