Sardinia.

Manawatu Herald, 8 October 1896, Page 2

Sardinia.

Our cablegrams note that the Italian Military Commission recommends thab the Island .of Sardinia should be forfeited. This' 1 - -shows- the togsyturveydom of the world, as the Italians were not protected sufficiently, a few years ago, from Sardinia, her King having become King of Italy. This was not so much by war as by annexation of the numerous States Italy was at one time subdivided into. A glance at the map will show what a prominent position Sardinia holds, not only in relation to Italy, but to the Mediterranean, as it Narrows the sailing space between it and Algeria in the north of Africa to comparatively small dimensions. The present chief naval port of Italy i 3 Spezzia, which is situated at the top of the peninsula, not far from Genoa. It would net be difficult for an enemy, holding Sardinia, to coop the Italian fleet up in its port, and. this is evident to the Military Commission. As Italy is a naval power, having 269 vessels, 18 of which are iron* clads of the most powerful construe* tion, and is inclined to be friendly with Great Britain, her strength is of interest -to --us' 'all. It must be remembered, however, that though the Italians .^re* 'enthusias.tic and united as to the necessity of having a strong array and navy, they yet object to taxation, and thus this recommendation to fortify Sardinia may be admitted wise, but too expensive. Sardinia is 152 miles long and 66 miles broad,, je very mountainous, but: fertile. The Island of Sicily lies to the north of it. "' it . v '