The Daily News. THURSDAY, JUNE 15. 1916. POLITICAL CRISIS IN ITALY.

Taranaki Daily News, 15 June 1916, Page 4

The Daily News. THURSDAY, JUNE 15. 1916. POLITICAL CRISIS IN ITALY.

Impulsiveness is a characteristic of the, I Latin races residing in the south of Europe, and the Italians are no exception to the rule. All the time that Italy's forces were making progress against the Austrians there was contentment coupled with confidence in the Government, but when the enemy brought up large reinforcements and; superior artillery the tide turned, with the result that the Italian Government was speedily blamed on the score of unpreparedness, and a vote of confidence was refused. This has led to the resignation of the premier (Signor Salandra), but it has not quenched the ardor of the majority gf members of the Chamber for carrying on the war. It is a human failing to cast about for a scapegoat when trouble arises, and the Italian Chamber has thus fastened on the Cabinet the responsibility for the mistakes of the military leaders, although it is also claimed that the Government was latterly out of touch with the country. Signor Salandra only became Premier a little over a year ago, one of the first important steps taken by his Cabinet being the denouncement of the Triple Alliance in May 1010, and asking for plenary powers in the event of war. Thus ended a treaty which had been of vast importance and far-reaching influence. It was one of many things which the perfidy of Germany and Austria lias destroyed in the war. Italy lost little time in joining the Entente Powers, following up this act by declaring war on Austria and entering on a campaign for the recovery of i her lost provinces. The heart of the country may be said to be obsessed with this long-hoped-for redemption of the Trentino Italians, and that is partly the reason why feeling has run to the length of sacrificing the Premier and his colleagues in order to obtain a more vigorous prosecution of the war. There appears, however, to be another factor which is exercising a preponderating influence on Ac people, of Italy, the desire to follow the example of Britain and I? rance in reconstructing the Cabinet on i national basis, and the Austrian offensive has given rise to the opportunity for establishing a National Ministry. The political storm clouds have been gathering since April last, and now they have hurst, so it may be reasonably hoped that the parliamentary atmosphere may speedily become clear. If a National Government can prevent party strife at such a critical period so much the better for Italy and the cause she has at heart. In fighting for her lost pro-*

••■rices Italy is also helping the Allies by (I'awing away from other theatres of the war large forces of Austrians which would otherwise be operating against the Entente armies. Especially is she thereby assisting the Russians, whose mighty onslaught, is decimating the enemy of Italy. There is no question that Italy is heartily »n (lie side of the Allies, and whatever political adjustments are needed to infuse greater vigor and determination for victory on her part will be heartily welcomed. The present political crisis appears to be the outcome of an intense desire for victory, and in that respect fits in well with the similar determination of all the Allies. Under other circumstances there might have been a danger of diai aster resulting from the downfall of the

Government, lint there is not the slightest reason for doubting that Italy is now bent on prosecuting the war to the utmost of her ability. The success of the Russians should act as a powerful stimulus to Italy to put forth her utmost strength to defeat the enemy. Instead of remaining a friendly neutral and waiting to participate in the spoils of the Allies' victory, she is nobly fighting her own battles and thereby earning the approbation of all the allied Powers.