The Daily News. FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 1. ITALY'S CONSOLIDATION.

Taranaki Daily News, 1 September 1916, Page 4

The Daily News. FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 1. ITALY'S CONSOLIDATION.

When the Austrian Minister, Count Metterin.ch, made use of his famous phrase, "Italy is only a geographical expression,l" he little thought thai before many years had elapsed the country tor which his contempt seems to have been thorough would not only have withdrawn from the Triple Alliance, hut would have declared war upop both her two partners. Austria has always been Italy's enemy and oppressor. For a time, tlianlo to the influence of the great. Napoleon, Italy was relieved from the intolerable pressure imposed on her Tjy Austria, for Napoleon 11796) swept into Italy driving the Austrians before him, forcing thorn to surrender Venice, but subsequently losing that city as a bribe for the acknowledgment by Austria of the independence of the republics created by him. When Napoleon fell then 'ltaly's troubles recommenced—internal and external—and they can only be said to have been more or les3 minimised under Germany'? protection. It ?s a curious commentary on the events of to-day that in ISGO Itah should have joined Prussia in a war against Austria, one of the results being that though Italy was badly defeated, yet the Prussian successes were so complete that Venice was igain surrendered to Italy. To understand and adequately appreciate Italy's unfortunate position in the past it nas to 'be remembered that Italy, like Oernmny, was a series- of petty States, and that internal strife, especially jn the part of lie Republican and Socialist elements, wis rampant.' It will not be surprising if the present great war will accomplish for Italy the same great end <as the Franco-German war achieved for Prussia—the making of a firmly consolidated country. When the Austro-Ser-bian conflict arose Italian diplomacy strove to secure that counsels of moderation should prevail, hut the AustroHungarian Foreign Office reiused to be amenable to suasion of that nature. Public opinion was indignant at the violence displayed by Austria towards Serbia, and already perceived that the interests of Italy were gravely menaced by a complete break-up of the Balkan equilibrium. Events of the greatest import followed swiftly. On July 31 Italy was notified by Austria of the ultimatum delivered to Russia and France, md was called upon to state the attitude which she would adopt. The decisive hour had come, and though Italy may not have fully realised that on her a.ctiou at that crucial period depended her future greatness as a consolidated nation, and her independence of external control by her hereditary enemy, she took the wise course of withdrawing from the Triple Alliance and assumed the role of a neutral. It is interesting to note that the reason given for this momentous action completely disposes of the absurd contention of Germany that the war was : forced upon her. Italv ulaced on record

the fact that Austria-Hungary and Germany had brought the situation to the point where it stood by their initiative alone. German resentment was not long in taking an active shape, the instrument used lwiug the Italian Socialists, every possible means being used to revive the Gallophobia prevalent nmler the the rule of Crispi. To prevent Italy turning, -jgainst the Germanic Powers, the German e?:-Chan-cellor, Prince von Jiulow, was sent to Rome as Ambassador Extraordinary, but the mission was very r-oldly received. Italy's first step on the high road to freedom was to send a licet to Vnlona. where a landing was effected, thus signifying her iirm intention not to aliow herself to be neglected v.'ben the time came for a lina'l settlement ir. the Balkans, and, strange to relate. Austriamade no objection. ' In this, as in many other respects, the Balkans have played, and are still playing, a most important part in this world struggle. It was the irony of fate that Prince von Bulow, who was sent to Home to prevent Italy turning against the Germanic Powers, should have his mission brought to an end by Italy's declaration of war, on Hay 23. 1913, against Austria-Hungary. As we have already pointed out. relations between Italy and Austria were never conjial. and the strain had gradually increased. Italy recognised that the hour for redeeming tier lost provinces had struck, and having the courage of her convictions took her fate in the hollow of her blinds. After the lapse of fifteen months, Italy has now made another bold -bid for freedom and consolidation by . declaring war on Germany. It has puzzled many people to understand why the break with Germany was not! simultaneous with that with Austria, considering how closely the aims and interests of those tn a countries were interwoven. For an answer to this problem | we have to bear in mind the strong pro- | German influences in Italian political, commercial, and industrial circles. Though those influences wctre unable t.) prevent the declaration of war against Austria, their power mav be giiaged by the fact that they succeeded ,for fifteen months in limiting Italian hostilities to Austria. It is well known that German banking and commercial interests in Itaiv are very vast, and they have formc-d a powerful lever in diplomatic action. Italy is neiv heart and soul with the Allies She is fighting for a national cause that deeply affects all Italian patriots—the redemption of her lost provinces. The accomplishment of her object will give a tremendous impetus to national aspirations, and Italy should emerge from the war a happier, if poorer country, but with the prospect ot complete national consolidation and the reasonable hope ol 'becoming a reality as one of the great Powers.