ITALIAN JINGOISM.

Waikato Times, Volume XXXII, Issue 2581, 26 January 1889, Page 2 (Supplement)

ITALIAN JINGOISM.

TIIK Italian military organ, tho Esereito It-aliano, is startlingly frank as to Italy's position in relation to a European crisis. 11' there is to be an European war the Esereito would have Italy "in it." The Italians protest that they have no intention of attacking France; the French, on the other hand, allirin that they are animated by no warlike intentions towards us. Wo believe that both the parties who repeat almost daily the same declarations do so in perfect good faith. Tho war will nevertheless break ont on the first occasion which presents itself, since it is the natural and inevitable result of the series of events which lias creatcd the present position—i.e., tho constitution on the frontiers of France of two great States, united and thoroughly nationalised, which limit her influence and restrain her power of expansion. Let us speak frankly. What is the good of deceiving each other reciprocally ? France will never, not even after 1802, be able to count on the neutrality of Italy. Italy is led by tho instinct of self-preservation to unite without hesitation her forces from the very beginning of the struggle to tho forces of those who intend to keep France in that iron circle which is Ihe surest guarantee of peace ; and Franco knows it well. A success of the French arms, facilitated by our neutrality, would bo soon and bitterly felt by Italy. Alter a victorious war with Germany, war against Italy ; after Berlin, Eomo ; this is inevitable. The Italian statesman who in this emergency should hesitate an instant to take the only possible resolution, would betray his country, and expose his name to the welldeserved vituperation of future generations. lie would have led his country to certain destruction.