STORY OF BENITO MUSSOLINI.

Press, Volume LVIII, Issue 17633, 9 December 1922, Page 7

STORY OF BENITO MUSSOLINI.

I Seven short years is but a brief span in which to make a world-wide reputation. None the less, such if the case with the career of Benito Mussolini. In exile, in Switzerland when the Great War broke outr—an inciter of local sti-ikes—always on the' s/ide of the people, with his bosom friend, "Corradoni," killed at the front—an intimate also of Marinetti, the Italian founder, shall we say, of Futurism? — not only in art, but also in science, religion, and politics, this remarkable "Romagnolo" las scaled the ladder of fame in the twinkling of an eye, says the London "Daily Chronicle." Pardoned at the outbreak of war, he returned to Italy as editor of "Avanti," Furati's paper—the organ of the proGorman Socialists. As a friend of France, the policy of Italy's neutrality irritated l the temperamental son of Forli. He left "Avanti," and founded his own journal, "II Popolo d'ltalia," Socialist also, but pro-Ally, and strong ly anti-clerical. This accounts for thfc Vatican's keen interest in the present change of Ministry, and, what is more, for its arming of troops. _ "II Popolo d'ltalia" was excommunicated when we were in Milan. Orthodox families were not supposed to hare it on their tables. In spite of this, however, it circulated everywhere, and though rumours would make Mussolini one day. "in the pay of France," and the next day "in the pay of England," he flourished like the proverbial bay tree. He was instrumental in forcing Italy to declare war on Turkey, and most decidedly he caused the anomalous position of "Italy, our Ally, a friend of Germany," to end. He organised street processions, where sandwich-men carried high the proclamation, "Confiscate the German Goods and Properties." The result was that after many months of the war, in fact, years, Italy finally declared war also on Germany. It was after this all the discussion arose over Prince von Bulow's palace, "The Villa of Roses," in Rome. D'Annunzio is also one of Mussolini's greatest friends. The "Popolo" printed speeches of the Abrazzi poet, which were confiscated almost before they left the printing machines. Speaking to Mr William Gerard, ant eminent New York journalist, in August, 1915, in Milan, reporting the bringing of Japanese troops to Europe, Mussolini said: "I am absolutely op>posed to the idea. It would be an act of supreme unwisdom. This is a European war. We had best keep it so. Besides, even if there had been any need, that need was at once dissipated when Italy took up arms. It never must be said that Europe had to c-all on Asia to administer th«» oastigation which Germany is sure to receive." He served at the front, was wounded, then became the mouthpiece of the "Arati," or Storm-troops, who developed later into the political body known as the Fasoisti. Hence' that black shirt, with skull and cross-bones worked in white, 'in which Mussolini paid his first visit to the King on taking office. He is married to a Romagnola,, and has a.growing family. His evenings used td be-spent in the domestio circle, where he loved to play the violin. His meteoric rise- to fame is the result of his own personality arid belief in the destiny of Italy. Be never wavered, and everyone with whom lie came in contact caught not only his enthusiasm but also his exact line of thought.