PROGRESS OF THE WAR

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 33, 2 November 1917, Page 4

PROGRESS OF THE WAR

A FEATURE of the news from Italy which commands attention is that there has been no mention of any repetition of tho treachery which enabled the enemy to penetrate tho line in the Tolmino sector and compelled General Cadorna to order a general rotreat. All reports agree that tho troops covering tho retreat are bravely performing their duty. The spirit of the Italian armies in tho new conditions created will not be decisively tested until they halt in face of the. enemy on their selected defensive line. If their temper is indicated in the devoted courage of the detachments entrusted with the duty of retarding and checking the enemy, there should be little reason to fear tho outcome. * * * *

Add sorts of questions are raised in tho news to-day. We aro told that General Cadorna is preparing 'to execute a flanking movement, and a similar design is credited to the Germans. _ But the essential question awaiting an answer _ concerns tho resolution <ukl discipline of the Italian troops, and it must remain unanswered until a battle Jias been fought or tho enemy has been brought definitely to a halt. The statement in a New York message that General Cadorna is outnumbered five to one has perhaps been transmitted in error. It is certainly untrue. If the _ Italians arc in any respect at a disadvantage, it is in the factor of artillory. It is not certain that even tho heavy losses of guns_ during the retreat havo made- their strength in artillery inferior to that ol tho cnemy> but if they are inferior AngloFrench assistance should speedily restore tho balance. The good news is transmitted to-day that all tho British guns on the Italian front were saved.

If the Germans hoped to cast Italy into a stato of political disorder there is already fairly conclusive evidence that tho hope has been disappointed. The new Cabinet formed under the leadership of SIGNOK Orwndo includes representatives of all tho political parties except tho extreme Socialists, and Baron Sonnino, one of tho most distinguished figures • in Italian political life, and an unflinching advocate of the vigorous prosecution of tho war, retains the post ot Foreign Minister. In a message to Mr. Lloyd George tho new Prime Minister declares his firm conviction that the enemy a aggressive stroke will unite* and consolidate tho nation instead of weakening its resolution. * * * * An American newspaper is quoted to-day as urging that the United States should declare war on Aus-

fcria in order to bo in a position to render aid to Italy. However desirable it may be in itself that tlie United States should go to war with Austria, no such courso is necessary to validate assistance to Italy. A later message states that America has decided to assist Italy by supplying coal, foodstuff, and munitions, and in other ways. An obvious justification of this action, if it is needed, appears in the fact that German as well as Austrian troops are being employed in tho invasion of Italy..