Evening Post. MONDAY, JUNE 18, 1923. MUSSOLINI'S PROBLEM

Evening Post, Volume CV, Issue 143, 18 June 1923, Page 6

Evening Post. MONDAY, JUNE 18, 1923. MUSSOLINI'S PROBLEM

A dictator who attains power by the use or display of physical force must either maintain that force or discover some substitute for it. Mussolini, Premier of Italy, has gone some distance towards dispensing with the physical force which raised him to power; but it is very doubtful whether he has made great progress in placing his authority upon a firmer footing. He has replaced order for chaotic misrule,' He has vanquished the disturbing Communists; but such achievements are not long remembered. When people make a hero of a leader he has to bear the consequences when they discover their mistake. No one will deny that Mussolini is a strong man and able; but the strongest and the ablest man could not have set Italy quickly upon her feet. Had Mussolini been a mediocrity, the people would not have expected miracles from him ; but the higher an idol is set the more disastrous is its fall. Mussolini's task now is to retain power and avoid a verdict of the people until they recover from their disappointment at. his failure to work miracles. Then they may realise that, though lie is no god, he is at least the best politician in sight.'

But how is the verdict to be avoided? Deputies who fear to lose their seats may be threatened with a dissolution, but support so obtained is not sure, and is of little assistance to the dictator. It is an uncertain prop, and must at some time be thrown aside. Mussolini may secure- the dismissal o£ this dummy Chamber of Deputies at any time; but when he does he runs the risk of obtaining in its place one which will be able and critical, instead of helpless and subservient. The Fascisti were not organised as a political party, and their voting strength has never been tested. Their numbers were great, but it was not their numerical strength that won the battle. It was their determination and resolution in the achievement of a definite- aim. But resolution and determination often arouse hostility which, though it may not lead to opposition by physical force, will find a vent in the polls. Political organisation may defeat this; but where there- arc so many parties as in Italy the formation of a new party presents not one problem but a series of problems.

For a time Mussolini had the support of the Popularists who represent the Catholic Church and the Catholic peasantry. Last month he broke with these; but the break was bound to come at some time if the proportional representation law were amended, for the Popularists owe much of their strength to this law. Other parties who have hitherto given Fascism support may also'be- estranged by the new law. SSftSity, fe&E iM ity. l* w: 1-3

from the present proportional representation method it is difficult to say, as the explanation of the proposed new system is anything but clear. It does appear, however, that the new law will kill some of the smaller parties; but whether Fascism or its opponents will profit thereby is an open question. A recent writer in Italy stated that the success of Fauci smo was largely due to its capture of the peasantry of Central Italy; but the writer added that the peasantry liked to be on tho winningside, and carried the cards of all parties in their pockets, so that they might produce the card which would best please an interlocutor. If Mussolini's chief voting supporters are of this uncertain temper, no one can prophesy his fate at the election.