FIFTY YEARS OLD

Evening Post, Volume CXVI, Issue 80, 2 October 1933, Page 7

FIFTY YEARS OLD

MUSSOLINI CELEBEATES

"THE WORK OF TEN YEARS

Premier Mussolini has just celebrated his fiftieth birthday, says the "New York Times." He is somewhat more grey around the temples than when he assumed power ten years ago, his thickset figure ia somewhat stouter, the look in his eyes is somewhat more tired, and many of his illusions aro gone. But ho still is that dominant personality who by sheer force of will rose through is own unaided efforts from the .son of a yillago blacksmith to be dictator of a nation of 40,000,000 inhabitants. He still possesses that driving force which knows no obstacles and still is the great leader whose commands are to.be obeyed.and not questioned. There has been little change in Premier Mussolini's habits in the last ten years. He has lost none of his insatiable appetite for work. Most of his waking hours are spent in his office at the Palazzo Venezia, whence he superintends every detail of tho coinplcx government machine. Horseback riding continues to be his favourite form of physical exorcise, varied in the summer by swimming in the sea at the Castlo Fusano Estate, some fifteen miles from Borne. Another recreation is playing his violin at home in the evenings. BROADER OUTLOOK. Now that his family is living with him in Borne he usually goes home for Ills meals instead of snatching a few hasty mouthfuls between audiences at his ■ office. He also returns home somewhat earlier in the evenings instead of remaining at work until well after midnight as ho did formerly. Though the greater part of Signor Mussolini's time naturally is taken up with Italian internal affairs, he has been, dedicating an increasingly large proportion of his thoughts to international problems. Step by step, as his prestige has grown in foreign countries, he has formed the habit of thinking not in terms of Italy alone but in terms of the whole world. While he remains a convinced believer in individualism and a strong champion of nationalism, ho has gradually become an- outstanding apostlo of international co-operation. The world depression has hastened this evolution of Signor Mussolini, leading him to seek ;a common remedy for the common evil. .'■ . Signor Mussolini is as strong politically and'as popular as at any: time since the first" few days of delirious enthsusiasm that immediately followed his accession to power.' There is a cortain amount of grumbling here and there against some-aspects .'of • tho Fascist regime; there is some criticism of this or that measure adopted by the Government, but there are few Italians who .would ■welcome a change in tho man at/the- helm. ■ j UNIQUE POSITION. Though many persons complain of the depression, all feel that but for the Premier-things would be worse than they arc. Personally ho occupies a uniquo and unassailable position in the affections '.of tho Italian people. His popularity doos not prevent him, however, from leading a solitary and friendless life. ' He is one of those men who inspire instinctive respect, but who do not easily draw friends, lie is.bitterly hated by few, loved by many, and- respected by everyone, but nobody can claim to be on terms of familiarity,with him.. .. , Even his most intimate collaborators stands in awe.of him. Probably the only man lie truly loved and trusted was-his.tlate: brother, Arnaldo. .Now: lie is loft to brood alone on his problems. Premier Mussolini's health now appears to be excellent. He has undoubtedly aged considerably in the last ten year's as 'his unceasing hard work has begun to tell even on his exceptionally strong constitution. But he has lost none of his old energy and fire. His brain, is as clear and quick as it ever was and his decisions are as sudden and energetic. He is still in every sense of the word "II Duce," whoso ■word the Italians regard as law.