MUSSOLINI'S STRONG HAND

Evening Star, Issue 18833, 6 January 1925, Page 4

MUSSOLINI'S STRONG HAND

OPPOSITION TO BE SUPPRESSED. MILITIA CALLED UP. Press Association—By Telegraph—Copyright, LONDON, January 5. The ‘ Daily Chronicle’s ’ Rome correspondent says' that Signor Mussolini’s policy of conciliation having failed, ho will replace it by a campaign of energetic suppression of sedition. The first step is the mobilisation of the militia for guarding the railways, and another is the closing of political clubs. The country is practically; in the hands of the Carabinieri and Militia. The strong measures outlined by the ‘ Chronicle’s" correspondent are deemed necessary, owing to tho intensity of the campaign of the Avcntines, so called because, like the plebs of old, they meet on Aventine Hill. They consist of an amalgamation of Liberals, Conservatives, and Socialists. Signor Mussolini on Saturday announced in the Chamber that he would wipe out the Opposition in forty-eight hours, adding: "The one solution is force.” Signor Mussolini was accorded a great ovation. Since then there lias born no news from Italy.—A, and N.Z. Cable. FASCIST REVIVAL. ENTHUSIASTIC DEMONSTRATIONS. ROME, January 5. (Received January 6, at 11.25 a.m.) The spirits of the Fascists have been tremendously revived in consequence of the speech delivered by Signor Mussolini in the Chamber of Deputies on Saturday, in which be declared, that as (bo Opposition had persistently rejected bis efforts at pacification be had decided! that force must be the arbiter. Subsequently Signor Mussolini, in conference with the authorities, decided on measures to suppress the subversive elements, including the reinforcement of the Fascist militia, orders to search the houses and offices of dangerous leaders, and instructions to dissolve the political clubs. Numerous demonstrations were organised throughout Italy dii Sunday, and there was rejoicing at the revival of tho Fascist spirit. Tho police and troops at Milan had to protect tho offices of the ‘ Corrierc Delia Sera ’ and other Opposition newspapers, also the Masonic lodges. The Fascist Legion and the militia arc engaged in tactical mamenvres with machine, guns at Rome, the idea being to resist a supposed invading force. General Gandolpho (the new commander of the militia) afterwards reviewed the Legion. He issued an order praising the military spirit and bearing of the militia. Subsequently the Legion paraded in Rome singing the Fascist hymn ‘ Giovinma.’ The artillery section carried machine guns on their shoulders. Tho parade was headed by Colonel Uandelori, whom M. Rossi (exchief of tho Government Press Bureau, now in prison) specially attacked in his recent memorandum, in which ho accused Signor Mussolini of complicity in the Fascist, outrages. Signor Furinacci, leader of the uncompromising Fascists, accompanied Colonel Candelori. Tho Legion paid homage at the tomb of the- Unknown Soldier. The police and troops guarded the offices of the Opposition newspapers. No disorders occurred. The Government has decreed the disbandment of Italia. Libera, an ex-service-men’s party beaded by General Poppino Garibaldi, on the ground of its alleged anti-constitutional and seditious programme. The disbandment is being carried out without incident.—Reuter.