Nelson Evening Mail WEDNESDAY, APRILD 7, 1926 THE FASCISTS

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXI, 7 April 1926, Page 4

Nelson Evening Mail WEDNESDAY, APRILD 7, 1926 THE FASCISTS

THREE months ago Mr Robert Dell, Paris correspondent ol Ihe Manchester Guardian—himself sometime resident in Italy—drew a striking parallel between the working of Bolshevism in Russia and of Fascism in Italy. He said of the Bolshevists ‘They have their followers in hand.” He declared Signor Mussolini had not got his followers in hand : “His followers have been too strong for him. He lias so long connived at their lawless proceedings that he cannot stop thorn when he would, .i . . The real leadership of the Fascist Party has in fact passed out of his —Mussolini s

“hands and into those of harinacei, the Secretary of the party.

It was only recent I ytliot wo hearn that Signin’ Farinaeei, Secretary General of the Fascisti. lias resigned his office, aid now The Daily Herald’s special correspondent in Italy broadcasts the nows that there has been a serious split in the Faseisti Party, and that the most significant indication is Signor Mussolini s decision to make control of the Faseisti management his own task. A year ago Mr Robert Sencourt. an American publicist resident in Italy, jointed out (he truculence of Mussolini’s followers, and declared that "a. headstrong element rules at the central councils of tin* party, and indicted the precarious situation of the “Duce,’ of whom he said :■ —'‘For several seasons Mtissoliu will probably remain, if no longer the* dictator at least the governor. of Italy. But his task is.becoming more difficult and bis popularity is everywhere declining.'’

Of eonr.-p it is impossible to say how deep is the rift which has apparently been madi between Mussolini and a section of his party, but it must hr remembered that Fascism, in spite of its violence and tiie disfavour in which it in held hy certain nations, represents a long standing historic tendency in 'Lilian life. Fascism is the expression of the youth and strength of the Italian nation, whose traditions of order and liberty are not deeply ground.d as are those- of the French. British, arid Aniti iea.n nations. It is> a phase in the development of the new Italy which was created sixty years ago .by favour, Mazzini, and Gnrihadli. 1 1. has heen gathering tone for fifty years. Therefore it is not a temporary movement, hut is likely to last for a long period. Fascism is congenial to the Italian temperament. aid the personality of Mussolini appeals strongly to the average Italian mind, and therefore it. is likely that the support which the dictator will receive from the people at large will enable him to preserve discipline within

bi»- party. "Discipline" is the very essence "f E,'.seism, and it will be a Diauce thing if its creator is unable to maintain iG Whatever the causes of the disaffection of the Farinacci faction. the determination of the dictator I i cariv on without that tactions supper, seems to point to a liberalising of the party's policy. if so, the result inav probably bo a better understanding between the clericals and Fascisti, in i.vhich i use Mussolini’s position will be sticngthened by the rupture which has occurred between him and his lieutenant ]'':n inr.cci.