3.  We desire war because today in the Adriatic, the Balkan Peninsula, the Mediterranean, and Asia Italy should have all the advantages it is possible for her to have and without which her political, economic, and moral power would diminish in proportion as that of others augmented.  To this has the Hon. Salandra borne witness.  If we should avoid war we desire less than his words most sacredly proclaimed to the nation in Parliament.  If we would be a great power we must accept certain obligations; one of them is war in order to keep us a great power.  If we do not want to be a great power any longer, we deliberately and vilely betray ourselves.

The foregoing are the three reasons for entering the war—­reasons which are tangible, material, and comprehensive.

From the Giornale d’Italia, May 12.

Italy is determined to realize her national aspirations, cost what it may.  For this reason the Government has hastened its preparations for war which, when completed, caused Austria to offer compensations, thus tacitly acknowledging the claims of Italy.

When the Austro-Italian negotiations were begun Signor Giolitti most unfortunately obstructed their successful issue by his inopportune letter declaring that war was unnecessary.  Nevertheless, owing to the firmness of the Government and the determination to resort to war, the conversations were resumed.  However, Austria, aside from offering insufficient concessions, assumed a waiting policy and sought secretly to conclude a secret peace with Russia.  Thereupon the Italian Government opened negotiations with the Allies, which had the effect of increasing the offers of Austria.

During the ultimate, delicate phase of the conversations, when those who advocate neutrality are causing great injury to the interests of the country and also helping its enemies, the Government, reposing in the support of the people, is determined to expose the intrigues and conspiracies intended to favor the Austrians and Germans.

Hence the Government will, if necessary, make an appeal to Parliament.  Meanwhile, it will conserve its power and righteously defend the interests of the country.

ANNUNCIATION

By Ernst Lissauer.

Ernst Lissauer, the author of the famous “Song of Hate Against England” has written a second poem entitled “Bread,” and directed against the British policy of cutting off Germany’s food supply.  The poem was published in the Bonner Zeitung and reprinted in the Frankfurter Zeitung of March 26, 1915.  Following is a translation:

    With arms they cannot overpower us,
    With hunger they would fain devour us;
    Foe beside foe in an iron ring. 
    Has want crossed our borders, or hunger, or dearth? 
    Listen:  I chant the tidings of Spring: 
    Our soil is our ally in this great thing;
    Already new bread is growing in the earth.