Gadsden County Times

Mussolini Dabbles.

A report from Rome, and it can be accepted, is that the Italian Dictator Mussolini is demanding the right to name who shall be the leader of the Austrian Heimwehr. Mussolini wants Prince Ernest von Starhemberg given the authority over this vast body of soldiers. Meddling in the internal affairs of an independent state is a sure start towards trouble sooner or later. Mussolini stands now accused of encouraging and helping the Spanish rebels in their war-fare on the legitimate government. Does the Italian leader think he is powerful enough to dictate European affairs personally? Mussolini, all must soon admit, is headed either for the heights of supreme power or for a disaster. He is willing to run the risk of a clash with nations which oppose his plans. So far the European nations have hesitated to oppose him to the length of war, a condition which encourages Mussolini to push on. He mistakes the reluctance of France and Britain to become involved in war as weakness, and sooner or later those states will have to let him know by demonstration their own power, even to the length of going to war.