d out in a letter to the _Corriere della Sera_, the complete
accord between Italians and Yugoslavs is not only possible and
necessary, but constitutes a European interest of the first order; if it
be not realized, the Adriatic would become not Italian nor Slav, but
German; if, on the other hand, it were brought about, then the language
and the culture, the commerce and the political influence of Italy would
not merely be maintained but would spread along the eastern Adriatic
coast and in the Balkans in a manner hitherto unhoped for; if no accord
be reached, then the Italians would see their whole influence vanish
from every place not occupied by overwhelming forces. But Sonnino, a
descendant of rancorous Levantines and obstinate Scots, went recklessly
ahead; it made you think that he was one of those unhappy people whom
the gods have settled to destroy. He neglected the most elementary
precautions; he ought to have requested, for example, that the French
and British and Americans would everywhere be represented where Yugoslav
territory was occupied. But, alas, he did not show that he disagreed
with the _Tribuna's_ lack of wisdom when it said that "the Italian
people could never tolerate that beside our flag should fly other
flags, even if friendly, for this would imply a confession of weakness
and incapacity."

THE STATE OF THE CHAMBER

The Government was in no very strong position, for the Chamber was now
moribund and the many groups which had been formed, in the effort to
create a war Chamber out of one that was elected in the days of peace,
were now dissolving. An incident towards the end of November exhibited
not only the contrivances by which these groups hoped to preserve
themselves, but the eagerness with which the Government rushed to
placate the powerful. A young deputy called Centurione, a member of the
National Defence group (the Fascio), made a furious attack on Giolitti,
under cover of a personal explanation. He had been accused of being a
police spy. Well, after Caporetto, convinced that the defeat was partly
due to the work of Socialists and Giolittians, he had disguised himself
as a workman and taken part in Socialist meetings. He was proud to have
played the spy for the good of his country, and he finished by accusing
Giolitti and six others of treason. The whole Chamber--his own party not
being strongly represented--seems to have made for Centurione who,
amidst an indescribable uproar, continued to