Turati Rampant

To rename the tallest mountain in Europe after II Duced would christen the towering crag: MOUNT MUSSOLINI.

When this proposal was broached last week at Rome, the news traveled swiftly to Paris and there drew a loud, whinnying tening expedition, and seemed to have in mind that he would climb up the Italian side of Mont Blanc and perform the rechristening in despite of any French Alpinists who might be lurking near the summit.

Earlier in the week Signer Turati spoke kindling words to an open air Fascist gathering at Ravenna. It was Signor Turati, of course, who replaced the reputed terrorist Roberto Farinacci as Secretary General of the Fascist Party (TIME, April 12, 1926) ; and at that time Augusto Turati's policies were rated "conservative" and "conciliatory." His speech last week was instructive as an example of the pugnacity which even a "moderate" Fascist statesman must display:

"Fascismo has its muskets, and above all it has its courage and in domitable spirit and in its veins runs the magnificent Italian blood which does not give way in face of danger, which loves to fight and is patient of pain and suffering. We could have resigned ourselves to continuing to be a small nation, tolerated by Europe and by the world. But we have chosen the more difficult road because we know that it will lead to liberty and greatness."

Singling out Communist Russia as the natural foe of Fascist Italy, Signor Turati cried: "The antithesis is clear; either Moscow will win or Rome will win. But you know there is no doubt that victory will rest with Rome."

By the way of conclusion, a care fully vague but unmistakable threat was hurled at the world in general by Signor Turati. The technique of this threat is now virtually "standardized" among Fascist statesmen in imitation of II Duce.

The form used last week by Signor Turati: "When we become really free and strong, then, and then only, will the treasures of our great past and our glorious his tory be really ours. Then the Roman eagles will resume their flight again. Where will they alight? It matters not, if the flight be strenuous and the victory great."