A correspondent of the Timm, writing from Tripoli on December
27th, gives a reassuring account of the quality and temper of the Italian troops. He gives a "blank denial" to the statement that the enthusiasm of the men has evaporated. while admitting that some are puzzled by the long inaction. The soldiers are both brave and willing—in fact, always willing to do more than their officers would allow them to do. "It is acutely realized that the disaster of Adowa was largely due to the national eagerness of temperament, and the authorities are determined that there shall be no repetition of the mistakes then made." As regards the prospect of an advance into the interior, there is little probability of a forward movement other than a reconnaissance in force until a narrow-gauge rail- way has been laid as far as Ain Zara. Any movement in the next few weeks will probably come from the Turks, who are contemplating an attack, but, in the view of the correspondent, will only play directly into the hands of the Italians. He concludes by observing that "Italy cannot fail to carry out her task, and it would save a great deal of trouble if the financial world, as well as the political, were to make up its mind to recognize the fact."
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