Since we last wrote the Italians have made considerable progress
in the occupation of Tripoli. On Tuesday the van- guard of the expeditionary force started from Naples, and on Wednesday they began their disembarkation at Tripoli. The arrangements made by the Italian navy seem to have been exceedingly efficient considering the comparatively small number of men available and the short time at their disposaL The Times correspondent tells RH that the temporary landing. stages presented an impressive sight as the boats from the men- of-war landed company after company of Bersaglieri. Probably by the time these pages are in our readers' hands a consider- able part of the 30,000 or 40,000 men destined for Tripoli will have been put ashore. All we know of the Turkish force is that it is encamped and probably entrenched some twelve hours' march inland. It is supposed that there are some 4,000 men with 30 pieces of cannon. It is very doubtful, however, whether this Turkish force will be able to make any effective resistance, and it may well be that it will either melt away or even surrender to the Italians without a serious engagement. The difficulties of providing food must be very great. On the other hand, if the Italians press on rapidly a fight may occur. In our opinion, however, the military difficulties of the Italians are much more likely to occur from the sporadic, resistance of the armed population than from any organized military force.
