THE LANSING PAPERS, 1914-1920, VOLUME I



with her two children, returning to Washington, and will be escorted
by Mr. Roger C. Tredwell, our Consul here, who goes home on leave.
Accordingly I avail myself of this opportunity to write you a confi-
dential letter.
  The internal situation here seems about the same as for some time
past, except that through apprehension or through the actual sinking
of merchant ships by German and Austrian submarines, the lines
have been much more closely drawn of late in every way, and this
has caused pressure enough to make itself felt in many new direc-
tions; for example, bread tickets have just begun to be issued here,
the sale of sweets and articles which require sugar are forbidden from
the first of next month; the consumption of meat is regulated, etc.
  All this has naturally an effect on the spirit and temper of the
people at large. So far as appears on the surface, however, every-
thing seems to be going along as smoothly as ever; the Government
appears to have everything well in hand, and it is only from whispers
caught here and there that one finds the existence of the feeling that
lies underneath. I would say that the people at large, partly from
necessity, but mainly I think because they are really hopeful of a
favorable issue of the war, are willing to undergo any reasonable sac-
rifices to give the ruling authorities the opportunity to carry out their
plans, and have steeled themselves to the sacrifices which may be
entailed by the great struggle that is expected to take place now
almost immediately.
  The Government was, as I telegraphed you duly,72 sustained in the
Chamber on Saturday evening by a vote of confidence of 369 to 43.
  The fact still stands, however, that the majority is composed of
elements held together rather by not knowing what better to do
than by any desire to sustain this especial Government.
  The situation in Russia and the situation in France are still in-
volved in some mystery, and their effect on Italy will only be known
hereafter. For one thing, unless the situation becomes too exigent,
Italy will take much pride in being able to show the world that she
has a more ordered policy and a more steadfast position than some
of the other Allied countries. Baron Sonnino is undoubtedly the
master spirit of the Government, and has strengthened himself greatly
in the public esteem by his consistent and firm policy united with the
moderation of his language as compared to that of some of the other
Cabinet leaders.
  I am struck by a certain influence which the memory and reputation
of Cavour seem to have on the procedure here and indeed on the spirit
in which matters are dealt with.

"Telegram not printed.



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