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Mussolini and Europe's Need of Peace
By J. M. Sjodahl

Once in a while, on the horizon of history, there appears a star which blazes forth in brilliancy for a time and then fades and melts into the obscurity from which it emerged. Is Benito Mussolini such a star?

The answer to that question will have to be reserved till after the last chapter of his biography shall have been penned. At present it can only be said that, at his words and acts, statesmen are amazed.

Benito Mussolini, the son of a blacksmith, has for almost three years been at the helm of the Italian ship of state. Some time before he became prominent, he taught school. According to the reports, at a certain polling place there was, during that period of his eventful life, some serious trouble with the ballot box at the time of an election, whereupon Mussolini proceeded to the neighboring country of Switzerland. Here he is said to have been active in socialist propaganda, and by and by he thought it best to leave in peace. He then went to France, where he had a struggle for existence, until he could return to his beloved Italy, where he, once more became prominent in socialistic activity.

Then came the world war.

Opinions in Italy were divided, as to whether the country ought to join the Allies or keep neutral. The socialists were for neutrality. Mussolini came out for war. He started a paper, Popolo d'Italia, in which the war policy was strongly advocated. He did more. He enlisted, as soon as that policy was adopted, and served with some distinction, which was recognized by his elevation to the position of a corporal and a non-commissioned officer. After having received a wound, he returned to civil life, whereupon he began a war of his own upon what he called "national inanition." At this time he was both anti-socialist and anti-parliamentarist, although he claimed that he was only opposed to the abuses of popular government.

Mussolini succeeded in being elected to the chamber of deputies. In 1917, an organization had been founded by certain senators and deputies who were in favor of war. They were known as "militant fascists." Mussolini joined that organization, which was the beginning of the Italian national fascist party, in which he was recognized as the leader.

This party grew rapidly, as the living conditions in the country became more and more difficult. In 1922, a rally was held at Naples, and when Mussolini there saw 50,000 armed fascists, with their officers, parade the streets, admired by the large, sympathetic mob, he realized that his opportunity had come.