THE ITALIAN ROUT.

The Italian defeat is momentarily assuming graver proportions. With a hundred thousand prisoners taken, and most of the difficult mountain country already passed, there is a lively danger of the fall of Udine, and with this the capture of the Third Army across the Isonzo. Not since the days of the great German advance of August 1914, have the Allies been confronted with so serious a crisis. For should a catastrophe take place, then the way will lie open for the Germans to seize the rich Lombard plain, capture new ports for submarine bases on the Mediterranean, and even menace France from the rear. Any aid to prevent this, if it is to be effective, must be immediate. The danger is so instant and overwhelming as to leave no time for deliberation. Already the French cabinet is considering what aid France can give her ally; but France is unable to assume this new responsibility alone. All must help, not only for Italy's sake, but for the cause of the Allies.

But even if the worst should not happen, and these eventualities be avoided, yet the moral effect upon the Central Powers is certain to work against peace. The extremists, led by Hindenburg, Ludendorf and Mackensen, will inevitably regain the upper hand, Austria will revive in courage, and as a corollary, the discontented elements in the allied nations will make use of this opportunity to embarrass their governments. The immediate future seems black indeed; only constructive statesmanship of the first order can counter the discouragement and distress. But if the justice and unselfishness of our cause is sufficiently felt, then defeat should serve as a stimulus to greater sacrifices, and eventual success. To give this message, not to Italy alone, but to Germany and Austria as well, is America's mission today.