_MENTOR GRAVURES_--A BANK IN VENICE, PROTECTED AGAINST ATTACK · A
MARKET SQUARE IN ROME · AN ITALIAN KINDERGARTEN SHATTERED BY A BOMB ·
TAKING DOWN THE HORSES OF ST. MARK'S · CHURCH OF ST. MARK'S BOARDED UP
FOR PROTECTION · PIAZZA DEL POPOLO, ROME
Italy has played a far more important part in the World War than is
apparent to one who has not given the subject special consideration.
The neutral nations have directed most of their thoughts to England and
France. To do Italy full justice, the fact must be emphasized that she
came into the war at a time when the Allies were in great need of her.
The outlook for England and France was most serious when the Italian
people, roused by love of liberty and democracy, demanded that their
Government cast its lot with the Allies and declare war.
As a result, Austria was compelled to mobilize and mass her forces
on the Italian frontier, and she was no longer able to give aid and
support to the Germans on the western front. The entire course of the
war was then materially changed.
[Illustration: PEACE IN THE MIDST OF WAR
This picture of Italian children playing with dolls was taken in
Italy's darkest hour before the turn of the fortunes of war