Evening Republican, Volume 21, Number 206, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 9 September 1918 — IN THE LIMELIGHT [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

IN THE LIMELIGHT

ITALY’S MAN OF THE HOUR

Though the world was ringing recently with the name of Gen. Armando Diaz, creator of the greatest victory his people have celebrated since they were knit together, in a modern nation, he is one of the least-known men in Italy. Too short a time in supreme command of the army to have gathered about him the tradition of anecdote woven around most successful generals, his own reticence and modesty have kept him somewhat out of the public eye. General Diaz comes of a noble faiplly. As the name suggests, it is of Spanish origin and the Italian branch doubtless dates from one of the frequent Spanish invasions of centuries ago when Italy was the battlefield for the world. Like Generals. Foch and Petain, General Diaz began his career as an artillery officer. He was educated at the famous Military Academy of Turin

and was graduated as a second lieutenant of artillery, in which branch of the service, he remained until he was made a captain. But there is in Italy a still higher education for army officers, known as the school of war, for which 60 pupils are selected every year from the entire army. General Diaz was one of these 60, and year after year was among, the few chosen to serve on the general staff. During the Libyan campaign he served In the field as colonel of the Ninety-third regiment of infantry. It was at the first battle of Zanzur, June 8, 1912, that he proved his quality as a commander of sharp decision. The main Italian positions had been assailed by the fanatical Arabs In six successive waves and the troops were in Imminent danger of giving way. It was then that Colonel Diaz, posted on the left with his regiment, delivered an impetuous bayonet charge upon the right flank of the enemy, throwing him into confusion and carrying the day for the Italians. Colonel Diaz was also present at the second battle of Zanzur. It was these two great actions, the most important of the Libyan tfar, that decided the Issue, and after the second victory peace was signed by Turkey within a month.