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Genius Mussolini, as studied by Scholar Finer in Rome last year: "First, then, Mussolini has a profound knowledge of men. . . . His penetration is extremely subtle: 'refined' as the Continental idiom has it. This does not apply to one special section of the people, like the peasantry among whom he was born, but to all. . . . The Senate, whose seats are filled by the grey-bearded 'personages,' is addressed [by Mussolini] with the gravity of an elder statesman; the Chamber with tempestuous fervor, and 'high inspiration' and humor. The peasants he salutes in the style of a peasant, harsh, dour, and as the journalists say 'honest!' . . . He does not promise them that the State will make their fortunes, but that, if they work the State will do what it can to help them. . . . The peasants, I think, do not show displeasure when they refer to him as un furbo, 'a crafty fellow.' He is, indeed, very, very astute."
Richelieu's Condition. "Italians love a display of emotion to an extent the English would regard as disgusting," continues Dr. Finer. "Hence the task of government has been, is, and always will be different in Italy from in England. . . . In the apt American phrase, Mussolini is a spellbinder. . . . Yet Mussolini is more controlled, more disposed to reticence, less expansive than the average Italian. He is imperious and detached. . . . He has a solid, crag-like passivity when listening, and even when speaking, that is particularly imposing in a land where all are volatile and throbbing. He gives the impression that confidence will be well placed in him, and power turned to good uses. . . . It is this un-Italian steadiness which marks him off from the rest.
"Another quality that distinguishes the Dictatorship of Mussolini is his exceptionally wide knowledge of science and philosophy. . . . There are some people too vain to seek advice; Mussolini seeks it wherever it may be found, and therefore fulfills Richelieu's condition of wisdom and character in a statesman. . . . He is the world's most accomplished plagiarist.
"Thirdly, Mussolini has, and gives the impression of having, a complete contempt for material rewards, money, comfort. . . . Mussolini comes from poverty, preaches poverty, and remains poor. Yes; his devotion to Italy, and only Italy, is as unmistakable as it is absolute. . . . There must be no personal loyalties, no promises, no doctrinal consistency, nor anything else that conflicts with the destiny of a greater Italy. There are some men who cannot desert the friends of yesterday for the sake of their country. Mussolini is not one of these."