A hospital for wounded soldiers has been established at the Royal Palace of the Quirinal, which is under the direct supervision of the Queen. The Duchess of Aosta, wife of the King's cousin, is General Inspector of the Red Cross nurses, and both of these noble ladies give actual, effective, and intelligent service to the various relief organizations to which their names are attached. [Illustration: AMERICAN RED CROSS HEADQUARTERS, PADUA Photograph by E. M. Newman] Italian women have proved themselves worthy mates and daughters of the heroic sons and soldiers of Italy. To them is due the initiative in the forming of several patriotic organizations, such as the "White Cross," for the protection of little children, "The Sowers of Courage," and "The Smile to the Strong," formed for helping and encouraging the fighting sons of Italy. Soldiers' huts have been erected and put in charge of the members of an association known as "Soldiers' Mammas." The members are women that have sons at the front, and may therefore be expected to give affectionate and maternal care to the young soldiers. There are other organizations, such as "The Mothers of Fallen Soldiers" and "The Widows of the War," whose object is mutual help among the women that have suffered the loss of son or husband. Men who, because of advanced age, have been compelled to remain at home, have not failed to take up the burden of assistance and relief. Local committees have everywhere been formed under the name of "_Assistenza Civile_." There is also the "_Segratariato del Popolo_," besides many others. All these societies are banded together to assist the families of soldiers, to care for the mutilated, and to aid wherever help is needed. The Italian Government has enacted special laws for the benefit of those stricken by the war. For instance, the Government furnishes shoes below cost to Government employees earning less than four thousand _lire_ per year (about $800). [Illustration: TRAMWAY IN ROME Showing women as conductor, motorist, and despatcher Press Illustrating Service, Inc.] _Education_ School life continues practically as in normal times, with the exception that, in the elementary schools and in the grades of the grammar and high schools, there is a larger proportion of women teachers. Many instructors who had been retired have asked to re-enter service, thus relieving the young men called to the colors. In the universities a few distinguished professors of military age have been permitted to retain their chairs, but a considerable number have gone to the front. Naturally the number of students has been greatly reduced. [Illustration: THE SMALL CANALS OF VENICE WERE ALMOST DESERTED Photograph by E. M. Newman]