Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1917-02-07
ING FLAYS PEACE
BID OF GERMANS
George V Proclaims Demand
for "Just Reparation" at
Parliament Opening
STEELED FOR VICTORY

.tt LONDON. Feb..7
England and her Allies are steeled unan-
Smousiy to secure "just reparation." restitu-
tion for the past and guarantees for the
future and no threats OF further outrages'
by Germany can move them from this de-
Termination.
King George so voiced the Entcnte's pur-
poses In his speech from the throne in the
House of Lords, marking the opening Of
Parliament today He insisted that Ger
n1any's recent peace proffers had contained
no possible basis for peace"
During the winter" the King continued
my navy maintained unchallenged and
ceaseless watch on the seas and enforced
vigorously a blockade of the enemy. My
armies conducted successful operations in
Europe, Mesopotamia, and fully pre-
pared to renew the struggle in close and
cordial cooperation with my allies on every
field.
II trust their united efforts will carry
the successes already won to victorious
conclusion
my people throughout the Empire and
cur heroic allies remain steadfastly and
unanimously resolved to secure just repara-
tion and restitution for the past and guar
antees for the future-which we regard as
essential to the progress Of civilization" the
King continued.
''In response to the Invitation Of the
President of the United States we have
outlined as far as possible at present our
general objects and aims Threats of
further outrages of the public law, of the
common rights of humanity will only
serve to steel our determination.
81 have invited representatives of the Do
miinons and the Indian Empire, which have
borne so glorious part in the struggle. to
confer with my Ministers on important ques-
tions OF common interest relating to the
war. which step, I trust, will result in
re-establishment of closer relations in all
parts of the Empire
THE accomplishment Of the task to which
have set my hand will entail unsparing
demands upon the energies and resources
of all my subjects, but | am assured that
the people will respond TO every call neces
sary to the success Of the cause with the
same indom!table ardor and devotion that
has filled me with pride and gratitude since
the war began.
81 pray Almighty God to give His bless.
ing to your councils"
PAGEANTRY OMITTED
War put its somber touch on the usual
picturesqueness and colorfui gorgeousness
of a Parliament opening. There was modl-
fled parade with a good deal OF the pomp
of other days--but precedent was smashed
when for the first time in history Of that
'ancient law-making body the peers and
peeresses who attended the ceremonies
wore merely simply plain morning clothes
in place of gorgeous robes and coronets
heretofore donned
THE Star-Spangied Banner played by a
band stationed outside Parliament building,
greeted the crowds awaiting the arrival OF
the King and Queen today. Later in the
House of Lords American Ambassador Page
occupied place in the diplomatic reserva-
tions conspicuously near King George and
Queen Mary as the King delivered his
speech.
The King wore a simple blue naval service
uniform and the Queen was attired very
simply in a black dress, with her only jew
elry four strands of pearls Thus another
precedent was shattered--for, ever since
there was speech from the throne" the
King and Queen have always appeared in
full court and state regalia. As conces-
sion to precedent their ma5esties robes of
state were draped over their thrones and
the royal couple sat upon them.
The King and Queen journeyed to the
Parliament opening-which took place at
noon sharp--in plain coach drawn by six
black horses There were the usual escorts
of royalty, including the royal horse guards,
but the war touch was furnished by squads
of mounted officers representing the army
of each of England's domlnions and colonies
who formed part of the procession from the
palace to the Parliament buildings These
officers were dressed in the service khaki
uniforms of the trenches instead of the
usually gorgeous court uniforms Glittering
with gold lace.
The procession inside the Parliament was
mostly naval and military. Four hundred
wounded colonial soldiers and officers, at
tended by uniformed nurses, occupied the
whole of the royal gallery.
All foreign diplomats were present. and
here, too precedent was broken, for instead
of appearing in full State regalia, with
court uniforms, the diplomats wore frock
and cutaway coats
A few selected foreign newspaper writer's
Including the representative of the EVENING
\ LEDGER. were specially invited to witnes!
the ceremonies
VAULTS SEARCHED
The seventh session of the second Far.
liament of the reign of King George was
preceded by search of the cellars and
vaults at Westminster for possible imita.