The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1918-02-12
Urges To Fight On Until Hon.
orable Peace Is Recognized.
Eighth Session of Longest Par
lament of Modern Times.
ATTACK ON GOVT BREWING
Flareups in Many Factions Ex-
pected To Break Out.
Conduct of Versailles Allied
Council Is Under Fire,

London, Feb 12.-In his speech at
the opening of parliament today King
George said the struggle had reached
a critical stage which demanded more
than ever the full use of the country's
energies and resources. Until recog-
milton is offered of the only principles
upon which an honorable peace can
be concluded, the king declared it is
the duty of the British to prosecute
the Wa- with all the vigor they possess
Members of both houses of parlia-
ment assembled early today for the
opening of the eighth session of the
! longest parliament in modern times
a session which is virtually certain to
be the last and which will be followed
by general election upon an extend
ed franchise with women voting for
the flrSt time in the country'S history
Discard Court Robes
King George, accompanied by the
Queen and the Prince of Wales, who
is on leave from the Italian front
performed the opening ceremony at
noon in the absence of some of the
customary spectacular features. 1t
was decided that in view of the war
the peers and peeresses would not
wear their gorgeous titular robes and
coronets, while the naval and mill
tary members of both houses wore the
service dress instead of the fashy
gold laced full dress uniform
After the king read his speech and
thelr maJeStleS had left the house of
lords, an address replying to the
speech was moved in both houses a
formality which gives one of the chief
opportunities for debate in any ses-
sion. Political circles have been puz-
Z1ng the past few days with various
rumors, showing that severe criticism
of the government is to be expected
in the debate. One rumor is to the
effect that a hostile amendment con-
denUHing the government may he
moved from the front opposition
bench.
Interfere With Military. Chiefs.
Complaints that ministers have in
terfered with the military chiefs have
been resuscitated recently and voiced
outspokenly in a section of the press
This subject will be brought to de
bate in association with the demand
for explanation of the enlargement of
the powers of the supreme war coun
ell at the recent meeting at Versailles
In this connection it will be recalled
that former Premier Asquith last week
propounded a question concerning the
supreme war council and it is under
stood that he will bring up this topic
again. 1t is assumed Premier Lloyd
George will reply with an important
before the conclusion of the debate,
which may continue for two or three
DAYS, the radical and labor members
will again urge their view regarding
war aims and peace by negotiations
They may also move an amendment
criticising the policy of the Yer
sailles council, whose official state
ment referred to vigorous prosecution
of the war as the only immediate task
of the allies, and regretting that the
door was thus closed to peace, con-
versations A joint allied statement
of war aims may also be demanded.
May Restrict Debate.
The submarine menace, food ra-
tioning and the dispute with the en-
gineers regarding the extension of
compulsory military service are
among the other topics which various
members hope to raise, but as the
T(Continued Page Two.)