The Fargo forum and daily republican., 1918-02-12
PARLIAMENT IS
RECONVENED BY
king GEORGE
Eighth Session of Longest
Parliament in Modern
Times Is Begun
(BY AsaocIatad Praas.l

London, Feb. 12.--In his speech al
the opening of parliament today King
George said the struggle had reached
/ a critical stage which demanded
/ more than even the full use of the
country's energies and resources.
until recognition is offered of the
only principles upon which an honor
able peace can be concluded, the king
declared, 1t is the duty of the British
10 prosecute the war with all the
vigor they possess.
Following is the kings speech:
My lords and gentlemen: The
necessities Of war render II impera-
tive for me, after but brief interval
70 summon you again to your
deliberations. The aims for which
l and my allies are contending were
recently set forth by my government
In q statement which received the
emphatic approval Of my peoples
throughout the empire, and provide a
fair basis for settlement of the pres
ent struggle and re-estabiishment of
national rights and international
peace in the future.
The German government has
however, ignored our just demands
that 1t should make restitution for
the wrongs IL has committed and
furnish guarantees against their un-
provoked repetition. It's spokesmen
refuse any obligations for them
selves, while denying rightfuI Hber-
ties Of others. Until a recognition is
offered Of the only principles upon
which an honorable peace can be
concluded it is our duty to persecute
the wal, with all the Vigor we
possess"
: Il have full confidence that MY
forces in the field in close COOP
GRAFTON with those OF MY faithful
allies, will continue TO display the
same heroic courage and MY people
at home the same uRselhsh devotion,
that have already frustrated so
many Of the enemy's designs and
will insure the ultimate triumph of
the righteous cause.
Il have summoned representa-
tiVes Of MY dOminions and MY In
dian empire to a further session of
the imperial war cabinet in order
that I. may again receive their ad-
vice on questions of moment affect
ing the common interests of the
empire.
Gentlemen Of the house Of COM
mons, you will be asked to make
suitable provisions for the require
ments Of the eombatant services and
for the stability OF our national
finance.
my lords and gentlemen, the
struggle in which we are engaged has
reached a critical stage which de-
mands more than ever our united
energies and resources. confident
ly commend to your patriotism the
measures which will be submitted to
you and l pray that the Almighty
may bestow His blessing on your
Iabors."
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 ia virtually certain
to be the last and which will be fol-
lowed by a general election upon ex-
tended franchise with women voting
for the hrst time In the country's his
tory.
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 |
spectacular features,
After the king and their majasties |
eft the house of lords, an address |
to the speech was moved in
both houses formality which gives |
ons Of the chief opportunities for de |
bate in any session.