Every evening, Wilmington daily commercial., 1918-02-12
WAR NOW CRITICAL,
SAYS KING GEORGE
British Ruler, in Opening Pariia-
lament, Supports Wilson's Stand
Toward German Militarism.
BY Associated Press 70 Every Evening

=
IoNDoN, FED 70
In his speech at the opening Of Par
lament today King George SAID the
struggle had reached critical stage,
which demanded more than ever he full
use Of the cOuntry's energies and resources.
Until recognition is offered Of the only
principles upon which an honorable peace
can be concluded, the king declared, it
is the duty Of the British 20 prosecute the
war with all the vigor they possess.
Members Of both houses assembled
early today for the opening Of the eighth
session of the longest parliament in mod
ern times-a session which IS virtually
certain 10 be the last and which viii be
followed by general election upon
largely extended franchises with women
voting for the first time in the countrys s
history.
King George, accompanied by the
queen and the prince of Wales, who is
on leave from the Italian front, performed
the opening ceremony 1T noon, omittIng
some of the customary spectacular fea-
lures. Ia view Of the war the peers and
peeresses did not wear their gorgeous
titular robes and coronets, while the
naval and military members Of both
houses wore the service dress instead of
tatt I'LL AAAta1 At4it ~ &A2s
JUST DEMANDS IGNORED.
Following is the kings speech:
My lords and gentlemen, the ne
cessitles of war render IL imperative for
me, after but brief interval, to summon
YOU again to Your deliberations. The
aims for which | and my allies are con-
tending recently We're set forth by my
government III a statement which re-
eelved the emphatic approval Of my
people throughout the empire, and pro-
vided q fair basis for settlement OF the
present struggle and re-estabhshment Of
national rights and international peace
In the future.
The German government has, how
ever, ignored our just demands that it
should make restitution for thei wrongs
it has committed and furnish guarantees
against their unprovoked repetition. Its
spokesmen refuse any obligations for
themselves, while denying ughtful lber-
ties of Others. Until a recognition IS
offered of the only principles on which
an honorable peace can be concluded
1t Is our duty to prosecute the war with
all the Yigor We possess.
4 have full confidence that my forces,
in full cooperation with those of my
faithful allies, will continue to display
the same heroic courage and my people
at home the same unselhsh devotion,
that have already frustrated so many Of
the enemys designs and viii insure the
ultimate triumph of the righteous cause.
Il have summoned representatives
Of my dominions and my Indian empire
to further session OF the Imperial War
Cabinet in order that | may again re-
ceive their advice on questions of moment
| affecting the common interests of the
] empire
"Gentlemcn OF the House Of Com
mons. YOU will be asked to make suitable
provisions for the requirements of the
| combatant services and for the stability
of our national finance.
My lords and gentlemen, the struggle
in which we are engaged has reached
critical stage, which demands more
| than ever our united energies and re-
| sources | confidently commend to your
patriotism the measures which will be
submitted to you, and pray that the
Almighty may bestow His blessing on
your lahOrs.
After the king read his speech and
| their maiesties left the House of Lords,
| an address replying to the speech was
| moved in both houses. Political circles
have been buzzlng with various runors,
indicating severe criticism OF the gov
ernment in the debate following.