New-York tribune., 1918-02-07
In Proroguing Parliament
Welcomes Entrance of
u. S. Into the War
Hopes for Solution
Of Irish Problem
Declares Representation of
the People Bill Will Up
hold Nations Hands

LONDON, Feb. G.-King George. in
speech to-day proroguing Parliament,
expressed his hope for Il solution of
the Irish problem. The King also de-
clared that successful prosecution of
the war still was Great Britain's first
aim and cndeavor
Adds to Allies Burdens
The King alluded to the entry of the
United States into the war and the
detection of Russia. His speech was as
follows:
My lords and gentlemen: Since I
last addressed you great events have
happened. Within few weeks of that
occasion the United States of America
decided to take their stand by the side
OF this country and our Allies in de-
fence OF the principles of liberty and
justice. Their entry into the war. fol-
lowed BY that Of other neutral states.
has united practically the whole
civilized world in a league of nations
against unscrupulous aggression, has
lent additional strength to our arms
and inspires fresh confidence in the
ultimate triumph of our cause.
"On the other hand. Russia. dis
tracted by internal dissensions, has not
been able to persevere in the struggle
until the fruits of her great sacrifice =
could be reaped, and for the present
has ceased to bear her part in the
Allied task
"The negotiations opened by her with
the enemy have. however, served but
to prove that the ambition which pro-
voked this unhappy war is as yet un-
abated. These tragic events have
added to the burdens of the other AL
lies, but have not impaired the vigor
and loyalty with which one and all CON
tlnue to pursue the common aim.
Amid the confusion of changing
events. the determination of the de-
mocracies of the world to secure just
and enduring peace stands out ever
more clearly.
"ln all the theatres of the war my
naval and military forces have dis
played throughout the year noble cour-
age, nigh constancy and fixed deter
mlnation, which has won for them the
admiration of my people
I'm France, the enemy has been re-
peatedly and successfully thrown back.
and await with assurance the further
progress of the conflict
an Palestine and Mesopotamia, the
most revered and famous cities of the
Orient, have been wrested from the
Turks. while in Africa. the enemy has
lost he last remnant of his colonial DOS
sessions. In all these fields the force
OF my dominions and of the Indian
Empire have borne their full share in
the toll and in the glory Of the day.
Colonials in War Cabinet
During the year representatives OF
my dominions and of the Indian En-
plre were summoned for the first time
to sessions of an imperial war cabinet
lhelr deliberations have been of the
utmost value, both in the prosecution
of the war and in the promotion of i'm
peria unity"
After thanking the House of Com
mons for the liberality of its provisions
Tor the heavy expenditure of the war
and announcing his sanction of the rep
resentatlon of the people bill, the King
expressed the hope that this bill would
insure to much larger number of his
subjects an effective voice in the gov
ernment of the country
1T will, he continued. "enable the
nation, the unity of which has been SO
marked charac teristic of the war IN
continue in the not less arduous work
ct reconstruction in the times of peace
The settlement of this difficult ques-
ton by agreement leads me still to
nope that in spite of all the complex
tiles of the problem. a solution NAV
be possible in regard to the government
OF Ireland, upon which a convention of
the representatives of my Irish people
are now delibcrating.
The successful prosecution lof the
war is still our first aim and endeayor
! nave watched with proud and CRATE
1ul heart the unvarying enthusiasm
N'th w'th winch all sections of my people
nave responded to every demand made
upon upon tnem Tor this purpose, and as
be required to carry our efforts ~
frultlon, pray that Almighty God NAV
vouchsafe to US His blessing"