New-York tribune., 1919-12-24
British Ruler Holds Out
Hope All Nations Soon
Will Accept Peace Treaty
and End Unrest of World
Reviews Events of Year
Lawmakers Told Great Need
Is Action to Reduce High
Cost of Living for People

LONDON, Dec. 23.-The House of
commons was prorogued TODAY until
feoruary 10. The session was formally
closed by the Kings speech of proro-
cation.
The King in his speech referred to
the ratification Of the peace treaties
that have passed the final stages and
expressed the hope that others would
shortly be concluded.
He voiced regret over the condition
In Russia and alluded to the friendli-
ness of the relations among the Allied
ana associated powers. The speech re-
corded the conclusion of the agree
ment with Persia, mentioned the salts
faction in Great Britain over the
cordlality Of the reception accorded
the Prince of Wales in Canada and the
United States and announced the
measures taken to give India re-
sponsible government
Economic Situation Grave
The speech foreshadowed roduc-
ton in the national debt. 1t reviewed
the gravity of the economic situation
IN Europe and dealt with the question
OF domestic legislation, including that
affecting labor.
The speech, instead of commencing
My Lords, and Gentlemen of the HOUSE
Of Commons" was worded, because Of
the presence of Lady Astor, MY Lords,
and Members of the House Of Com
mons"
In beginning, the address noted that
the dellberation of the plenipoten-
tiaries of the Allies in Paris had been
crowned with success and that treaties
Bulgaria had been concluded
Il signitied my approval of the
treaty of peace with Germany" the
speech continued, land ratified it.
Peace still remains to be concluded
with the Ottoman Empire and the
Republic of Hungary. | earnestly trust
that the necessary negotiations to this
purpose will shortly be brought to
satisfactory conclusion.
Expresses Sorrow for Russia
Il regret there is no improvement
in the unhappy conditions prevailing IN
Russia and no immediate prospect in
that country of the establishment Of
the constitutional government which
alone can conduce to its permanent
prosperity.
"My relations with my allies and as
sociates in the great war remain Of the
most friendly character and | have
every expectation that the close and
intimate cooperation which led to the
final victory will be long continued to
the benefit of all
I'm August last my government con-
cluded with the Persian government an
agreement tending to cement the ties
Of friendship between the two coun-
tries, which have so many interests III
common, and to promote the welfare
and progress of Persia"
Tells of Wales's Trip
The King referred to the visit of the
Prince of Wales to Canada and New
foundland, which he SAID, filled my
heart with feelings Of pride and salts
faction. He subsequently visited the
United States of America, where he
was greeted with a warmth and kind
iness which viii, | am confident, have
the happiest effect upon the relations
Of the British Empire and that great
Republic.
referring to India, the speech said
that a measure marking the first stare
of the development Of a responsible
government has become law. II rely
on all my subjects to work together for
its success. Ina proclamation which lam
addressing to my viceroY and to the
princess and the people Of India, | am
expressing my hope that a harmoni-
Gus political life viii steadily be built
upon the foundation thus laid AMI
| am announcing my Intention of send
ing the Prince of Wales to India to
inauguratc the new constitution"
To the members OF the House Of
Commons the King gave his thanks for
their provision during the year for the
public expenditure, which had con
tinued abnormal, largely exceeding the
permanent and temporary revenue, and
he trusted that next year with the re
turn of more normal conditions tire
first steps would be taken toward the
reduction Of the national debt.
Strict Economy Urged
"The condition Of our finances and
the state Of our credit continue to oc-
cupy the serious attention Of my
ministers. Only by strict economy,
both in public and private expenditure,
sustained by increased production,
can the country maintain its historlc
position in commerce and finance"
In addressing the Lords, as we'll as
the members of the Commons, the
speech expressed concern over the
grave economic position Of large part
of Europe. The tasks of restoring credit
and giving industry a new start there
are among lHe NfSt COnQlClOnS, ne
pointed out, of a settled peace. These
tasks. however, are too large for any
nation to undertake unaided.
Il was enabled by the liberality of
Parliament TO place d large sum at the
disposal Of the supreme economic coun-
Gil for the relief of immediate necessi-
ties, but that sum is nearly exhausted,
and further measures of relief and re-
construction can only be undertaken as
the result of joint action by all the ma
tions interested in the restoration of
international commerce. My government
would gladly cooperate with the gov
ernments of other countries to this end
If suitable plan can be devised.
Great progress was made last year
with the gigantic task of demobilizing
the navy, the army and the air forces,
impeded, as it had been, by the un-
certainties of the situation in large
parts of Europe and Asia.
THE continued high cost of living,
with all its evil consequences, has