§ Mr. SPEAKERI have to acquaint the House that this House has been at the House of Peers, at the desire of the Lords Commissioners appointed under the Great Seal for holding this present Parliament, and, that the Lord High Chancellor, being one of the said Commissioners, delivered His Majesty's Most Gracious Speech to both Houses of Parliament in pursuance of 9 His Majesty's commands, and of which I have, for greater accuracy, obtained a copy:—
§ My Lords, and Gentlemen,
§ It has been My duty to summon you after a short recess to renew your deliberations.
§ The spirit of My Allies and of My people, who are united in this conflict by ever strengthening ties of sympathy and understanding, remains steadfast in the resolve to secure reparation for the victims of unprovoked and unjustifiable outrage and effectual safeguards for all nations against the aggression of a Power which mistakes force for right and expediency for honour.
§ With a proud and grateful confidence I look to the courage, tenacity, and resource of My Navy and Army, on whom we depend worthily to perform our part in the attainment of this goal.
§ Gentlemen of the House of Commons,
§ You will be asked to make due financial provision for the conduct of the War.
§ My Lords, and Gentlemen,
§ The only measures which will be submitted to you are such as in the opinion of My Advisers tend to the attainment of our common object.
§ I confidently commend them to your patriotism and loyalty, and I pray that the Almighty will give Sis blessing to your counsels.
§ February 15, 1916.