§ "My Lords and Gentlemen,
§ "Within a very brief period after the recent prorogation, I am compelled by events deeply affecting the interests of my Empire to recur to your advice and aid. The state of affairs in South Africa has made it expedient that my Government should be enabled to strengthen the 2 military forces of this country by calling out the Reserve. For this purpose the provisions of the law render it necessary that Parliament should be called together.
§ "Except for the difficulties that have been caused by the action of the South African Republic, the condition of the world continues to be peaceful.
§ "Gentlemen of the House of Commons,
§ "Measures will be laid before you for the purpose of providing for the expenditure which has been or may be caused by events in South Africa. The Estimates for the ensuing year will be submitted to you in due course.
§ "My Lords and Gentlemen,
§ "There are many subjects of domestic interest to which your attention will be invited at a later period, when the ordinary season for the labours of a Parliamentary Session has been reached. For the present I have invited your attendance in order to ask you to deal with an exceptional exigency, and I pray that, in performing the duties which claim your attention, you may have the guidance and blessing of Almighty God."
§ Then the Commons withdrew.
§ House adjourned during pleasure.
3§ House resumed.