KING VICTOR AND HIS PEOPLE.

Taihape Daily Times, 27 November 1917, Page 3

KING VICTOR AND HIS PEOPLE.

A STIRRING PROCLAMATION. .King Victor Emmanuel of Italy, who attained his 1 48th year on the 11th inst., received thousands of birthday greetings, the occasion resulting in a renewed outburst of layalty. The King'issued the following proclamation: "The enemy, favoured by extraordinary circumstances, has been able to concentrate all his strengfn against us. The Austrian army, which during 30 months of heroic fighting, has been many times engaged and beaten, has now received the assistance which it has long sought, and has been reinforced by numerous war-seasoned Ger; mans. Our defence has obliged us to retreat. To-day the enemy invades the glorious Venetian land from which he was driven by the indomitable heroism of our fathers. Since Italy proclaimed her unity and independence she has never confronted such <n- C at danger. "My house and my people have never wavered in the face of danger. She shall confront this adversity with a virile and intrepid spirit. Our citizens will respond to this new and decisive appeal with still greater faith' and sacrifice. Our soldiers will again stand shoulder to shoulder, bound with the Allies in brotherhood and solidarity. Let the nation form one great army. Cowardice, discord and recriminations are treason. "May my cry to the nation in the face of the enemy, who counts more upon our morale breakdown than upon a military victory, result in our defiant answer: 'We are ready to give all our victory and the honour of Italy."