KING VICTOR AND HIS PEOPLE

Taranaki Daily News, 24 November 1917, Page 5

KING VICTOR AND HIS PEOPLE

A STIRRING PROCLAMATION. . King Victor Emmanuel of Italy, who attained his 48th year on, the litli i\ s-tant received thousands of birthday greetings, the occasion resulting in a renewed outburst of loyalty. The King issued the following proclamation: ''The enemy, iavored by extraordinary circumstances, has been able to concentrate nil his strength against us. The Austrian army, which during 30 months of heroic lighting, has been many times engaged and beaten, has now received th-> assistance which it lias long sought, and has been leinforced by numerous.war seasoned Ciermans. Our, defence has obliged us to retreat. To-day the enemy invades the glorious \ enetian land, from which he was driven by the indomitable heroism of our fathers. Since Italy her unity and independence she has never confronted such great danger. "My house and my people have never wavered in the face of danger. We shall confront' this adversity with n virile and intrepid spirit. Our citizens will respond to ths 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 gieui army. Cowardice, discord, and recriminations are treason, ''May my cry to the nation iu the face of the enemy, who counts more upon our moral breakdown than upon a military victory, result in our defiant answer: 'T\ o are ready to give all for victory and the honor of Italy.'"