MOTHER COUNTRY.

Taranaki Daily News, 14 February 1918, Page 5

MOTHER COUNTRY.

OPENING OF PARLIAMENT. jHSTHE KING'S SPEECH. THE PEACE QUESTION. London, Feb. 12. Tlie King's Speech at the opening of Parliament said:— "The struggle has reached a critical stage demanding our united energies and resources. The German Government lias ignored our just demands tn make restitution of wrongs committed and furnish guarantees against their unprovoked repetition Until Germany recognises the only principles on which an honorable peace can be concluded it is our duty to prosecute the war will all vigor. , ';«! "I have full confidence that the British forces and their faithful Allies will continue to display the heroic courage and the people at home to display the unselfish devotion which has frustrated many of our enpmios : designs nnd ensure the ultimate triumph of our righteous cause. ''l have summoned the Dominions' representatives to a further session of the Imperial War Cabinet for advice on questions affecting the common interests of the 'Empire." The King opened Parliament, accompanied by the Queen nnd nttended by the Prince of Wales. Australians, New Zealanders and oversea troops furnished a mounte.-' ■ wort. The route was lined by entr'-sia*tic crowds. The roval party paused through the Tioyal Gallery, whore 'i'oi'"tn> o veV|.eas soldiers were \accominodatcd.

l.ond Lincolnshire. I or l Chamberlain, addressed tlip men. and paid that lift was commanded by the King to five his bravo overseas soldiers a royal welcome and cxm-esses his Majestv's warn and gritcfu] appreciation of their gallantry and devotion in llie field. After the conclusion of a victorious peace the Tvinp■md Queen wished them a safe and happv return to the great Dominions of which tbev were so proud and which the men loved so well.

i THE ARMY COUNCIL. . RUMORED RESIGNATIONS. I . Reuter Service. [ Received Feb. 14, 1.50 a mLondon, Feb. 13. The Daily Mail states it is rumored that Lord Derby and several members of the Army Council will shortly resign. POLITICAL INTERFER-NCE RESENTED. i HOSTILE MOTION URGED. ARMY COUNCIL MUST BE FREE. Times Service. Received Feb. 14, 155 amLondon, Feb. 13. A lobbyist states that efforts are being made to induce Mr. Asquith to sanction a hostile motion on behalf of the Opposition concerning the scope of the Supreme War Council. The Morning Po:t declares that politicians are still attempting to interfere in war strategy, and if Mr. Lloyd George persists in the military intervention urged by ignorant and interested courtiers, the Higher Command cannot do anything but resign, while if he leaves the Army Council free, he 3ias nothing to fear but all to. gain.

THRILLING EXPERIENCES. OB BRITISH PRISONERS. IN ESCAPING FROM GERMANY. London, Feb. 12. Pitts and Choate, British prisoners who escaped from Germany, had some thrilling experiences. Pitts 1 said:— "Choate was responsible for the arrangements to escape. Choate during his two years' imprisonment studied German in order to travel unsuspected. He made some earlier unsuccessful attempts for i which he was punished. Many of the men in camp knew of our intention to make a new attempt, but guarded the secret carefully. "Choate rallied an old fiddle in camp, thereby raising money to pay our expenses. It was impossible to wear out camp clothes without detection, therefore we secured very baggy military trousers, took out the stripes from the sides and, when sewn up, the garments looked like ordinary workmen's trousers. We removed the distinguishing marks from the tunics. We grew moustaches to Germanise ourselves. ''We dodged the sentries at night time and got clear of the camp- Choate's knowledge of German was most useful. We noticed a policeman watching us suspiciously and Choate asked hhn the way to the station. "The policeman sternly asked 'Who are you?' Choate replied, 'A Belgian workman.' "The policeman said, 'Where are you going?' "Choate replied. 'Going home.' "Choate's frankness disarmed the policeman, who indicated the direction of the train. Travelling was difficult, but various devices allayed suspicion. We feigned sleep when closely watched. "Choate's disguise was perfect. He addressed me in colloquial German, to which I nodded or responded in monosyllables. We 'brought a little food from the camp, therefore it whs not necessary, to visit the restaurants, where ths absence of bread and other cards would have promptly led to our detection. Finally we reached Holland."