would be well trained and formidable opponents to the enemy. He added details, also given by the Prime Minister in the Commons, of the increased allowances to wives of soldiers (wife 12_s._ 6_d._ with additions of 2_s._ 6_d._ for each child up to three and 2_s._ for the fourth. Provision was also foreshadowed for dependants of unmarried soldiers and naval men, and other matters.) The Marquess of Lansdowne said a few words expressing the "profound admiration and gratitude" of the House for the feat of arms of the Expeditionary Force, and its full concurrence in Earl Kitchener's praise of Sir John French. Parliament was prorogued next day (Sept. 19) by Commission, after wholly unprecedented proceedings. The House of Lords was nearly empty; the Commons' and other galleries were crowded. The Royal Assent was given by Commission to a number of Bills, and then, in a new formula, to the Government of Ireland and Established Church (Wales) Act, "duly passed under the provisions of the Parliament Act, 1911." Loud cheers followed from the galleries, and no attempt was made to suppress them. Then the Lord Chancellor read the King's Speech as follows:-- MY LORDS AND GENTLEMEN, I address you in circumstances that call for action rather than for speech. After every endeavour had been made by My Government to preserve the peace of the world, I was compelled, in the assertion of treaty obligations deliberately set at nought, and for the protection of the public law of Europe and the vital interests of My Empire, to go to war. My Navy and Army have, with unceasing vigilance, courage, and skill, sustained, in association with gallant and faithful allies, a just and righteous cause. From every part of My Empire there has been a spontaneous and enthusiastic rally to our common flag. * * * * * GENTLEMEN OF THE HOUSE OF COMMONS, I thank you for the liberality with which you have met a great emergency. * * * * * MY LORDS AND GENTLEMEN, We are fighting for a worthy purpose, and we shall not lay down our arms until that purpose has been fully achieved. I rely with confidence upon the loyal and united efforts of all My subjects, and I pray that Almighty God may give us His blessing.