We must record, though we have no room for comment,
the fact that the Court-Martial which has been trying Rear- Admiral Troubridge gave its verdict on Thursday. That verdict was one of honourable acquittal. Parliament reassembled on Wednesday. The King's Speech at the opening of Parliament was read by him "with measured gravity and earnest emphasis," every syllable being clearly heard. The text of the essential portion reads as follows
The energies and sympathies of my subjects in every part of the Empire are concentrated on the prosecution to a victorious issue of the war on which we are engaged. I have summoned you now in order that, sharing, as I am aware you do, my conviction that this is a duty of paramount and supreme importance, you should take whatever steps are needed for its adequate discharge. Since I last addressed you, the area of the war has been enlarged by the participation in the struggle of the Ottoman Empire. In conjunction with my Allies, and in spite of repeated and con- tinuous provocations, I strove to preserve, in regard to Turkey, a friendly neutrality. Bad counsels, and alien influences, have driven her into a policy of wanton and defiant aggression, and a state of war now exists between us. My Mussulman subjects know well that a rupture with Turkey has been forced upon me against my will, and I recognize with appreciation and gratitude the proofs which they have hastened to give of their loyal devotion and support.
My Navy and Army continue, throughout the area of conflict, to maintain in full measure their glorious trattions, We watch and follow their steadfastness and valour with thankfulness and pride, and there is, throughout my Empire, a fixed determination to secure, at whatever sacrifice, the triumph of our arms, and the vindication of our cause."
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