KING VICTOR AND HIS PEOPLE.

Colonist, Volume LX, Issue 14657, 11 March 1918, Page 2

KING VICTOR AND HIS PEOPLE.

A STIRRING PROCLAMATION

King Victor- Emmanuel of Italy, who attained his 48th year on the 11th instant, received thousands of birthday greetings, the occasion resulting m a renewed outburst, of loyalty. The King issued the following proclamation:—

The enemy favoured by' extraordinary circumstances, has Been able to concentrate all his strength against us. The Austrian army, which during 30 months of heroic fighting, hsus been many times engaged and beaten, has now received the assist-

ance which it has long sought, and lias been reinforced by numerous warseasoned Germans. Our defence has"] obliged us to . retreat. To-day the I 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 great danger. My house and my people have never wavered in the face of danger. We 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 recriminatkras' are treason.

May my cry to the nation m the face of the enemy, who- 'counts more upon pur moral breakdown than upon a military victory, ■■• result-in * our.-'de-fiant answer: "We are ready to give all for victory and the honour of Italy."