entered into secret treaties with
a "neighbouring country." It is also reported that secret agents on
both sides are active and are travelling between the two countries.
The matter seems to be very grave; and it has already attracted the
attention of Parliament, which in the near future will discuss the
war-issue.

Being in doubt as to the truth of such a report, we hereby request
the Government for the necessary information in the matter. We also
beg to suggest that, if there is any secret diplomatic agreement, we
consider it expedient for the Government to submit the matter to
Parliament for the latter's consideration. This will enable the
members in Parliament to study the question with care and have a
clear understanding of the matter. When this is done, Parliament
will be able to support the Government in the prosecution of its war
policy according to the dictates of conscience. In this event both
Parliament and Government will be able to co-operate with each other
in the solution of the present diplomatic problem. Troubled not a
little with the present diplomatic situation of the country, we
hereby address this interpellation to the Government in accordance
with law. It is hoped that an answer from the Government will be
dispatched to us within three days from date.

On the 10th May Parliament met in secret session and it was plain that a
crisis had come. Members of the House of Representatives experienced
great difficulties in forcing their way through a mob of several
thousand roughs who surrounded the approaches to Parliament, many
members being hustled if not struck. The mob was so plainly in control
of a secret organization that the House of Representatives refused to
sit. Urgent messages were sent to the Police and Gendarmerie
headquarters for reinforcements of armed men as a protection, whilst the
presence of the Premier was also demanded. Masses of police were soon on
the ground, but whilst they prevented the mob from entering Parliament
and carrying out their threat of burning the buildings, and murdering
the members, they could not--or would not--disperse the crowds, it
transpiring subsequently that half a battalion of infantry in plain
clothes under their officers formed the backbone of the demonstrators.

It was not until nearly dark, after six or seven hours of these
disorderly scenes, that the Premier finally arrived. C