by the Premier, the House of Representatives in secret session referred the question for examination to the House sitting as a Committee in order to gain time to make up its mind.  On the same day the Senate sat on the same question.  A very heated and bitter discussion followed in the upper House, not because of any real disagreement regarding the matter at issue, but because a large section of Senators were extremely anxious regarding the internal consequences.  This is well-explained by the following written interpellation which was addressed to the government by a large number of parliamentarians: 

We, the undersigned, hereby address this interpellation to the Government.  As a declaration of war on Germany has become an object of the foreign policy of the Government, the latter has held informal meetings to ascertain the views of parliament on the question; and efforts are being made by the Government to secure the unanimous support of both Houses for its war policy.  In pursuing this course, the Government appears to believe that its call for support will be readily complied with by the Houses.  But in our view there are quite a number of members in both Houses who fail thoroughly to understand the war decision of the Government.  The reason for this is that, according to recent reports, both foreign and vernacular, the Government has 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.