The bill is composed of a single article and reads as follows: 

The Government is authorized in case of war and during the duration of war to make decisions with due authority of law, in every respect required, for the defense of the State, the guarantee of public order, and urgent economic national necessities.  The provisions contained in Articles 243 to 251 of the Military Code continue in force.  The Government is authorized also to have recourse until Dec. 31, 1915, to monthly provisional appropriations for balancing the budget.  This law shall come into force the day it is passed.

All members of the Cabinet maintain absolute silence regarding what step will follow the action of the Chamber.  Former Ministers and other men prominent in public affairs declare, however, that the action of Parliament virtually was a declaration of war.

When the Chamber reassembled this afternoon after its long recess there were present 482 Deputies out of 500, the absentees remaining away on account of illness.  The Deputies especially applauded were those who wore military uniforms and who had asked permission for leave from their military duties to be present at the sitting.

All the tribunes were filled to overflowing.  No representatives of Germany, Austria, or Turkey were to be seen in the diplomatic tribune.  The first envoy to arrive was Thomas Nelson Page, the American Ambassador, who was accompanied by his staff.  M. Barrere, Sir J. Bennell Rodd, and Michel de Giers, the French, British, and Russian Ambassadors, respectively, appeared a few minutes later and all were greeted with applause, which was shared by the Belgian, Greek, and Rumanian Ministers.  George B. McClellan, former Mayor of New York, occupied a seat in the President’s tribune.

A few minutes before the session began the poet, Gabriele d’Annunzio, one of the strongest advocates of war, appeared in the rear of the public tribune, which was so crowded that it seemed impossible to squeeze in anybody else.  But the moment the people saw him they lifted him shoulder high and passed him over their heads to the first row.  The entire Chamber and all those occupying the other tribunes rose and applauded for five minutes, crying, “Viva d’Annunzio!” Later thousands sent him their cards, and in return received his autograph, bearing the date of this eventful day.

Signor Marcora, President of the Chamber, took his place at 3 o’clock.  All the members of the House and everybody in the galleries stood up to acclaim the old follower of Garibaldi.

Premier Salandra, followed by all the members of the Cabinet, entered shortly afterward.  It was a solemn moment.  Then a delirium of cries broke out.  “Viva Salandra!” roared the Deputies, and the cheering lasted for five minutes.  Premier Salandra appeared to be much moved by the demonstration.

After the formalities of the opening Premier Salandra arose and said: