The Rhode-Island Republican. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1809-1841, 1809-06-14
DECLARATION OF WAR
By Francis i. Emherour of Austria.

- VIENNA, APRIL IL.
Before his Imperial Majesty left this capi-
tai, he was pleased to issue the following
PROCLAMATION,.
" Francis 1. by the Grace of God, Emper-
g our Of Austria, &c.
People Of Austria !--I leave my capital to
Join the brave defenders of the country, as
sembled on the frontiers for the protection of
the state. -s3
I" For these three years past have made
the utmost excrtions to procure you, my be-
loved subjects, the blessings Of permancnt
peace. No sacrifice, any ways consistent with
your welfare, and with the independence of
the state, however painful, have l, spared to
secure your tranquility and welfare by a
friendly understanding with the Emperouro OF
the French. ! 49, g
" But all my ,endcavours proved fruitless.
The Austrian Monarchy was also to submit to
the boundless ambition of the Empefout Ma
rpolcon and in the same manner he strivest to
s,lbduc Spain, insults the sacred Head, Of Tie
Church, appropriat6s TO himself the Proyin-
ccs sof italy, ndparcels out the German do
mihians. Austria was to do homage to the
great Empire, the formation of which he has
loudly announced.
have adopted all necessary measures to
assert the independence of the state. Not
only have We answered my call, but your love
for your native country has prompted you to-
anticipate It, Accept my cordial thanks
they will be repeated by my postcrity and
yours. Self defence, not invasion, was our
aim. But the conquerour will not allow the
sovereign of his people, strong in their mutu-
al confidence, to posses sufficient means to OPP
pose his ambitious views, He declared him
self hostile to Austria, unless she should rclinL
C,lish her measures of defence, and postcate
herself disarmed at his feet. Fhc Disgrace
ful proposal was rejected, and now his hosts
are marching against us, arraycd for battle.
y / con6de in Gotl--in the .valour of my ar
mics, in the hcroick conduct Of my brother,
who leads them on to glory, in you my below
ed people our excrtions for this war are
great but such they must be in order to at
tain more securely the important end Of self
preservation.
&c What. you have hitherto done is the most
unquestionable pledge of the powerful assis,
tance which am to receive from you. They
who bear no arms will also share in the pro-
lection Of their country. Unanimity, orden
obedience, activity, and confidence, constitute
the real strength of nation. Youhave eviur
ccd them, and to this alone is it owing, that
we start with fairer prospect Of. sncccss
than VIC ever did. Fortunate events will not
unncryc your energy, nor disastrous occur
cnccs, should any happen, shskeyyouf firm re-
solve. Persoyerant valour oyercomes all dam
gers, enhances every advantage, and supplies
all losses. Our cause Just Providence
does not forsake those who do not forsake
themselves.
l depend on your love, your tried fidelity
to your Prince and Country Depend ye on
the patsrpal solicitade of your Monarch, who
finds al his happiness IN you.
"gienna, april 9, 1909. "FRANCIS."
The Archdukc CHARLrs has issued the
1DDRSSS.T0 THE GERM4wA.zw0x
= = His Majesty the Empcfour Of Austria is
forced to take up arms, because the French
Emperour will not tolerate the existence Of a
Sutc which docs not Acknowledge his supre-
macy of Power, nor .stoop to become subscr-
vicns 70 his views Of conquest because he re-
qziircs that Austria shall renouncc her indc-
rcndcnce, unbend her energies, and surrender