The anti-monopolist. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1874-1878, 1877-05-03
THEEAS1,ERN WAR.
Russia Declares War Against Turkey
HestiIities Begua-

The longs threatened er between
Russia and Turkey has commenced, and
if cenfined to the present immediate be-
ligerants will likely prove Of short dura-
ton. However that may be, the Gar
on the the oath .ult., promulgated at
Kischeneffthe following declaration.
.Our faithful and beloved subjects know the
strong interest we have constantly felt in the
destinies ofthe oppressed Christian population
Of Turkey. Our desire to arneliOrate and as
suage their lot has been shared by the whole
Russian nation, which now shows itself ready
to bear fresh sacrifices to alleviate the position
of the Christians in the Balkan peninsular.
The blood and property OF our faithful subjects
have always been dear to US, and our whole
reign attests our constant selicitude to spre-
serve to Russia the benefits of peace. This So
licitude never failed to actuate us during the
deplorable events in Herzegovina, Bosnia and
Bulgaria. Our object before all was to effect the
amelioration in the position Of the Christians
in the East by means of pacific negotiations,
and in concert with the gleat European pow
ers, our allies and friends. for two years we
have made incesSant efforts to induce the
Porte to lffect such reforms as would protect
the Christians in Bosnia, Herzegovina and
Bulgaria from the arbitrary measure Of local
authority. The accomplishment Of these re-
forms was absolutely stipulated by anterior en-
papements contracted by the Porte to the whole
Of Europe. Our efforts supported by the de
plOmatic representations, made in common
with the other governments. have not, how.
ever, attained their object. The Porte has re-
manned unshaken in its formal refusal OF any
effactive guaranty for the security Of its Chris
tian subjects, and has rejected the conclusions
of the Constantinople conference. Wishing
to essay every possible means of cOnciliatiOn
in order to persuade the Porte, we proposed
to the other cabinets to draw up special pro-
tocol comprising the most essential conditions
of the Constantinople conference and to invite
the Turkish government to adhere to this in-
ternational a (which states the extreme limit
of our peaceful demands; but our expectation
was not fulfilled; the Porte did not defer to this
unanimous wish of the Christians of Europe
and did adhere to the conclusions of the pro-
tocol. Having exhausted pacific efforts, we
are compelled by the naughty obstinacy Of the
Porte to proceed to more decisive acts; feeling
that our equity and our own dignity enjoin it.
BY her refusal Turkey places US under ths ne
cessity Of having recourse to arms. Profound
| ly convinced of the justice OF our cause, and
humbly committing ourselves to the grace and
help of the Most High, we make known to oul
faithful subjects that the moment foreseen
when we pronounce the words to which al
Russia responds, with complete unanlmity, has
act independently when We deemed it neces
sary and when Russias honor should demand
it. | now, invoking the blessing Of God npor
our valiant armies, give them the order to eros
the Turkish frontier.
ISignedl ALEXANDER.
Given at Kischeneff this 10Th day Of April 20
81 in the year Of Grace 1877. and the 23t
year of our reign.
It will be seen that his Imperial Ma
Ijesty ieeIs a '.strong interest in the des'
tinies Of the oppressed Christian popula
ton of Turkey and proposes that hi
faithful and beloved subjects" shall Of
fer themselves as food for Turkish pow
der to relieve their ico>religionists. Al
impartial observer would be more inclin
ed to give the Gar credit for sincerit,
il the blood stained pages OF Poland
history did not constantly rise up in con
demnation. Poland, poor down trod
den christian Poland, can tell tale Q
woe, unparalleled in horror and cruelty
inflicted by this same royal ruler an
his predecessors. and illustrating clearl
their ..strong interest in the destinies 6
the oppressed Christian population =
j The destiny Of thousands Of Polls
! Catholics who refused to apostatize at th