The anti-monopolist. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1874-1878, 1877-05-03
THEAE 4SI'ERN WAR.
Russia Declares War Against Turkey
Hestities Begue.

The longs threatened var between
Russia and Turkey has commenced, and
if confined 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 i'll the
destinies of the oppressed Christian population
of Turkey. Our desire to ameliOrate 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 great European pow
ers, our allies and friends. for two years we
have made incessant efforts TO induce the
Porte to fleet such reforms as would protect
the Christians in Bosnia, Herzegovina and
Bulgaria from the arbitrary measure OF local
/
forms was absolutely stipulated by anterior en-
gagements 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 mistaken in its formal refusal OF any
eff.ctve guaranty for the security OF its Chris
tan subjects, and has rejected the conclusions
of the Constantinople conference. Wishing
/ to essay every possible means of Cancellation
! 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 Cons,antinople conference and to invite
the Turkish government to adhere to this in-
ternational 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 obstlnacy 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 the me-
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 our
faithful subjects that the moment fOreseen
when we pronounce the words to which all
Russia resp ponds, with complete unanlmity, has
now arrived. We expressed the intention to
act independently when We deemed it neces-
sary and when Russia honor should demand
it. | now, invoking the blessing Of God upon
our valiant armies, give them the older to eros:
the Turkish frontier.
(Signed1 ALEXANDER.
Given at Kischenef this 18th day Of April %
ST. in the year of Grace 1877, and the 23d
year of our reign.
It will De seen that his Imperial Ma
iesty Ieels a .'strong interest in the des-
TIMES 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 Car credit for sincerit,
if 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 0
, woe. unparalleled in horror and cruelty
inflicted by this same royal ruler am
his predecessors. and illustrating clearl
their strong interest in the destinies o
the oppressed Christian population
: The destiny of thousands of Polls
I Catholics who refused to apostatize at th