Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1877-04-25
AIexander's Manifesto,

The Russian Emperor, Monday, issued
the following manifesto, and Russian
troops at once crossed tile Pruth into Rou
mania, which is Turkish territory, thus
beginning war
Our faithful and beloved subjects know
the strong interest we have constantly felt
in the destines of the oppressed Christian
population of Turkey. Our desire TO anne.
liorate and assure them that 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 peninsula. The
blood and property of our faithful subjects
have always been dear to us, and our
whole reign altests our constant solicitudC
to preserve to Russia the benefit of peace.
This solctude never failed to actuate us
during the deplorable events which occur
red in Herzegovina, Bosnia and Bulgaria.
Our object before all was to effect ameli.
GRAFTON in the position of the Christians in
the East by means of pacific negotiations
and in concert with the great European
powers, our allies and friends. For two
years we have made incessant efforts t.
induce the Porte to effect such reforms as
would protect the Christians in Bosnia,
Herzegovina and Bulgaria from the arbi-
trary measures of local authorities. The
accomplishment of these reforms was alb
solutely stipulated by anterior engage.
ments contracted by the Porte toward the
whole Of Europe.
Our efforts, supported by diplomatic re-
presentations made in common bv the 9TH
er governments, have not, however, at.
tanned their object. The Porte has remain
ed mistaken in its formal refusal of any
effective guarantee for the security of its
Christian subjects and has rejected the cou.
illusions 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 a special protocol comprising the most
essential conditions of the Constantnople
Conference and to invite the Turkish Gov.
eminent to adhere to this internationl act
which states the extreme limits of oul
peaceful demands. But our expectation
was not fulfilled The Porte did not re.
| ltI W IllIo uliullllOuS WISH Oh ClrlSllln
Europe, and did not adhere to the conclu.
sions of the protocol.
Having exhausted specific efforts we are
compelled by the naughty obstinacy of the
Porte to proceed to more decisive acts,
feeling that our equity and our own dig.
nifty enioin it. BY her refusal Turkey
places us under the necessity of having to
recourse to arms. Profoundly convinced
of the justice of our cause, and humblv
committing ourselves to the grace and
help of the most High, we make known to
our faithful subjects that the movement
foreseen when we pronounced words to
which all Russia responded with complete
unanimity, has now arrived. We express.
ed the intention to act independently when
we deemed it necessary and when Russia's
honor should demand it. In now invoking
the blessing of God upon our valiant arm
les, we give them the order TO cross the
Turkish frontier.
(Signed) ALEXANDER.
Given at Kicheney, this, the 23d day oil
April, in the Year of Grace 1877, and in
| the 23d year Of our reign.