The Toledo chronicle. [volume] (Toledo, Tama County, Iowa) 1873-1924, 1877-05-03
Russia Throws Down the Gauntlet.
The Gar Of Russia has issued the fol-
lowing manifesto and declaration Of war
with Turkey: ~. so

Inc Gar OF Russia has issued the fol.
lowing manifesto and declaration Of war
with Turkey: s3 ias
Our faithful and beloved subjects know the
STRONG interest We have constantly felt in the
destinies of the oppressed Christian population
OF Turkey. Our desire to ameliorate and A.
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 Peninsula The
blood and property Of our faithful subjects have
always been dear to Us, and our whole reign at
tests constnt solicitude to preserve to Russia
the benefits of peacs. This solicitude never failed
to actuate us during the deplorable events
which occurred in Herzegovina Bosnia and
Bulgaria Our object, before all, was to effect
an amelioration in the position Of Christians in
the east by mems Of paci6c negotati0ns, RA1,
in concert with the great European Powers, our
allies and friends for two years we have made
lncessant efforts to induce the Porte to effect such
reforms would protect the Christians in Bos-
mia. Herzegovina and Bulgaria from any arbi-
uary measure of the local authorities. The &C.
complishment of these reforms was absolutely
stipulated by anterior engagements contracted
by the Porte toward the whole of Europe. Our
efforts, supported by the diplomatic representa-
tions made in common with other goyernments,
have not, however, attained their. object.
The Porte has remained unshaken IN
49, ASA AAAAnA <ckuS0A VI 6dy EAcCb3tc ktlt1-
antee for the security Of its Christian sub
jects, and has rejected the conclusion of the
Constantinople Conference. Wishing to essay
every possible means of reconciliation in order
to persuade the Porte, we proposed to tho other
Cabinets to draw mp q special protocol compris-
ing the most essential conditions of the Conctan-
tinople Conference, and to invite the Turkish
Government to adhere to this International act,
which stated the extreme limits Of our peaceful
demands, but our expectation was not fulfilled.
The Porte did not defer to this unanimous wish
OF Christian Europe, and did not adhere to the
conclusions of the protocol. Having ex-
hausted 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 enjom it.
By her refusal, Turkey places under the ne
cessity OF having recourse to arms. Profoundly
convinced of the Justice of our cause, and hum
bly, committing otnselves TO the grace and help
of the Most High, we make known to our faith
full subjects that the moment, foreseen when we
pronounced the words TO which all Russia TO
sponded with complete unanimity, has now ar
rived. We expressed the intention to act indie
pendently when we deemed it necessary, and
when Russiss honor should demand it. In now
invoking the blessing Of God upon our valiant
armies, We give them the order to CROSS the Turk
ish frontier. M ALEXANDER
Given at Kischeneff. this 18th day Of April (old
style), in the year of grace 1877, and in the
twenty third year Of our reign. .-s..--=.-s,