The Hillsdale standard. [volume] (Hillsdale, Mich.) 1851-1909, 1877-05-01

The Czar's Maaifssso-Ths Fsli
Text

Sr. PETERSBURG, April 24.-The
Cars manifesto to the Russian army
and people was promulgated to-day.
The Emperor declares that in view Of
the rejection of the protocol and the
obstinate refusal OF the Porto TO yield
10 the Just demands Of Europe. the
moment has arrived for Russia to act
Independently.
Sr. PnrERsBuRo, April 24.-The fol-
lowing is the text Of tho Cars mani
festo:
Our faithful and beloved subjects
know the strong interest we have con-
stantly felt In the destinies OF the op-
pressed Christian population of Tnr-
key. Our desire 10 ameliorate and as
suage their lot has been shared by the
whole Russian nation, which now
shows itself ready 20 bear fresh sacri-
fees 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 attests our con-
slant solicitude to preserve 10 Russia
tho benefits of peace. This solicitude
never failed 20 actuate us during the
Herzegovina, Bosnia, and Bulgaria.
Cur object, before all, was 10 effect m
amelioration in the position Of Chris
tians sn 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
inoessant efforts 10 induce the Porte TO
effect such reforms as would protect
Christians in Bosnia, Herzegovina and
Bulgaria from any arbitrary measure
Of the local authorities. The accom-
plishment OF these reforms was abso-
lutely stipulated by anterior engage
ments contracted by the Porte toward
the whole OF Europe. Our efforts, sup
ported by the diplomatic representa-
tions made in common with other gov
ernments, have not, however, attained
their object. The Porte has remained
unshaken in its formal refusal OF any
effective guarantee for the security OF
it's Christian 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 10
the other Cabinets to draw up special
protocol compromising the most essen
| tial conditions OF the Constantinople
conference, and TO invite the Turkish
/ Government TO adhere 10 this interna-
tional act, which stated the extreme
limits OF our peaceful demands, but
our expectation was not fulfilled. The
! Porte did not defer to the unanimous
wish of Christian Europe, and did no,
adhere to tho conclusions Of the proto'
col. Having exhausted pacific efforts,
we are compelled, by the naughty OBJ.
stinacy of the Porte, to proceed Ia
more decisive acts, feeling that ouI
equity and our own dignity enioin it.
BY her refusal, Turkey places Us under
necessity OF having recourse to arms.
Profoundly convinced Of the justice OF
our cause. and humbly committing
ourselves 10 the grace and help OF the
Most High, we mako known TO ouI
faithful subjects, that the moment,
foreseen when we pronounce the words
TO which all Russia responded with
complete unanimity, has now arrived
We expressed then intention TO act in.
! dependently when We deemed il neces'
sary, and when Russia's honor demand
cd il. In now invoking the blessing
of God upon our valiant armies, we
give them the order to cross the Turk
ish frontier. ALEXANDER.
Given at Kischeneh, this 18th day o
April (old style), in the year Of grac,
1877, and in the twenty-third year o.
our reign.