The Birmingham age-herald., 1904-02-29
.CONTRABAND IF
 WAR DESCRIBED Russia Issues Official ProcIa-
 nation to Powers INCLUDES ARMY SUPPLIES Lays Down Rules for the Regulation oflNeutraI Trade Which Must
 be observedsto the Letter.
INCLUDES ARMY SUPPLIES

St. Petersburg, February &.-Rules of war were published officially tonight The original draft of these rules were endorsed by the czar with the Tt must be so."
 According to Rule l Japanese subjects will be allowed during the war to remain in Russia under the protection of law and will be permitted to pursue peaceful occupations. Japanese living in the east under Viceroy Alexieff are excepted.
 Rule declares that Japanese merchant men which were in Russian ports when war was declared will be permitted to sea, but they must leave when they have loaded their cargoes, which must not tn- clude contraband of war. Sufficient time case these vessels will be allowed not more than forty-eight hours after the publication of this proclamation.
 Rule says that subjects of neutral states will be allowed to carry on business uninterrupted in Russian ports, provided they observe Russian law and the princi- pies of international law.
 Insure Lawful Trade.
 Rule points out that 1t is the duty of the high military authorities to take all steps to insure the freedom of lawful trade of subjects of neutral states in so far as the commerce Is permissible under the exigencies of war.
 Rule says that in regardito the neutral trade the following points must be ob- served:
 (a) The flag covers the cargo for a bel- ligerent excepting contraband of war.
 (b) Neutral goods under the enemy s flag except contraband of war are not subject to confiscation.
 (c) Blockades to be obligatory must be effective; that is, by a surIcient force to cut off approach to the enemy's territory.
 contraband of War.
 According to Rule the following will be regarded as contraband of war:
 (a) Every kind of small arm and guns complete, or in separate parts, and armor
 Cb) Parts of fire arms and ammunition, fuses, shells and bullets.
 Co Caps, cartridges, cartridge cases powder saltpetre sulphur, explosives, or materials for purpose of explosion, such as dynamite, paroxylin, conductors and everything for exploding mines.
 (d) Everything appertaining to artil- lery engineering and troop trains such as guncarriages, tlmbers, cartridges ann intuition boxes, field smiths instrument wagons, pontoon bridges, trestles- barbed wire horse harness, for transport ser- vice, etc.
 Co Material for equipment and clothing of troops such as bandoliers, knapsaclks, sword belts, cuirasses, entrenching tools, drums, field kettles, saddles, harness, uni- forms, tents etc.
 Certain Glasses or Ships.
 (f) Ships bound for the enemy's ports. even If sailing under a neutral commercial flag if their construction and internal ar engagements or any other indications make It apparent that they have been built for warlike purposes or are for sale, destined to be handed to the enemy on reaching their destination.
 (g) Every kind of ships machinery or boilers, mounted or in parts.
 (h) Every kind of fuel, such as coal naphtha. spirits etc.
 d) Telegraph and telephone materials Ot) Everythnr intended for warfare on land or sea; also rice, foodstuffs, horses beasts of burden and any other animals intended for war purposes If they are sent at the enemey's cost or order. Neutral states are forbidden by rule ' to transport the enemys troops to carry letters or dispatches for the enemy or to place transports or warships at the enemy's disposal. Neutral ships with con- traband of war of any sort, cannot only be seized, but can be confiscated By rule the imperial government re- serves the right to depart from the above rules in the case of a neutral port, and in any given case to make It's regulations suit special circumstances.