The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1904-02-12
WAR AGAINST RUSSIA IS
FORMALLY DECLARED BY
THE EMPEROR OF JAPAN
Army and Navy Is Commanded to
Wage Hostilities with All
Their Might.
RUSSIA'S DOUBLE ROLE
Pretended to Want Peace, While
Preparing to Grab Both Korea
and ManChuria.

TOXIC, Feb. 1.-THE following is the
text of the imperial rescript declaring war
against Russia. which was issued in Japan
yesterday, but not cabled abroad until this
evening:
Japan, seated on the throne occupied by
the same dynasty since immemorial. hereby
make proclamation TO all our loyal and
brave subjects as follows:
I'VE hereby declare war against Russia
and we command our army and navy to
carry on hostilities against her, in obedience
TO their duty. with all their strength. and
thorities TO make every effort in pursuance
Of their duties, 10 attain the national aim
with all the means within the limits of
the law Of nations.
I'VE have always deemed il essential in
international relations and have made ii
our constant aim to promote the pacific
progress of our empire in civilization, TO
strengthen our friendly ties with other
states, and to establish a state of things
which would maintain enduring peace In
the far East. and assure the future Sc
curity of our dominion without injury to
the rights or interests of other powers. Our
competent authorities have also performed
their duties in obedience to our will, so
that our relations with all the powers had
been steadily growing in cordiality. IL
was thus entirely against expectation
that we have unhappily come TO open hos
Titles against Russia.
Inc integrity or Korea Is a matter OI
gravest concern to this empire, not only be-
cause OF our traditional relations with that
country, but because the separate existence
of Korea is essential to the safety of our
realm. Nevertheless, Russia, in disregard
of her solemn treaty pledges to China and
her repeated assurances to other powers, is
still In occupation of Manchuria, has con-
solidated and strengthened her hold on
those provinces and is bent upon their
final annexation. And, since the absorption
Of Manchuria by Russia would render it i'm
possible 10 maintain the integrity of China
and would, in addition. compel the abandon
ment of all hope of peace in the far East
we were determined in these circumstances
to secure permanent peace. With that OBJ
ject in view our competent authorities, by
our order, made proposals to Russia and
frequent conferences were held during the
last six months. Russia, however, never
met such proposals In a spirit of concilia-
ton, but by wenton delays put off a settle
ment of the serious questions and by os-
tensibly advocating peace on one hand, while
on the other extending her naval and mill
tary preparations, sought to accomplish her
own selfish designs.
1--WE cannot in the least admit that Rus
STA had from the first any serious or genuine
desires for peace. She rejected the proposal
Of our government. The safety of Korea
was in danger and the interests OF our en-
pire menaced. The guarantees of the future
which we failed TO secure by peaceful nego-
tiations can now only be obtained by an ap-
peal TO arms.
cit is our earnest wish that by the loyalty
and valor of our faithful subjects peace
may soon be permanently restored and the
glory of our empire preserved"