Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1904-02-13
JAPAN ISSUES EDICT.
Formal Declaration of War Against
Russia

A dispatch from Tokyo. dated FEBRUARY
II, says: The following is the text of the
imperial rescript declaring war against
Russia which was issued in Japan yester-
day:
I'VE. by the grace of heaven, Emperor of
Japan, seated on the throne occupied by
the same dynasty since time immemorial,
hereby make proclamation to all our loyal
and brave subjects follows:
I'VE hereby declare war against Russia
and We command our army and navy to
carry on hostlities against her. in obedi-
ence to their duty, with all their strength,
and we also command all our competent
authorities to make every effort in pur-
suance of their duties to attain the nation
al aim with all the means within the limits
of the law of nations.
I'VE have always deemed it essential in
international relations, and have made it
our constant aim, to promote the pacific
progress of our empire in civilization, to
strengthen our friendly ties with other
states and to establish q state of things
which would maintain enduring peace in the
far east. and assure the future security of
our dominion without injury to the rights
OF interests of other powers. Our cornpe-
tent authorities have also performed their
duties in obedience to Our will, that our
relations with all the powers had been
steadily growing in cordially. 1t was thus
entirely against our expectation that
nave unnappliy come TO open hOStiltIeS
against Russia. The integrity of Korea is
a matter of the grayest concern to this en-
pre- not only because of our traditional re-
lationS 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 assur-
anccS to other powers, is still in occupation
of Manchuria, has consolidated and
strengthened her hold those provinces
and is bent upon their final annexation.
And, since the absorption of Manchuria by
Russia would render it impossible to MAIN
addition, compel the abandonment of all
hope of peace in the far east we We're de-
termined in those circumstances to settle
the question by negotiations and to secure
thereby 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 spirit of concilia-
ton. but by wanton delays put off set
tIement of the serious questions. and by
| ostensibly advocating peace on one hand
| while on the other extending her naval and
| military preparations sought to accomplish
| her selfish designs. We cannot in the least
| admit that Russia had from the first any
! serious or genuine desire for peace. She
| rejected the proposals of our government.
| The safety of Korea was in danger and the
| interests of our empire were menaced The
| guarantees for the future which we failed
| to secure by peaceful negotiations can now
| only be obtained by an appeal to arms.
| TT is our earnest wish that by the 10y
| atty and Valor of our faithful subjects
| peace may soon be permanently restored
| and the glory of our empire preserved. y