The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1904-02-12
BLAmEs RUSSIA.
Text of the Mikado's Proclamation
Declaring War

Toxic. Feb. 12-The existence of a
state of war with Russia was formally
ton. The following is the text of the
imperial rescript declaring war against
Russia-
1--WE. by the grace of Heaven. en-
peror of Japan, seated on the throne,
occupied by the same dynasty since
time irnmemorial. hereby make procla-
nation to all our loyal and brave sub
jects as follows:
1--WE hereby declare war against Rus
sia and we command our army and
navy to carry on hostilities against
her in obedience to their duty with all
their strength; and we also command
all our competent authorities to make
every effort in pursuance of their duty
to attain the national aim with all the
means within the limit of the law OF
nations.
1--WE have always deemed it essential
IN international relations and have
made it our consistent aim. to promote
the pacific progress of our empire in
civilization, to strengthen our friendly
relations with other states and to eS-
tablish a 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 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 has been steadily growing
in cordiality. It was thus entirely
against our expectation Ehat we have
unfappily come to open hostilitleS
against Russia The Integrity of Korea
is a matter of Gravest concern to this
empire not only because of our ira
ditiona1 relations with that country.
but because the separate existence OF
Korea is essential to the safety of our
Nevertheless. Russia, in disdegard of
her solemn treaty pledges to China and
her repeated assurances to other powers
is still in occupation of Manchurla, has
consolidated and strengthened her hold
on those provinces and Is bent on their
final annexation. And since the absorp-
ton of Manchuria by Russia would rem
der it impossible to maintain the integ-
rity of China and would, in addition,
compel the abandonment of all hope OF
peace in the far east, we were deter
mined in those circumstances to settle
the question by negotiations and to Sc
cure thereby permanent peace. With
that object in view our competent au-
thorities by our order made proposals to
Russia and freQuefstA conferences were
held during the las< SIX months. Rus
sia. however, never met such proposals
in spirit of Cancellation, but by WantOn
DELAYS put off a settlement of the six
questions and by ostensibly advocating
peace on one hand, while on the other
extending her navy and military prepa-
rations, sought to accomplish her owr
selfish designs. We cannot in the least
admit that Russia had from the first
any serious or genuine desires fol
peace. She rejected the proposals OF
our government. The safety of Korea
was in danger and the interests of ouI
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.
1T is our earnest wish that by the
loyalty and valor of our faithful sub
iecfs neace NAV soon be permanently
restored and the glory of our empire be
preserved -