The Bamberg herald. [volume] (Bamberg, S.C.) 1891-1972, 1904-02-18
Made Known to the World in
-, Her Declaration of War.
TEXT OF IMPERIAL EDICT
Strono Case is Made Out Against the
Gar, Whose Aaaressions and Di-
!atory Tactics Brought o"
the Trouble.

perial rescript declaring war against
Russia, which was issued by Japan.
owe, by the grace of heaven, empe-
ror Of Japan, seated on the throne
occupied by the same dynasty since
time immemorial, hereby make procla'
nation to all our loyal and brave sub
jects as follows:
"We 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 we also COM
uand all our competent authorities
to make every effort in pursuance OF
their duties to attain the national aim
with all the means within the limits OF
the law of nations.
Eve 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, anu to establish
. state Of things which would maintain
enduring peace in the Far East and
assure the future security Of our domln'
ion without injury to the rights or in
terest of other powers. Our compe-
tent authorities have also performer
their duties In obedience tc our will
80 that our relations with all the pow
ers had been steadily growing in cor
diality. It was thus entirely against
our expectations that We have unhap-
PLY come to open hostilties against
Russia.
'orhe integrity Of Korea is a matter
OF the gravest concern to this empire:
not only because of our traditional re-
lations with that country, but because
the separate existence Of Korea Is es-
sential to the safety OF our realm.
Nevertheless, Russia, in regard to her
solemn treaty pledges to China ana
her repeated assurances to other pow
ers, is still in occupation Of Manchu-
ria, has consolidated and strengthened
her hold on those provinces, and rs
bent upon their final annexation. And,
since the absorption of Manchuria by
Russia would render it impossible to
maintain the integrity Of China, and
would, in addition, compel the aban.
donment of all hope Of peace in the
Far East, we were determined in those
circumstances to settle the question
By negotiations, and to secure perma'
nent peace. With that object In view
our competent authorities, by our or
der, made proposals to Russia, and fire.
quent conferences were held during
the last six months. Russia, howev-
er, never met such proposals in a spir'
it Of Cancellation, but by wanton de-
lays, put Off a settlement Of the Sc
rious questions and by ostensibly ad'
yocating peace on one hand, while on
the other extending her naval and MIL
itary preparations, sought to accom-
tplish her own selfish designs. We
cannot in the least admit that Russia
had from the first any serious or genu'
.ine desire for peace. She rejected the
;proposal OF our government. The
tsafety Of Korea was in danger, and the
Interests Of our empire menaced.
{ "The guarantees for the future,
which we failed to secure by peaceful
negotiations, can now only he obtained
by an appeal to arms.
: "It is our earnest wish that by the
;loyalty and valor OF our faithful SUBJ
jects, peace may soon be permanently
restored, and the glory Of our empire
preserved"