The Lancaster news. [volume] (Lancaster, S.C.) 1905-current, 1914-08-25
JAPAN DECLARES WAR
AGAINST GERMANY
Appeal to Arms is the Last
Resort.
JAPAN'S NOTE IGNORED.
Mikado Issues Proclamation Calling
Upon His Subjects to Stand
to the CoIors.

iOhlo, aug Z0.-Ine Emperor of
Japan today declared war on Ger
many. This action was taken at the
expiration of the time limit of
Japans ultimatum to Germany de-
manding the surrender of Kiao-
Chow The Japan government has
ordered the beginning of operations
on land and sea.
The imperial rescript declaring
war on Germany was issued this
evening. 1t officially inaugurates
hostilities in the Far East as a result
of Germany's failure to reply to the
Japanese ultimatum.
The proclamation of the Emperor
sent thrill through the country.
Japan's entrance upon the fulfllment
OF her obligations to her ally Great
Britain, responds to the popular will
from one end of the land to the
other. Cheering crowds, assembled
today before public buildings and to-
night there were lantern process
sions through the streets. The pop
ular manifestations, however, do not
approach the enthusiasm which pre-
ceded the war with Russia.
GIVEN PASSPORTS.
Count Won Rex, the German am
bassador, has been handed his pass
ports. He probably will leave for
America. George w. Guthrie, the
American ambassador, will represent
Germany. The Diet has been con-
voked in special session for Septem-
ber 3.
The Austrian cruiser Kaiserin
Elizabeth, which latterly was at
Tsing-Tau, the seaport of Kiao-
Chow, is reported to have sailed. She
perhaps will go to a neutral port and
disarm. 1t is believed this action
will keep Austria out Of the war in
the Orient, although unforeseen cir
cumstances may force Japan to
change this policy. No action has
been taken relative to Austria and
the foreign Office has explained that
Japan will remain friendly until
Austria adopts an attitude which it
regards as offensive.
| 1t is reported here that Germany
has been trying to transfer the Ger
man railroad in Shan Tung, China,
to America. Toxic, believes, how
ever, that the United States pursuing
the policy of neutrality outlined by
President Wilson, will not accept.
President Wilson's announcement of
neutrality has greatly pleased the
Japanese.
The text of the imperial rescript
is:
The imperial rescript, issued at
Toxic August 23, 6 p. m.
I'VE, by the grace of heaven, EN-
peror of Japan seated on the throne
occupied by the same dynasty from
time immemorial do hereby issue a
proclamation to all our brave sub
jects.
I'VE hereby declare war against
Germany and we command our army
and navy to carry on hostilities
against that empire with all their
strength and we also command our
competent authorities to make every
effort, in pursuance or their respec-
tive duties to attain the national aim
by all means within the limits of the
law of nations.
Since the outbreak of the pres
ent war in Europe, calamitous effects
OF which, we view with grave concern,
we on our part have entertained
hopes of preserving peace of the Far
East by the maintenance Of strict
neutrality, but the action of GERMANY
has at length compelled Great Bri-
tain, our ally, to open hostilities
against that country and Germany is
at Kiao-Chow, its leased territory. in
China, busy with warlike prepara-
tions, while its armed vessels cruis-
ing seas of Eastern Asia are threaten
ing our commerce and that of our al
ly. Peace of the Far East is thus in
jeopardy.
Accordingly, our government and
that of His Brittanic Majesty after
full and frank communication with
each other, agreed to take such meas
ures as may be necessary for the
protection of the general interests
contemplated in the agreement of al
lance and we on our part, being de-