The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1914-08-24
ACTION FOLLOWS
KA|SER'S failure
to SEND ANSWER
Imperial Rescript Officially
Inauglrates Hostilities
in Far East.
PROCLAMATION SENDS
THRILL THROUGH NATION
Responds to Popular Will From
One End Of Land
to Other.
AUSTRIA MAY KEEP OUT OF WAR
President Wilson'S Announcement Of
Neutrality Greatly PIeases
Japanese People.
PROCLAMATION SENDS
THRILL THROUGH NATION
AUSTRIA MAY KEEP OUT OF WAR

TOKYO. August c3.-Thc Emperor OF
Japan to-day declared war on Germany.
This action was taken at the cxpira-
tion of the time limit of Japans ulti-
matum TO Germany demanding the sur
render Of kiauchau.
The Japanese government has or
dcrcd tho beginning OF operations on
land and sea.
The Imperial rescript declaring war
on Germany was issued this evening.
1t officially inaugura;cs hostiltes in
| the Far East as y result of Germany's
failure TO reply to the Japanese ulti-
matu,n.
The proclamation OF the Emperor
sent n thrill through the country ia
pans entrance upon the fulflment OF
her obligations to her ally, Great Brit
ain. responds to the popular will from
one end OF the land to the other. Cheer
ing crowds assembled to-day before
public buildings. and tonight there
were lantern professions through the
streets. The popular manifestations
however. do not approach the enthusi-
asm which preceded the war with Rus
sia. Count Won Rex. tho German am
bassador, has been handed his pass
ports. lie probably will leave for
America. George W. Guthrie. thu
American ambassadors. Will take over
hecn convoked In special session for
September g.
The Austrian cruiser Kaiserin Eliza
beth, which iattcrly was at Tslng Tau
the seaport of KiauchaI. is reported to
nave sailed. She, perhaps, will go to
neutral port and dlsarm 1t is believed
this action will keep Austria out OF
the war In the Orient, although unfor-
seen circumstances may force japan
to change this policy. No action has
been taken relative to Austria. and tho
Foreign Office las explained that .Japar
will remain friendly, unless Austria,
adopts an attitude which It regards as
offensive.
WILSON'S ANNOUNCEMENT
PLEASING TO JAPANESE
II is reported here that Germany has
been trying to transfer the German
railroad In Shan Tung, China. to Amer
tea Tokyo believes. however, that the
United states. pursuing the policy OF
neutrality outlined by President Will
son, Will not accept. President WI
sons announcement OF neutrality has
| greatly pleased the Japanese
The text OF the imperial rescrtpt ia
RS follows
Issued at Tokyo. August 20, 6 P. NJ
we. by the grace OF Heaven, En-
Peror of Japan, seated on tho throne
occupied by the same dynasty from
time immemorial. do hereby make the
following proclamation to all our loyal
and bravo subjects:
We hereby declare war against
Germany, and we command our army
and navy to carry on hostilities to that
empire with all their strength and
wcals. command all our competent au-
thorities to make every effort In pur-
suhnce Of their respective duties to
attain the national aim by all means
within the limits OF the law OF nations
since the outbreak of the present
To-, off@
OF which we view with grave concern,
we, OH our part, have entertained the
hope OF preserving the peace OF the Far
East by the maintenance OF strict neu-
! traiity. hut the action of Germany has
at length compelled Great Britain, our
ally. to open hostilities against that
country. and Germany is at Kiauchau
its leased territory in China, busy with
Nart'ke preparations While it's armed
vessels cruising the seas of Eastern
Asia. are threatening our commerce
and that of our ally. Pcace of the Far
East is thus in Jeopardy
Accordingly, our government, and
that OF His Britannia Majesty, after n
full and frank communication with
each other, agreed to take such mems
tires ms may he necessary for the pro-
lection of The general interests CON
temptated in the agreement OF alliance
and we on our part. being desirous
10 attain that object by peacefu full means.
coH'tl'thucd our government to offcrj
with sincerity an advice 10 the impcJ
rial German governmcnt. by the LASH
day appointed for the purpose how
ever, our government failed TO receK o
an answer accepting their advice. II Is
with profound regret that NC, In sbitc
ot our ardent devotion to the cause nf
peace are thus compelled to declare
war; especially at this early period of
our reign, and while we are stiu I'm
mourning for our imperial mother.
II is our earnest wish that by the
loyalty and valor OF orr faithful sub
Jects, peace may soon be restored ana
the glory OF the empire be enhanced"
WAR REGULATIONS
ADOPTED nY CABINET
conferences have been held daily re-
Gently by the Cabinet. the privy counciI
ana officers of the army ard navy. The
cabinet has arranged war roguia tions
which VIII be gaZetted to morrow
: Thc newspapers express surprise AT
tho extent OF American suspicious re
gardinS Japan's motives in Issuing the
ultimatum, but leading; writer's express
frm CONFIDENCE that g better UNDER