New Britain herald., 1914-08-24
JAPAN DECLARES WAR AGAINST GERMANY
Operations on Land and Sea Ordered by Imperial Government

Tokio, Aug 24.-The Emperor of Japan Sunday declared war upon Ger many.
 This action was taken at the ex- l piration of the time limit of Japan's uItimatum to Germany demanding the surrender of Kiauchau. The Japanese government has or dered the beginning of operations on land and sea.
 Issued Sunday Evening.
 ! The Imperial rescript declaring war mpon Germany was issued last eve ming. It officially inaugurates hostil- 1ties in the Far East as result or Germany's failure to reply to. the Jap anese ultimatum.
 The proclamation of the emperor sent thrill through the country. Ja- pans entrance upon the fulfillment or her obligations to her ally, Great Brit ain, responds to the popular will from one end of the land to the other. Cheering crowds assembled today be- fore the buildings occupied by the department of foreign affairs and the administration of the navy. Last eve- ming there were lantern processions through the streets. The popular manifestations, however. do not ap .proach the enthusiasm which preced- ed the war with Russia. Von Rex Gets Passports. x Count Won Rex, the German am- bassador in Tokio, has been handed his passports. He probably will leave here for America, either on the Min nesota, sailing August 27, or the Man. churia, which departs on the 29th. George w. Guthrie. the American am- bassador will represent Germany. Tho Diet has been convoked in special ses- sion for September 3.
 The Austrian cruiser kaiserin Eliza beth, which was at Tsing Tau, the sea-
 port at Kiauchau, is reported to have sailed. She will go to neutral port and disarm. It is believed this action will keep Austria out of the war in the Orient, although unforeseen cir cumstances may force Japan to change her policy in this regard. No action has been taken relative to Austria and the foreign office has explained that Japan will remain friendly to Austria unless Austria adopts an attitude which it regards as offensive.
 beI1cVc N. -. NcuCrAItY. It is reported here Germany has been trying to transfer the German railroad in Shantung, China, to Amer ica Tokio believes, however, that the U. S., pursuing the policy of neutrality outlined by President Wilson, will not accept the offer.
 President Wilson's announcement of American neutrality greatly pleased the Japanese.
 The text of the Imperial rescript is as follows: -..- "Issued at Tokio, August 23rd, G D. m.)
 we. by the grace of Heaven, Em- peror of Japan, seated on the throne, ocscupied by the same dynasty from time ifnmemorial, do hereby make the following proclamation to our loyal and brave subjects:
 ss"We hereby declare war against
 cermany and we command our army
 and navy to carry on hostilities against
 tt,at empire with all their strength and
 We also command all our competent
 authorities to make every effort in
 n,rsuance of their respective duties, '.o attain the national aien by all
 rneans within the limits of the law of nations.
 ..Since the outbreak of the present
 war in Europe, the calamitous effect
 or which we view with grave concern,
 -. on our part have entertained hopes
 rf preserving the peace of the far
 .est by the maintenance of strict
 neutrality. but the action of Germany \, !. af length compelled Great Britain,