MANIFESTO OF THE CZAR.

Lyttelton Times, Volume V, Issue 267, 23 May 1855, Page 6

MANIFESTO OF THE CZAR.

An extraordinary supplement of the Journal de St. Petersboury of the 16th (18th) December, brings us the following document:— " By the Grace of God, We, Nicholas, the first Emperor and Autocrat of all the Russians, &c, &c, make known:— " The causes of the war, that still lasts, are well understood by our beloved Russia. The country knows that neither ambitious views, nor the desire of obtaining new advantages to which we have no right, were the motives for those acts

and circumstances that have unexpectedly resulted in the existing struggle. We had only in view the safeguard ofthe solemnly recognised immunities of the Orthodox Church, and of our co-religionists in the East. But certain Governments, attributing to us interested and secret intentions that \yere far from our thoughts, have complicated the solution of the question, and have finished by forming an hostile alliance against Russia. "After having proclaimed as their object the safety of the Ottoman empire, they have waged open war against us—not in Turkey, but within the limits "of our own realm, directing their blows on such points as were more or less accessible to them—in the Baltic, the White Sea, the Black Sea, in the Crimea, and even on the far distant coasts of the Pacific Ocean. Thanks to the Most High, both in our troops and in all classes of our subjects they everywhere meet with intrepid opponents, animated by their love for us and their country ; and, to our consolation in these troublous circumstances, we are constantly witnessing brilliant examples and proofs of this feeling, as well as the courage it inspires. " Such are the defeats more than once inflicted on the enemy's troops on the other side of the Caucasus, nofhwithstanding a great disparity of force. Such was the unequal conflict sustained with success by the defenders of the coast of Finland, of the convent of Solovetsky, and of the port of Petropaulowsky, in Kamschatka. Such, above all, is the heroic defence of Sebastopol, signalised by so many exploits of invincible courage, and of indefatigable activity as to be admired and done justice to by our enemies themselves. " Beholding, with humble gratitude towards God, the toils, the bravery, the self-denial of our forces, both by land and sea, and also the general outburst of devotion that animates all ranks ofthe empire, we venture to recognise therein the pledge and aua-ury of a happier future. " Penetrated with our duty as a Christian, we cannot desire a prolonged effusion of blood, and certainly we shall net. repulse any offers and conditions of peace that are compatible with the dignity of our empire, and the interests of our well-beloved subjects. But another, and not less sacred duty commands us in this obstinate struggle, to keep ourselves prepared for efforts and sacrifices proportioned to the means of action directed against us. "Russians! my faithful children! you are accustomed to spare nothing when called by Providence to a great and holy work—neither your wealth, the fruit of long years of toil, nor your own blood, nor the blood of y.mr children. I The noble ardour tint has inflamed your hearts from the first hour of the war, will not be extintinguished, happen what may ; and your feelings are those of your Sovereign. " We all, monarchs and subjects, if it be necessary,—echoing the words of tbe Emperor Alexander iv a year of like trial, the sword in our bands, and tbe cross in our hearts—know how to face the ranks of our enemies, for the defence of the most precious gifts of this world, and the security and honor of our country. "Given at Gatchina, the fourteenth day of tbe month of December, in the year of grace, 1854, and the 13th of our reign. "(Signed) Nicholas."