THE CZAR'S MANIFESTO.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XII, Issue 125, 29 May 1877, Page 4

THE CZAR'S MANIFESTO.

The followiog is the full text of the Czir's manif. sto: — St. Petersburg, April 26.— The manifesto of Alexander, Czar of Russia,, to, the Russian army and the people, was promulgated fo-day, and has created; much excitement and interest. The following is the full text of the manifesto: — To the people of Russia : Our faithful and beloved subjects know the strong interest we have constantly felt in the destinies of the oppressed Christian population of Turkey. Our desire to ameliorate and assure their lot bas been already shared by the whole Russian nation, which now shows itself ready to bear fresh sacrifices (o alleviate the position of Christians in the Balkan peninsula. The blood and property of our faithful subjects have always been dear to us, and our whole reign attests our constant solicitude to preserve to Russia the benefit of peace. This solicitude never failed to actuate us duriog the deplorable eveois which occurred in Herzegovina, Bosnia, and Bulgaria. Our object before all was to effect the amelioration of tbe position of Christians in tbe East by means of pacific negotiations, and in conceit with the great European Powers, our allies , and friends. For two years we have made increased efforts to ioduce the Porte to effect such reforms as would protect Christians in Bosnia, Herzegovina, aod Bulgaria from tbe arbitrary measures of the local authorities. The accomplishment of thes. reforms was absolutely stipulated by anterior engagements, ontracted by the Porte towards the whole of Europe. Our efforts, supported by diplomatic representations made in common with other Governments, bave not, however, attained their object. The Forte remained unshaken in its formal refusal of ony effective guarantee for the security of its Christian subjects, and has rejected the conclusions of the Constantinople Conference. Wishing to essay every possible means of conciliation in order to persuade the Porte, we proposed to other cabinets to draw up a special portocol, comprising tbe most essential conditions of the Constantinople Conference, and to invite tbe Turkish Government to adhere to tbis international act, which stated the extreme limit of our peaceful demands; but our expectation was not fulfilled. The Porte did not defer to this uoanimous wish of Christian Europe, and did' not adhere to the conclusions of ths protocol. Having exhausted pacific efforts, we are compelled by the haughty obstinacy of the Porte to proceed to more decisive acts, feeliog that equity and our own dignity eojoin it. By her refusal Turkey places us under the necessity of having to resort to arms. Profoundly convinced of the justice of our cause, and humbly committing ourselves to the grace and help of the Most High, we make known to our faithful subjects that the movement foreseen when we pronounced the words to which all Russia responded witb complete unanimity has now arrived. We expressed our intention to act independently when deemed necessary, and when Russia's honor should demand if. Now, invoking the blessing of God upon our valiant armies, we give them the order to cross the Turkish frontier. — Alexander,