PROCLAMATION OF THE CZAR TO THE BULGARIANS.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XII, Issue 218, 14 September 1877, Page 4

PROCLAMATION OF THE CZAR TO THE BULGARIANS.

The Emperor has addressed tbe following proclamation to the Bulgarians: My troops have crossed the Danube. To-day they enter your territory, where they have already fought for the amelioration of the lot of the Christian j inhabitants of the Balkan Peninsula.; Faithful to their ancient and historical i traditions, and always deriving fresh j strength from the intimate UDion which ' had bound them for centuries to the orthodox people of Russia, my ancestors succeeded by their influence and their arms in securing successively the position of the Servians and Roumanians by summoning them to a new political existence. Time and circumstances have not altered Russia's sympathies towards her co-religionists in the East. She still bears the same love and the same solicitude towards all -the members of the great Christian family of the Balkan Peninsula. I have confided to my army, commanded by my brother, the Grand Duke Nicholas, the mission of securing the sacred rights of your nationality, which constitute the immutable conditions of the peaceful and regular development of all civio existence. These rights you have not acquired by force or armed resistance, but as the reward of centuries of suffering, and of the martyrs' with blood which yoa 'and your forefathers have for centuries soaked the soil of your country. Inhabitants of Bulgaria — 'Russia's object is to build up and not to destroy. She is called by the decrees of Providence to pacify and conciliate ail races and all denominations in these parts of Bulgaria which are |inhabited by a population of various origin and beliefs. Henceforth the Russian arms will protect every Christian aguinst all violence No attack will be made with impunity against his person or his property by anyone, and every crime will be followed by a fitting punishment. The life, liberty, honor, und property of every Christian will be equally guaranteed, to whatever class he may belong. Vengeance will not guide our acts, which will be presided over soleiy by a sentiment of strict equity as well as by the firm intention of causing order and right progressively to succeed the reign of disorder and despotism. To you, Mussulmans of Bulgaria, I address a aalatory warning. It is painful for me to evoke the /memory of crimes and acts of violence of which several among you have been guilty towards defenceless Christians, These horrors cannot be forgotten, but the Bussian authorities do not desire to hold, all responsible for the actions of a few. Regular and impartial justice will overtake those criminals who have remained unpunished, despite the fact that their Barnes were perfectly known to your Government. Acknowledge now the justice of God which overtakes yoa, and bow to His will. Submit your legitimate needs to the authorities who Will be appointed wherever my troops appear. Become peaceful citizens of society, which ia ready to accord you the benefits of a regular organization. Tour existence and your property, the lives and honor of your families, will fee sacred before us Christians. Bulgaria! you are passing through a memorable period; the hour of deliverance from Mussulman tyranny has at last struck; give the world an example of Christian love; cast into oblivion old internal dissensions, scrupulously respecting the legitimate rights of each nationality. Unite your brothers in religion, in sentiments of concord and brotherly love, whicb alone afford solid bases for a durable edifice. Gather closely under the shadow of the Russian flag, whose victories have so often resounded on the Danube and the Balkans. As fast as Russian troops advance into the interior of tbe country the power of the Turk will be replaced by regular organisations; the native inhabitants will be summoned to take an active part therein under the supreme direction of special authorities, and new Bulgarian legions will be formed to serve a& tbe nucleus of a local armed force destined to maintain order and security. Tbe zeal you will have displayed in honestly serving y</, ur country and the impartiality you will have brought to the accomplishment of this great duty will prove to the worid that you are worthy of the destiny that Russia has prepared for you during eo many years at the cost of such great sacrifices." Obey the Russian authorities, follow faithfully the indications

they will give you; therein lies your strength and your safety. With humility I pray Our Lord to grant us the victory over the enemies of Christianity, and to send down His ; blessing upon our juat cause. — Signed,: Alexandeb.