What is being attacked are the liberties of Europe, whose defenders France, her allies, and her friends are proud to be.
We shall defend these liberties, for it is they which are in jeopardy; all else is merely a pretext.
France, unjustly provoked, did not desire war. She has done everything to prevent it. But since it is forced upon her, she will defend herself against Germany, and against every power which has not as yet announced its position but which should later on take sides with Germany in the war between the two.
A free and strong nation, strengthened by venerable ideals, firmly united in defense of its existence, a democracy which has known how to discipline its military acts, and which did not fear last year to impose upon itself additional military burdens to offset those of neighboring countries, an armed nation fighting for its own life and for the independence of Europe--that is the spectacle which we are proud to show the witnesses of this formidable struggle, which has been in preparation for some days amid methodical quiet.
We are without reproach. We shall be without fear.
France has often proved, under less favorable conditions, that she is the most formidable adversary when she fights, as she now does, for liberty and right.
In placing our acts before you, gentlemen, who are our judges, we have the comfort of a clear conscience and the certainty of having done our duty to help us bear the weight of our heavy responsibility.
BEFORE THE MARNE BATTLE.
Proclamation by the Government Announcing Transfer of Capital to Bordeaux, Sept. 3.
People of France: For several weeks relentless battles have engaged our heroic troops and the army of the enemy. The valor of our soldiers has won for them, at several points, marked advantages; but in the north the pressure of the German forces has compelled us to fall back.
This situation has compelled the President of the Republic and the Government to take a painful decision.
In order to watch over the national welfare it is the duty of the public powers to remove themselves temporarily from the City of Paris.
Under the command of an eminent chief, a French Army, full of courage and zeal, will defend the capital and its patriotic population against the invader.
But the war must be carried on at the same time on the rest of its territory.
Without peace or truce, without cessation or faltering, the struggle for the honor of the nation and the reparation of violated right must continue.
None of our armies is impaired. If some of them have sustained very considerable losses, the gaps have immediately been filled up from the reserves, and the appeal for recruits a.s.sures us of new reserves in men and energy tomorrow.
Endure and fight! Such must be the motto of the allied British, Russian, Belgian, and French Armies.
Endure and fight, while at sea the British aid us, cutting the communication of our enemy with the world.
Endure and fight, while the Russians continue to advance to strike the decisive blow at the heart of the German Empire.
It is the duty of the Government of the republic to direct this stubborn resistance.
Everywhere Frenchmen will rise for their independence; but to insure the utmost spirit and efficacy in the formidable fight it is indispensable that the Government shall remain free to act. At the request of the military authorities, the Government is therefore temporarily transferring its headquarters to a place where it can remain in constant touch with the whole of the country.
It requests members of Parliament not to remain away from it, in order that they may form, with their colleagues, a bond of national unity.
The Government only leaves Paris after having a.s.sured the defense of the city and of the intrenched camp by every means in its power.
It knows that it does not need to recommend to the admirable population of Paris that calm, resolution and coolness which it is showing every day, and which is on a level with its highest traditions.
People of France, let us all be worthy of these tragic circ.u.mstances. We shall gain the final victory; we shall gain it by unflagging will, endurance, and tenacity.
A nation which refuses to perish, and which, in order to live, does not flinch either from suffering or sacrifice, is sure of victory.
The manifesto is signed by President Poincare and all the Ministers.
Russia to Her Enemy
Slav Emperor Announces New Policies.
Pledge of Czar Nicholas II. to Russia"s Statesmen and Soldiers, in Winter Palace, St. Petersburg, Aug. 2.
War has been forced upon us. I hereby take a solemn pledge not to conclude peace so long as a single enemy remains on Russian soil.
I wish G.o.dspeed to my soldiers represented here by the St.
Petersburg military district, and I am sure that they will fully justify my confidence in them.
A MANIFESTO.
Czar Outlines Events Leading to War, St. Petersburg, Aug. 3.
By the grace of G.o.d, we, Nicholas II., Emperor and Autocrat of all the Russias, King of Poland, and Grand Duke of Finland, &c., to all our faithful subjects make known that Russia, related by faith and blood to the Slav peoples and faithful to her historical traditions, has never regarded their fates with indifference.