American Legation,
Peking,
China, May 25,
1904.
No. 1617.][Inclosure.—Translation.]
First proclamation issued by the Japanese after
the taking of Antung.
The commanding officer of the First Army Corps of the Empire of
Japan, at present warring against Russia, issues this proclamation
for the information of the public:
Whereas Russia for years past has occupied Manchurian territory, has
collected troops and raised fortifications, has oppressed the people
and harassed the magistrates, and this with unbounded tyranny,
perpetrating crimes like very highwaymen, under the excuse that they
were protecting their railway, but really with the intention of
ultimately annexing the three Provinces of Manchuria. It was
something intolerable that the sacred tombs of the Chinese Imperial
house should be thrown into the hands of aliens, how could the high
officials of state stand it? And if the Three Eastern Provinces were
annexed by Russia who could know whether Korea would be in peace or
in trouble? Japan and Korea have therefore set their teeth, and
mutually depending on each other will mutually act. Therefore our
Emperor, majestic in his wrath, has issued an Imperial decree
ordering the three armies to exert their utmost strength and attack
by sea and land. Inspired by a sense of duty and patriotism, what
enemy can we not subdue or what barrier can we not overcome? We
destroyed noble battle ships at the first battle of Yen-Ch’uan, and
in another battle in the eastern sea off Port Arthur the naval
strength of the enemy was vanquished.
[Page 136]
We wish to leave not a single flag of Russia
flying, and we have good reason. If indeed our land army like a
myriad of the mythical tiger-killers showing incomparable strategy
following the banners with boldness, the rank and file under
thorough discipline, then in the forward march to battle their very
breath will dissipate the entire Russian army and it may be said
that they will subdue the enemy without even fighting.
We have now passed through the Korean boundaries and entered the
Liao-yang territory. Our army leaders are men of honor and will not
commit the error of an autumn spikelet, but on the other hand will
be full of compassion towards the people, like a loving mother
nursing her new-born child.
Therefore we trust that all the people will have respect to the
sacred edict of our Emperor, and each peacefully follow his
avocation, reserving cattle, horses, firewood, grain, and beef,
which will be all sooner or later required (by our army). Act thus
and without delay use diligence to exert yourselves on our behalf.
If anyone is found assisting the enemy as spies, secretly reporting
the movements of our troops, daring to act in opposition to us, he
shall be apprehended and dealt with sternly, no mercy being shown.
Respect this.
