The Czar Preparing For War

The czar has issued an imperial decree to the Black sea fleet in which he says amongstother expressions: "The fleet is now being reconstitued, to the joy of tho fatherland, which has long mourned its loss. My wiU and thoughts are directed tovrurd the peaceful development of the nation's wclinre, but circumstances may render the fulfllment of my wishes difllcult and forcé me to an armad defense in order to preserve the dignity oí the empire."