27 FEBRUARY 1904, Page 1

Admiral Alexeieff has issued a remarkable proclamation to the inhabitants

of Manchuria. The document, which contains six regulations "which all must tremblingly obey," after emphasising the treachery of Japan in commencing hostilities, lays stress on the indissoluble unity of Russian and Chinese interests. The duty of China ought to be to attack and destroy the Japanese wherever encountered; but as. she has decided to remain neutral, Admiral Alexeieff is content with ordering every official in Manchuria to render the Russian Army every possible assistance in obtaining supplies. Finally, after earnestly trusting that the people will extend unanimous confidence to the Russian Army, Admiral Alexeieff con- tinues: "If officials or people treat with enmity the Russian Army, the Russian Government will assuredly exterminate these persons, showing no mercy." It would be interesting to hear the views of a Boer General, say General Delarey, on this curious document.