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 f