The Press.
London, England, 1854-12-02 00:00:00

DECEMBER 2, 1854.

THE ANNIVERSARY OF THE POLISH
INSURRECTION.
Tim twenty-fourth anniversary of the Polish insur-
rection of 1830 occurring on Wednesday, the Polish
exiles resident in London attended the funeral ser
vice at the Roman Catholic chapel, Sutton-street,
Soho-square, which was performed by the Rev.
Emeritus Podolski, who also preached a sermon
suitable to the occasion, and in which he deplored
the recent loss sustained by Poland and her exiled
sons in the death of their most generous friend and
protector, Lord Dudley Stuart.
After this ceremony a public meeting, composed of
Poles, and convened by their committee, acting under
the orders of his Highness Prince Czartoryski, was
held at Sussex Chambers, Duke-street, St,. James's.
Colonel Wiercinski occupied the chair, and the fol-
lowing resolutions were agreed to
Moved by Mr. N. Zaba, seconded by Major
Gietgerd

That the Poles, faithful to the duty which twenty-four years
ago called them to era's in defence of their inalienable rights to
freedom and national iudependeuee, do most solewuly protest
against the usurpation of their country by foreign oppressors,
and whilst expressing their anxious interest in the issue of the
struggle in which the Western powers are now engaged with the
Czar, do await with euduring patience the moment they shall be
called upon to take a part iu the war, with a view of restoring
Pohlad to the rank of an independent state, the only etiectual
and permanent means of arrestiug the aggressive policy of
Russia; of guarding the civilioatiou of the West against the in-
cursions of Eastern barbarism; and of establishing a true and
lasting peace of Europe,
Moved by Mr. Gleinich, seconded by Major
Jancewicz :
That the Poles, deeply anxious to testify their gratitude to the
people of England and France, amongst whom they have found,
not merely au asylum, but a home, are palatally disappointed
that no Polish Legion, to act iu conjuuctiou with the allied
powers, has yet been formed; for they are persuaded that had
such measure been adopted thousands of their fellow-country-
men, now ignominiously forced to serve in the Russian army,
and to combat against the forces of the allied powers, would, as
soon as the Polish national standard had been unfurled, have
passed over to the racks of England and France, spared their
blood, now so heroically and prodigiously shed, and in all proba-
bility have already decided the fate of Sebastopol and the issue
of the present war.
Another resolution expressed poignant regret at
the loss sustained by the death of Lord Dudley
Stuart. The meeting separated after paying a to
bute of respect to their chief, Prince Adam Czarto-
ryski, and acknowledging the exertions of the Lite-
rary Association of the Friends of Poland.
The "commemorative meeting " was held in the
evening at St. Martin's-hall, under the presidency of
Sir Joshua Walmesley, M.P. There was a crowded
audience, attracted principally by the expectation of
hearing a speech from Kossuth. The Hungarian
patriot was welcomed on rising with universal enthu-
siasm. He commenced his oration by touching upon
the question which now agitates all hearts :
Since the thundering roar of cannon from around Se-
bastopol continues to rouse an echo of moaning grief from
thousands of British homesteads, is there one British heart
all along these isles, the recesses of which had not thrilled
with the inquiry—whether the policy which presides over
this war he a wise one ? Whether those glorious dead
whom the world admires, and whom Great Britain bewails,
have fallen a sanguinary tribute to dire necessity ; or have
they fallen but a wanton sacrifice, immolated on the shrine
of the errors of those who rule? Can the aged mother,
proud in her maternal joy yesterday, and childless to-day—
can the fatherless orphan, standing like a broken reed—can
the widow, cast upon public charity (and eleven thousand
already they are )—can the nation, maimed by the loss of
the bravest and the best of her tons—can they comfort
themselves with repeating the words Paulus Arruidius
spoke, when from the funeral of both his sons he rode up
in triumph to the Capitol? Can they say, " I feel the ruin
of my homestead consoled by the good fortune of the com-
monwealth?" (Hear, hear.) Is there one man all along
these isles, in the breast of whom the question had not
risen, whether there be no better course for carrying on
the war? A course sure to succeed, and richer in results,
and not ao dreadful in sacrifices? Yes, that question has
been asked by all, it has stirred, like the thrill of conscience,
through the breast of all.
M. Kossuth then divided his speech into two sec-
tions, addressing the first to the Poles, whom lie
praised for much courage in not having yet despaired
9f their country's freedom, even atter eighty-one
years eclipse. He assured them that the present
aspect of European affairs afforded them just grounds
for hope, and promised them also the aid and sym-
pathy of his own Hungarians, who were watching
cinly their opportunity to begin the struggle against
the common enemy.
Passing on to the second division of his discourse,
the speaker alluded in bold and lice terms to the
conduct pursued by the English Government and
military leaders while preparing for, or administering,
the war. This he found to he filled with blunders,
political and strategical. He began with the northern
and Baltic campaign
The English public have been told of late that there
never was a position of more pressing necessity, demand-
big so imperiously a mind that can forestal instead of
waiting on events, and can avert evils which it may be im-
possible to repair. (Applause ) That is perfectly just,
though somewhat of an after-fact wisdom come out too
late. But if it be just, then there is no good service to
England in lulling public opinion to sleep by advising it