The Express.
London, England, 1855-02-23 00:00:00

RESTORATION OF POLAND.

BIRMINGHAM, TunaepaW.
A meeting, presided over by the Mayor, was held
is the Town-hall here last night, on the subject of the
rolitosatio• of Poland as ea independent nation. The ball
Wes immensely fell ; and after the proesediage had been
opened by the Mayor, the following extract of a letter was
read from Mr. Beholefield, M.P., excusing his absence:—
" But I need not say that if you think any aseuranes of my
sympathy with the object of the meeting can be useful, you
have my full authontt to say how heartily 1 join in the
proposed movement. Every day but strengthens my con-
viction that not only is the resuscitation of Poland pre•
liminary to the successful conduct of the great war, but the
best, if not the sole guarantee of a lasting peace."
Mr. T. C. SALT moved the first resolution, recognising
the important)e of the restoration of Poland as a nation. He
rejoiced (he said) to find that the hearts of his fellsw-
, townsmen to be still warm on the subject of the restoration
of Poland. There were many persons in this country who
wanted peace at all cost ;to such be would say,—no peace at
the lust of murder ; no peace at the coat of oppression ; no
peace at the cost of the liberty and tee oppressed of nations.
RuPla had taken Poland, invaded Prussia, and laid bands
ion Finland. He believed that there was so much baseness
in the government of England, that if Russia seised the
Isle of Wight. England would submit to it. The nation felt
that the government had betrayed them; and they now
came forward with blood and treasure, proclaiming that a
barrier shall be put to despotism, and that nations shall be
free. This was a mission from which we ought not to
shrink; but whilst our army, even in the midst of the
greatest extremity, never turned their backs upon
the foe, it was for us at home to take care
that all our sacrifice of blood and treasure was not
made in vain. lie asked what all this contest was for—
whether it was merely for a bit of parchment treaty, that
would leave us where we were ? Let who would be sent
to Vienna, there was no min. if the voice of the people was
distinctly heard, who would dare siga any treaty that would
betray the beet interests of Bolden& (Cheers.) What were
they but the interests of Poland ? The first crime of
Russia was destruction of Poland and establishing on its
ruins aespotiam. Our first crime was standing by and look-
ing on. (Hear, hear.) We stood! while Poland was
op_pressed; Finland taken; and now Turkey was attacked.
We were aroused to action at last. Russia must not only
be stopped, but she must be driven hick. Poland must be
restored, Finland given back to Sweden, the Caucasus have
iodependence, the Black Elsa free, and the Danube open.
These were the objects or ought to be the objects of the war,
and be hoped the sword would never be sheathed until they
bad been attained. (Cheers.) .
Mr. J. M. LANGFORD seconded the resolution, which was
seconded by Mr. J. Wittour, and carried unanimously.
Mr. Ald. BALDWIN moved that a petition to both houses
of parliament, praying for the restoration of Polish lade-
pendent' and the formation of a Polish legion, be adopted,
and entrusted to Lord Harrowby and Mr. Munie for pie-
sentatinn.
Mr. T. H. GILL seconded the resolution.
....

----
the meeting was subeequently addressed by Mr. Lana, a
Pole, sod other gentlemen.
The resolutions were carried unanimously, and with much
enthusiasm, and the petition to parliament praying for such
measures as might tend to restore Poland to a state of rode•
pendent nationality, was unanimously adopted.