The Sun.
London, England, 1855-11-29 00:00:00

THE NIGHTINGALE FUND.

" That the Polish exiles in this meeting assembled de-
clare solemnly and conscientiously, on behalf not only of
themselves, but also of their countrymen, whether dragged
unwillingly to serve in the armies of the Czar, or subject
in their homes to the degrading oppression of his govern-
ment, that the resolution of the whole Polish nation again
to constitute itself into an independent State, openly
asserted in arms this day 25 years ago, so far from having
been shaken or diminished by the unparalleled civil and
religious persecution which the Polish people havOsuffered
in the meantime, has become, on the other hand, even yet
more deep, unwavering, and immutable. In proof of
which solemn declaration they appeal to the indisputable
fact that Polish prisoners taken during the present war,
to whatever class of life they may belong, seize with avi-
dity the first opportunity offered them of entering the ranks
of the allies, and fighting against their former oppressors."
After observing that the vitality of the national
spirit, and the devotion of the Poles for their country,
have not suffered any diminution, continued thus :
Since the ultimate downfall of Poland in 1831—since
the event that made us all exiles, we have never met to
commemorate that event under such important circum-
stances for us as the present. There have been, since
then, it is true, various periods of great commotion in
Europe, which have raised our hopes and made us put
forth new energies ; but at those periods the wisest
among us were always fully aware that if we were to
succeed it would be in spite of governments, armed
with an extent of national power which their sympathis-
ing subjects did not possess, and that, therefore, our
chances of success were so much the less, and were,
indeed, dependent upon the overthrow of those
governments. Now, however, it is very different.
Though not avowedly, and not even designedly,
the mightiest powers of Europe are now leagued to-
gether to do battle for Poland—for whoever fights against
Russia fights for Poland ; and, though timid politicians
may shrink from acknowledging it, the restoration of
Poland must be one of the. consequences of the present
war, or the war will prove to have been waged in vain.
Now, therefore, it is not only the popular sympathies
but the governments of Europe that are enlisted in our
cause, and the governments of Europe, backed by the
enormous strength bestowed by the full and hearty con-
currence of their people, and the restoration of Poland
has become one of the essential conditions for the resto-
ration of peace in Europe. But, if this be so, fellow-
countrymen and fellow-exiles, the part we have to per-
form and the duties we have to fulfil are also different,
and it behoves us to take a serious view of our position,
and to make up our minds to consider no sacrifice too great
to secure, when the time comes, the open and willing aid
and co-operation of those who are now perhaps only
fighting our battle because they cannot help it. While
addressing you on a recent melancholy occasion, when
we had met to do honour to the memory of the truest
and noblest friend that any oppressed nation could
ever boast of, Lord Dudley Stuart, I took the liberty
of alluding to the unmerited reputation for disunion
which has ever clung to us as a nation, and to
the diversity of opinions entertained in the emigra-
tion as to what ought to be the form of government in
Poland, should our beloved country ever be restored to
independence. I would now fain dwell further upon
the subject, and beg you to reflect that if the hopes
which have been so frequently frustrated should at
length be realised as a consequence of the present war,
our country will, in this case, have been restored
through the aid of a European coalition ; and that,
as has been truly observed by our countryman
Count Valerian Krasinski, in one of the many
works which have made his name illustrious in
exile—we cannot, therefore, expect that the form of
Government to be introduced among us will be left en-
tirely to our own decision. What we have to do now,
in expectation of the propitious event is, therefore, to
train our minds to acquiesce readily in whatever neces-
sities the conjunctures of the times may impose, and to
sacrifice even cherished theories and predilections in the
cause for which we have made so many other sacrifices.
To do this will, I think, be the more easy, if we will but
take an unbiassed survey of the world's, history and ob-
serve, that no nation was ever founded and no state ever
developed itself according to political theories. The
principles of a nation's growth, the elements of its great-
ness, lie hidden in the innermost recesses of its being. as,
also, in the nature of the country which it inhabits.
To seek out, to recognise, and to nourish these,
is the task of the patriot and the statesman—
and we have all been so long absent from our country,
so many forces of which we have hardly any know-
ledge have been in action there during our quarter of a
century of exile, that, should we ever be restored to it,
we would have much to learn before we could be in a
position to judge what would be the best possible form
of government for tie. That, in the first instance, it
would be sufficiently free to allow of its being gradually
improved we have a guarantee in the principles that
govern the present war, and render it so popular
throughout Europe ; and with this assurance we ought
to rest contented for the present ; for, to recommence
our national life with dissensions on the subject of
preconceived theories, whose adaptation to the circum-
stances of the country we had had no means of test-
ing, would, indeed, be to prove that the early die
cords that have made our intestine broils proverbial in
Europe did not spring from our old absurd constitution,
but in reality had their root in the national character.
On the other hand, by discarding all subjects which have
hitherto proved apples of discord amongst us, by work-
ing together with one heart and one hand, and bringing
all our energies to bear on the first great task before us
—the reconquest of our country by faithful service in
the armies that are now combating Russia—we shall, on
our side, be giving the best guarantees for the future,
we shall be acquiring the esteem of those Governments
without whose aid we can hope to achieve but little,
and we shall be gaining the confidence even of those
who have chosen to number the Polish emigration
among the rankest revolutionists and firebrands of
Europe. In saying this let me not be misunderstood as
wishing to cast any blame upon those peoples, who,
having in vain exhausted all other means to secure their
rights, trampled upon by foreign despots, have at length
had recourse to arms to free themselves from the
hated yaks. To number ourselves among such has ever
been our greatest glory ; but I do deeply deplore that,
owing to the aberrations of a few members of the emi-
gration, the name of the Poles should have become, in
the minds of so great a number of persons, identified
with the cause of those visionary politicians of all na-
tions, who would subvert all existing governments and
overthrow all established institutions in order to create a
new world out of the chaos ; and it is because I think
that irreparable injury is done to our cause by allowing
such impressions to gain ground that I have taken the
liberty of addressing you on the subject, and that I
would implore all of you who think with me to seize every
opportunity for proving that not only is the restoration
of Poland an event necessary in the conservative in-
tere‘ts of Europe, but that the Poles also deserve to be
numbered among the conservative and progressive nations
of Europe, inasmuch as they wish nothing more than to be
put in possession of their country, and quietly to develope
its resources and capabilities according to the laws which
nature and history may have pointed out as the most
appropriate. It is by acting in accordance with such
principles that we shall be most effectually aiding the
cause of political liberty throughout Europe, and help-
ing to promote the liberation of the other nations, who
are sighing under a yoke similar to that which weighs
upon Poland ; for nothing has contributed more to rivet
the chains of these nations than the wild schemes with
which their names have been associated. The eyes of
the Western Governments of Europe have at length been
opened to the fact that Russia is the great revolutionist
of Europe ; and, this truth being once recognised, it will
not fail to work out its consequences, which must prove
advantageous to all oppressed nations, and, finally, lead
to the restoration of our beloved country to its former
independence.
Col. PRZTIEMSKI seconded the resolution.
Lieut. JACKOWSKI proposed, and Lieut. LIMMOWSIII
seconded, the following resolution :
"That the Poles, assembled on this national anniver•
eery, have some reason to hope that they will soon find
thernsels es on their native land under their own leaders
—..... and commanders, and they consider it their duty to ex-
press their gratitude to their illustrious chief, Prince
--- Adam Czartoryski, who, through his unremitting labours,
and amidst insuperable difficulties, has succeeded in plac-
ing the cause of our country on so elevated a footing be-
fore the civilised world."
F. N. Zsise, Esq., proposed, and Lieutenant GLEINICH
seconded, the third resolution, which was as follows :
"That it is the duty of Polish exiles, in retern for the
secure asylum and generous hospitality which the English
and French nations have afforded them, to render the
Allied Governments in their righteous war against Russia
the efficient assistance which (in consequence of at least
one-fourth of the Russian army being composed of Poles)
Polish troops, officered by man of proved devotion to their
country, can alone contribute; and therefore this meeting
tenders its sincere thanks to the English Government for
enabling the Poles to perform this service, by decreeing
the formation of a distinct Polish corps under the com-
mand of Zamoyski, a name illustrious in the annals of
Poland."
Lieutenant Jlakowiez proposed, and Major Gielgud
seconded the following resolution, which is as follows:
" That this meeting offers its grateful acknowledgments
to the most noble the Marquis of Breadalbane, the Presi-
dent, and to the Council of the Literary Association of the
Friends of Poland, for their unceasing endeavours to keep
before the eyes of the English public the real condition
and just claims of the Polish nation, as well as to alleviate
the sufferings of Polish exiles in this country."
Mr. Golczewski, a •young Polish gentleman, who has
recently escaped from the clutches of the Czar, and came
to England as a volunteer to the Division of Cossacks of
the Sultsmi recitedp9cro, cowl:mod by breath,

A public meeting was held this afternoon at Willis's
Rooms, St. James's, to give expression to a general
fieling that the services of Miss Nightingale, in the hos-
pitals of the East, demand the grateful recognition of the
British people.
There was a very large attendance of the nobility and
gentry, and the proceedings altogether appeared to ex-
c.te the greatest interest. Shortly after two o'clock
the chair was taken by his Royal Highness the Duke of
Cambridge
His ROYAL HIGHNESS, in opening the proceedings,
stated tke object for which they had assembled, and then
in glowing language eulogised the invaluable exertions of
Mi,s Nightingale.
The following resolutions were agreed to unani-
mously :-
1. That the noble exertions of Miss Nightingale and her
associates in the hospitals of the East, and the invaluable
services rendered by them to the sick and wounded of the
British forces, demands the grateful recognition of the
British people.
2. That it is desirable to perpetuate the memory of Miss
Nightingale's signal devotion, and to record the gratitude
of the natien, by a testimonial of a substantial character,
and that, as she has expressed her unwillingness to accept
any tribute designed for her own personal advantage, funds
be raised to enable her to establish an Institution for the
training, sustenance, and protection of nurses and hospi-
tal attendants. .
3. That to accomplish this object on a scale worthy of
the nation, and honourable to Miss Nightingale, all classes
be invited to contribute.

4. That the sums so collected be vested in trustees, and
applied for the purpose expressed in the second resolution,
in such manner, and under such regulations, as Miss
Nightingale shall from time to time approve ; the sub-
scribers having entire confidence in her experience, energy,
and judgment.
5. That with a view to secure, under all circumstances,
the appropriation of the funds raised, to the purpose ex-
pressed in the second Resolution, Miss Nightingale be re-
quested to name a Council (selected from the Committee)
to co-operate with her ; and who may represent her until
her return to this country ; or in the event of any suspeq-
sion of her labours.

6. That a committee be formed to carry into effect these
resolutions ; and that the Right Hon. Sidney Herbert and
Mr. S. C. Hall be requested to act as honorary secretaries.

AUSTRALIA.

. MELBOURNE, AUG. 29.
The following is the intelligence brought by the
White Star and the Kent :
The Donald M'Kay came into the bay on Sunday the
26th, making rather a long pa'sage of 82 days. She
only adds some intervening details to the later news
which we had previou-ly received 19y a vessel from the
Cape, and by another vessel from the Mauritius, bring-
ing the news up to the taking of Kertch, the operations
in the Sea of Azoff, and the taking of the Mamelon,
which we hope may be confirmed by the White Star
liner of the 20th of June, now daily expected.
There has been a tolerable demand for gold for ship-
ment by the White Star, the price remaining at 3/. 16s.
6d. with exchange at par, freight at 43d., and insurance
2i per cent. as before. The quantity of gold cleared at
the Custom-house up to yesterday to the White Star
was 27,793 ounces.
The escorts of last week brought down 43,554 ounces,
making the tctal this year per escort up to the 24th
inst. 1,275,589 ounces. The shipments are as follows :
Previously reported 1,504,074
Per Tornado to Calcutta 5,419
Per Telegraph to Sydney ... 4,081
Per Oliver Lang to Liverpool... 71,802
Per Bombay to Hong Kong.... 250

Total 1,585,626
Our last week's arrivals were 1,114
Departures 317

797
Addition upon the whole year to the 25th of August,
40,172.
There is a good deal of complaint of want of employ-
ment, but I think less than a month or six weeks since.
At a public meeting held at Prabren last Friday, one
of the members for the county in the chair, it was pro-
posed to memorialise Sir Charles Hotham not to send
home the "appropriate moiety" of the land fund to im-
port more labourers at the present moment, but to
expend it in recommencing the public affairs.
Flour and grain do not give way in price. The various
mills range from 371. to 421., and for seconds 351. to
401. Chilian is 361. Wheat ranges from 15s. to 17s.
per bushel.
The Donald M'Kay brings news to the effect that
there is a decided renewal of shipments to Australia.
Some of our commercial men fear that the shipments
are likely to be to too great an extent. Ido not think
it very likely that such will be the case, because our
prices (except in a few articles) have not risen to an ex-
tent to excite undue speculation. Stocks of piece goods
or "soft goods," as they are called here, are still heavy.
Still I think that in moderation this is a good time to
begin, and I reiterate my opinion that we have before
us a period of prosperous trade.
The Select Committee of the Legislature of Tasmania
is proceeding firmly and consistently with its invetiga-
tions into the abuses of the convict department, so far as
the property and interests of the .colony are concerned.
They have addressed Sir Henry Young to permit the
officers of the convict department to be examined, but
Sir Henry's answer has not reached us here. I hope
his answer will be favourable ; if otherwise there will be
some very irritating discussions. As I mentioned in
my la4t, it is very likely to grow into a privilege ques-
tion, the interests of which will extend to the other
colonies, and may even be deemed worthy of attention
at home.
Our Legislature stands prorogued from the 4th Sept.
to Oct. 2, but not for the despatch of business. It is
thought that it will be further prorogued for about a
month or six weeks.
There is a vacancy in the Council for North Bourke,
the county in which Melbourne stands.
MELBOURNE, SEPT. 12.
The Ben Nevis, with the mail of the 20th of June,
has not yet made her appearance. This is her 84th day
out. The Champion of the Seas, the ship of the sth of
July, is considered due, her passage having
extended to
69 days.
The reports from the several gold fields as to the suc-
cessful results of quartz-crushing are fully borne out by
the arrivals of the weekly escorts. At the beginning of
last week a gentleman interested in a quartz-crushiog
machine at the new diggings of Mount Blackwood
brought down a specimen, the result of one day's work
by a machine lately set up there. It was a lump of
amalgam, weighing 115 ounces, and was purchased by
a gold broker of Melbourne at 7.4 -
per ounce, beingonly 2s. 3d. or 2s. 6d. less than the price of gold.
its This,
with duty and charges home, would make it cost in Lon-
don about 31. 18s. 9d. I have since heard that value
has been a little overestimated. This mass, the value
of which, even allowing for over-estimate, is over 4001.,
was yielded by 14 tons of auriferous quartz, being about
eight ounces to the ton.