The Sun.
London, England, 1863-09-08 00:00:00

POLISH INDEPENDENCE.

A public meeting of the inhabitants of Chelsea to
express their sympathy with the present struggle
for Polish independence, was held last evening at
the Vestry-hall, King's-road, Chelsea—Mr. Hall,
vestryman, in the chair. A deputation was in at-
tendance from the National League for the Inde-
pendence of Poland, consisting of Messrs. Beales,
Facey, Odger, Stainsby, and J. R. Taylor.
The CHAIRMAN having apologised for the absence
of the rector, the Rev. Mr. Blunt, who was pre-
vented by a pressing engagement from taking the
chair, and expressed his hearty sympAtby with the
object of the meeting,

Mr. RABBITTS, a vestryman, moved the fo!lowing

resolution :
" That the devoted and self sacrificing heroism of the
Poles in ail their previous struggles in defence either of
their own rights or of the liberties of other nations, as well
as in their present struggle for the recovery of the freedom
and independence of their country, entitles them to the cor-
dial affection and support of every free people; whilst the
atrocious conduct of the Russians in their past misrule and
oppression of Poland, and in the war they are now so
savagely waging for its renewed subjugation, is a scandal to
Christendom and an insult to humanity."
Dr. HARNESS seconded the resolution, which was
supported by Mr. E. BEALES, in a lengthened
speech, and carried by acclamatien.
Dr. LETISON moved a resolution approving of the
objects of the newly-formed National League for
Polish independence, which was seconded by Mr. G.
ODGER, and carried unanimously.
_ _ .

Mr. FACEY moved the adoption of the following
address to the Polish people:—
"Poles ! We admire the devoted heroism displayed by
all ranks and both sexes in your afflicted country in your
present righteous and terrible struggle for national indepen-
dence. We abhor the brutal ferocity and sanguinary atro-
cities of your enemies and oppressors in the warfare they are
waging for your renewed eubjugation. We earnestly pray
for, and shall heartily rejoice in. your success and triumph.
Your appeal to the peoples and Governments of Europe, as
brethren, to recognise your national and belligerent rights
to sever all alliance with the Czar of Russia as King of Po-
land, and to declare that Russia has no right to rule over
you, claims our warmest sympathy and is entitled to our
best support. We thus cordially respond to that appeal in
the conviction—a conviction forced upon us by all the his-
tory of the past, as well as by the facts of the present age—
that the re• establishment of your country as a powerful and
independent nation, while it is the only atonement that can
satisfy justice and humanity for the crimes of its original
dismemberment and the subsequent cruelties to which it has
been subjected, is imperatively demanded by the soundest
policy as essential to the permanent peace and welfare of
Europe, and as a protection and safeguard against incessant
disorder and frightful convulsions, and all the lawless ex-
cesses and aggressive rapacity of armistic arbitrary power."
Mr. ST•AINSBY seconded the address, which was
agreed to,
Mr. J. R. TAYLOR, the secretary of the league,
having addressed the meeting, a rote of thanks to
the chairman concluded the proceedings.