The Sun.
London, England, 1853-05-04 00:00:00

LITERARY ASSOCIATION OF THE FRIENDS
OF POLAND.

Yesterday the twenty-first annual general meeting of
this association was held at the Sussex Chambers, Duke-
street, St. James's. Lord D. Stuart, M.P., the Presi-
dent of the Association, presided—supported by the
Earls of Harrington and Zetland, Lord Robert Gros-
venor, M.P., Captain Townshend, R.N., M.P., George
Traill, Esq., M.P., R. Monckton Milnes, Esq., M.P.,
Thomas Alcock, M.P., W. Scholefield, Esq., M.P., Sir
B. Hall, Bart, M.P., Digby Seymour, Esq., M.P. W.
Pritchard, Esq., High Bailiff of Southwark, Thomas
Hankey, jun., Esq., Frederick Pigeon, Esq., the Rev.
Dr. Worthington, &c.
The Noble CHAIRMAN said, it was his duty as Presi-
dent to preside on this occasion, and he had to tell them
. .

it would that day be a part of their duty to elect a Pre-
sident for the ensuing year. The noble lord stated that
he had received letters from the Rev. Richard Macdon-

nell, Provost of Trinity College, Dublin ; Mr. Alder-
man Salomons, T. Mowatt, Esq., late M.P. ; T. Daniel,
Esq. ; E. Romily, Esq. ; and James Silk Buckingham,
Esq., • apologising for their inability to attend the meet-
ing from various causes, and all expressing their anxiety
to render every support to the association. His lordship
concluded by calling on the secretary to read the annual

report.
WM. LLOYD BIRKBECK, Esq., the honorary secretary,
proceeded accordingly to read the report, of which the
following is an abstract :—The report commenced with
expressing the regret of the council that, after twenty-
two years, the exertions of the association, either to
diffuse information respecting Poland, or to afford as-
sistance to Polish political exiles, should be still required.
It explained the causes of the latter, by the augmen-
tation of the number of refugees, caused by the conti-
nued persecutions of Poles by the Russian Government,
and the unjust severity of that of Prussia, It entered
at some length into the case of Leopold de Rose, and re-
ferred to the just, handsome, and honourable manner in
which the late Home Secretary, Mr. Walpole, had made
the am,ende honourable to the sufferer, by declaring in
the House of Commons that, had the magistrates pos-
sessed the information which he had received, they would
have come to a different conclusion, and have honourably
acquitted him. Reference was made to the arrival of a
large number of Polish refugees after the conclusion of
the war in Hungary, and the valuable aid afforded by
Lord Malmesbury in consenting to furnish a free passage
to America for 200 ; to the kindness of the Common Coun-
cil in granting the use of the Guildhall for the ball and con-
cert ; and of the performers who lent their gratuitous aid.
The report further stated, that many Poles residing in the
Continent have contributed to their funds, either directly,
or through the zealous and most efficient resident secre-
tary ; and that among the refugees in this country, the
Polish Fraternal Aid Society has been established. In
conclusion, the council expressed their faith in the ulti-
mate re establishment of Poland, a nation whose in-
terests are identical with our own in eastern Europe.
The income of the association was 8761., and the relief
granted to refugees was 7201., and other expenses
amounted to 3431., leaving a balance of 1861. excess over
income. The number of refugees now in England is
769, being 36 less than last year. In the course of the
year there were 954, most of them having been expelled
from the duchy of Posen. 172 left this country, and
13 died.
The reading of the report having been concluded,
The Noble CHAIRMAN called on
The Rev. Dr. WORTHINGTON, who said it was some
matter of regret that the report was not more satis-
factory, although, all things considered, they could
hardly expect it to be more favourable. He thought
it must be apparent that a change was rapidly ap-
proaching which would better the condition of the
Sclavonian race. He considered it was matter of deep
regret that the present ruler of France had adopted
such an illiberal policy as regarded the Poles. But when
they remembered that the French Emperor had formed
such a close alliance with the Jesuits, the deadly enemies
of foland, and bad bound himself up with the most
intolerant portion of the Roman Catholic Church, they
could not wonder at the hostile policy he had adopted
towards the unfortunate Poles. (Hear, hear.) He was
proud to say that England still stood forth as the refuge
of the oppressed ; and he regretted that Lord Malmes-
bury had, as they would remember, acted in a manner
which was not creditable to the character of England.
He was, however, proud to refer to the policy which had
uniformly been pursued by Lord Palmerston in counte-
nancing the struggles for national independence in every
part of the world. (Hear, hear.) After eulogising the
conduct and general character of the Poles, the rev.
doctor referred to the policy which Austria had recently
adopted, and the grovelling sycophancy which the Aus-
trian Government had exhibited towards Russia. He
saw no reason why the refugees should not make every
exertion to recover their independence, and he trusted,
that when the attempt was made, it would be under
such circumstances as, would insure success. (Hear,
hear.) He concluded by moving the adoption of the
report.
Lord R. GROSVENOR rose to second the resolution,
and said he did it at the request of his noble friend the
chairman, whose wishes he was at all times ready to
assent to in forwarding any good work. (Hear, hear.)
He hoped the report would be printed and widely circu-
lated, as he thought it contained matter which should
be extensively known. One portion of the report had
given him much pain—he alluded to the treatment of
that much ill-used gentleman—Mr. Leopold de Rose—
(hear) —and he thought that no one could have ren-
dered more service to that unfortunate gentleman than
the noble lord had done, in placing Mr. de Rose in a
proper light before the public. (Hear, hear.) While he
stated that he was deeply interested in the fate of Poland,
that distinguished but unfortunate and brave nation, he
must at the same time say that he certainly would not
express any encouragement to insurrection. The time
would come he hoped when Poland would be again a
nation, but ill-advised and premature attempts to recover
the independence of Poland would only result in the
discomfiture of those engaged, and add to the suffering
of Poland. He hoped the association would be the
means of rendering much service to the refugees and the
cause of Poland, and he had much pleasure in seconding
the adoption of the report.
The motion was then agreed to.
The Earl of HARRINGTON moved the second resolu-
tion, and said he was delighted to meet the association
at the present moment, and especially in the presence of
the noble lord in the chair, who was the untiring advo-
cate of the oppressed in all nations. (Hear, hear.) The
partition of Poland destroyed the balance of power in
Europe, and led to the unfortunate events which sue
ceeded, and with which that partition was associated.
(Hear, hear.) It was only in England, by means of a
free press, that the wrongs of the oppressed could be
made known ; but the measures adopted by foreign
states prevented these statements being widely circu-
lated. (Hear, hear.) He was happy, however, to say
that he had that day heard that the Prussian Govern-
ment had come to the determination of not preventing
the introduction and circulation of foreign journals
throughout Prussia. (Hear, hear.) Ile could not doubt
that the redemption of oppressed nations was at hand,
and he felt confident that the day was not • far distant
when Poland would recover her independence. (Hear,
hear.) He was, however, opposed to the establishment
of a republic in Poland ; and he could point to this
country as an instance of the happiness and liberty that
prevailed under a constitutional monarchy. He intended
to have been present in the House of Lords on the
debate on the Jew Bill, and to have spoken against the
bill, because he considered the Jews to be abettors of
tyranny throughout Europe, by furnishing the despots
with funds. The noble earl concluded by moving the
following resolution :—" That the permissive destruction
of the nationality of Poland laid the foundation, and has
mainly facilitated the further development, of that sys-
tem of confederate despotism which has since absorbed,
with those of Poland, the national rights of Italy, Hun-
gary, and Germany, and menaces the existence of con-
stitutional Government, and of any form of freedom,
throughout Europe."
MONCKTON MILNES, Esq., M.P., seconded the reso-
lution, and thought it was so worded as to merit their
support. Everything that had occurred had shown
how unfortunate it was for Europe that the nationality
of Poland had been destroyed. Even the countries that
had benefited by the accession of territory through the
partition of Poland, had in reality gained anything but
an advantage by the perpetual irritation and excitement
that prevailed throughout their territories. (Hear.) The
destinies of the Sclavonic nations were not yet unfolded,
and he believed that the remnant of the unfortunate
Poles would take the lead in righting that unfortunate
race. (Hear.) He would say that in all their struggles
they had his hearty sympathy and best wishes. (Hear.)
Recollecting the position in which the Poles were pliced,
he conceived they were entitled to every possible consi-
deration. (Hear.) Were Englishmen scattered through-
out the world as the Poles unfortunately were, he had
no doubt they would behave as the Poles had done.
(Hear.) The hon. gentleman then referred to the state
of Italy, Hungary, and the other oppressed countries on
the Continent. The nationality of the Poles was most
prominently exhibited, and he thought if the events of
Europe enabled them to regain their independence, that
they should not consider too particularly what form of
Government should be adopted. (Hear.) In conclu-
sion, he complimented the noble lord in the chair on his
efforts in behalf of the association. (Cheers.)
The resolution was then agreed to.
The Earl of ZETLAND proposed the next resolution,
which, he said, afforded him much pleasure, as no one
more deserved the hearty expressions of their regard
than did the noble lord in the chair. (Hear, hear.) He
begged to move that Lord Dudley Coutts Stuart be
President of the Association for the ensuing year.
Colonel CHESTERTON seconded the motion, and bore
testimony to the untiring zeal which the noble lord ever
exhibited on behalf of the oppressed. (Hear, hear.)
The motion was then unanimously agreed to.
Lord DUDLEY C. STUART rose to return thanks for the
honour conferred upon him in re-electing him president
of the association for the ensuing year. They had for a
long while, to regret the condition of Poland, but he did
not despair of the restoration of that unfortunate country
to independence, and he trusted they would all live to
witness it. (Hear.) Since the last great struggle in
1831 the condition of Poland had been indeed of a most
melancholy character. The unfortunate Poles were
sent to the mines in Siberia, exiled, or put to death.
Those who had, been able to escape from the power of
Russia had their sentences of death still recorded against
them, and among the numbers were some of the most
illustrious of the people of Poland. So sure as their an-
niversary meeting came round they were quite certain of
not being at a loss for topics on which to expatiate, espe-
cially as regarded the proceedings of the Emperor of
Russia,
liberty
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e w theas a
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giving
There was no doubt that the animosity entertained towards
Turkey by these despotic powers was owing to the noble

conduct of the Sultan in giving refuge to Kossuth, Bob
and the other unfortunate Hungarians. (Henn) Eng-
land, backed by the onlyntber free country in the worlde-
,
the United States of America, supported Turkey in wound,
the
of
fusing to give up these bravo men to the vengeance
Russia and Austria ; and the noble conduct of the Sultan
will never be forgotten by these twin despots. Th_?
noble lord then referred to the Montenegro affair, and
to the object of Russia, in demanding the independence
of Montenegro. The intention of Russia in that matter
was obviously to undermine and destroy the independence
of Turkey. (Hear.) The object of Russia was universal
dominion, and she had her eye fixed on Constantinople
and the Dardanelles. But Russia knew that the western
powers were watching her movements, and she was there:
fore endeavouring to do that secretly which she dared not
attempt openly. The noble lord then at some length re.
ferred to other proceedings of Russia, which he said wag
in order to work out the infamous policy in which she
had been so long engaged. He was glad to see the course
which this country was pursuing on the Eastern question.
So far, at least, as it went, it was satisfactory ; and be
especially pleased with the letter which Lord John Russe
had lately written to the town of Newcastle-upon-Tr?
on the subject. As he bad already stated, the presenD
prospects of Poland were not very bright, and he "8
sorry to say, neither were the prospects of the associai
tion. He had been thinking that a public dinner rein
be made the means of giving some aid to the funds, au."
he hoped their friends would turn the matter over 10
their minds, and see how it could be carried out. (11e94.'
hear.) He believed the Almighty would not allow ec,'
great an injustice as had been practised towards Post
to remain unredressed, and he could not doubt thit"
Poland would yet be free and independent. (gear'
hear.) Let the Poles go on cherishing their nationat
the
ut he would not counsel them to make any elThrhe fitting period arrived. Let them teach their children
to cherish their love for the white eagle of Polandl
(hear, hear, hear)—and when he knew the devotion fat
the feelings of the women of Poland, he had no fear
their children would have deeply instilled into the:
minds that love of Poland which had made their fetbea
patriots. (Hear, hear.) In conclusion the noble lorr
begged again to thank them for re-electing him Prey.
dent of the association. (Loud cheers.)
Mr. ALCOCK, M.P., moved the next resolution--4
vote of thanks to the Lord Mayor, Aldermen, and Cla
mon Council of the city of London, for their continu e
sympathy with the misfortunes of Poland, by grantglit
the use of their Guildhall on the 15th of December_,%
for a ball and concert, in aid of the funds of this annu`":,:
tion, and, in particular, to Mr. Deputy Holt, the ch.,,to'
man, Mr. Deputy Eagleton, the treasurer, and P;
James R. Carr, the secretary of the ball committee, 4
their noble and indefatigable efforts to insure the sueces„„-
of that entertainment. In recommending the resolutiTa
to the meeting, the honourable gentleman said he eutio
never forget the visit he had made some years ago,
Poland, and the great delight which that visit hal„.o
forded him, as well as the interest it had excited in
for the restoration of Polish independence. (Cheer"
Mr. Bn&LES seconded the resolution, and, in doing
warmly advocated the cause of Poland, and denoen,;„
the vile conduct which Austria had recently practiseect
Italy. He also severely censured the attempts mad
ir
certain parties in this country to get up another g"4
powder plot, with which it was endeavoured to connri,.
the name of the illustrious Hungarian patriot, sossu'

(Cheers.)
The motion was then agreed to. vieg
Mr. CARR returned thanks, and concluded by In° ve
a vote of thanks to the ladies and gentlemen who em,
their gratuitous services to the concert at the GuildniP
in aid of the funds for the Polish refugees.
Mr. FERGUSON seconded the resolution, whieh
ag d
M ree to.
r. PRITCHARD moved that the following noble rlO.
should be elected vice-presidents of the association,iba
the ensuing year, namely, the Duke of Sutherland,
o,b,
Marquis of Breadalbane, and the Earls of Scarboroo,nd
Harrowby, Harrington, Fitzwilliam, Shaftesbury °
Fortescue. viti°
Mr. DEERING seconded the resolution, which
agreed to. dosh
On the motion of the Rev. Dr. WORTHINGh"
for
seconded by Mr. FERGUSON, the council and officer°
the ensuing year were next elected.
Colonel SZYRMA then, in the name of the Polish frill;
torical Society, presented to the association an Rare
from the council of the society.
Lord DUDLEY STUART was sure he spoke the P-13„011
ments of the association, when he said they were 01"0
gratified by the address from the Historical Society_ft.
was most gratifying, he said, to see how the Polish ~..nry"to
gees were employing their time during their exile j•
their their native country in collecting valuable historicP
formation. (Hear.)
Mr. W. A. SMITH proposed a vote of thanks to ,fia
noble lord in the chair, for his presence that dal: 50
for his unwearied and indefatigable exertions in
cause of Poland. doing
M. WIERANSKI seconded the resolution,and in the
so pronounced a high eulogy on the character of
noble lord.
The motion was unanimously agreed to.
of
Lord DUDLEY STUART briefly returned thanks.
Lieut. C. SzuLCZEWSKI then proposed the thanihiL 0
the association to the hon. secretary, Mr. 111r,w;ir
Lloyd Birkbeck, for the valuable services he ha"
dered to the association.
Colonel PRZYIEMSKI seconded the resolution,
was agreed to.
Mr. L. BIRKBECK expressed his acknowledgments'
after which the meeting separated.