The Sun.
London, England, 1854-05-08 00:00:00

SPEECH OF A POLISH PRINCE.

• The following is the speech of Prince Czartoryski,
delivered on the 3d of May (the anniversary of the
day on which the Polish Constitution was promul-
gated, in 1791), to his countrymen in Paris. After
having alluded to the time when last he had the
honour of addressing his countrymen, the illustrious
and venerable Prince proceeded to say:—
"T present formidable war differs widely from all
those that have been carried on. It is a war of Prl *nci-
ples—the purest and holiest principles, the very same
whose culpable violation has occasioned j
the loss of our
country. Its object is to defend the weaker against the
aggression of the stronger—to curtail the physical strength
threatening the right and the peace of nations—to
from
;re-
serve the foundations of public morality and order
the most pernicious influence. Had such principles beenrn
protected in the last century, Poland would have been,
and it will now, or ultimately, b© saved by them. This
determined manifestation of the two mighty nations of
the world, in defence of such principles, embraces also
within itself, as it were, the decisive triumph of our
own cause. For the power of these two nations, however
great, and linked by so exemplary a union, is not based
upon the sole material resources. What secures their
unequal and preponderating force is the justice of their
cause, the purity of their intentions and efforts, and the
prudence of their resolution. And will they not perse-
vere in their once traced and glorious task, and give to
their endeavours that scope which alone can insure suc-
cess? But we must not anticipate events. On this oc-
casion, you probably wish to be informed as to the pro-
ject which is to involve the Polish sword in this gallant
war approaching our frontiers. The idea of the forma-
tion of a Polish Legion in Turkey has spread throughout
our emigration. From all parts of it I receive inquiries,
questions, appeals, declarations of confidence, and the
readiness to serve the cause whenever an opportunity
should present itself. Various rumours about this for-
mation, its use in the East, and about Poles in general,
are now in circulation, which it is my duty to rectify by
a simple statement of facts. Two field officers only,
until now, for whoie services the Turkish Govern-
ment has applied to me, have entered its army in Asia;
where they undergo great fatigues, of which very tardy
accounts scarcely reach our ears. Exposed daily to toil
and constant disappointments, they evince, nevertheless,
a very rare and exemplary devotedness to the country's
cause. Others again, officers of various ranks, who have
been sent off by me at the first intimation of the Turkish
Government, are not appointed as yet, but expecting at
Constantinople their commissions. They are as much as
possible secured from want by our exertions. Sense of
them, however, prompted by their own individual im-
pulse, have joined the legion of Cossacks, the first mili-
tary embryo connected with our cause, and commanded
almost entirely by Polish officers. Unfair and unjust
were the criticisms flung at the formation of this legion,
which organised on a sudden with the best and noblest ob-
jects, and steadily improving in its consistence,may eventu-
ally render most important services to our cause. It doth
not behove us, therefore, to revile these well-meant and
noble designs, and mar them by a premature censure. At
that time, as you are aware, Count Zamojski, regardless of
his greatly impaired health and fond family ties, repaired
to Constantinople, sent and instructed by me with the
care of the Polish cause in the East, and was favourably
received by the Turkish authorities, as well as by the
ambassadors of the allied powers. Turkey, who was first
thrust into the war, was likewise first in declaring openly
her wish in employing the Poles, and her readiness of
furthering their long-cherished desires. Numerous con-
sultations took place at Constantinople on that account,
and as soon as the declaration of war by the Western
Powers was known, the Porte intimated to Count Za-
mojski that the moment had arrived at last when the in-
tended formation of a, Polish legion might be realised, and
invited him to organise it, and to take the command of it.
This resolve met almost with no opposition in Paris and
London—the choice, on the contrary, was app roved o f
by the Western Powers, who, however, leaving to the
Turkish Government full liberty of acting in this affair ac- A letter from Widdin contains some interesting
cording to their wants and discrimination, are not inclined
details relative to the combat which took place on
to participate themselves in that formation directly, muchthe 19th of April near Kalafat. The writer was
less officially. The question concerning the formation of an eye-witness of what he describes. He says :---
the Polish legion appeared thus finally settled in Constan-
"The garrison of Kalafat knew for some time pact that
tinople, when recent letters brought the intelligence that
the General Gortschakoff had fallen back on Kraj
Turks themselves have put off the negotiations on pova, and
by then on Bucharest, where he fixed his head quarters, and
the very point of their being definitively concluded,
that he had been succeeded in Little Wallachia by General
insisting upon the condition that the Polish corps was
to be called at first by the very little suitable name of a Schilder. The question is whether the new Commander
foreign legion, and by tendering us the advice, which had orders to make a last and desperate attempt on
----` Wait, Kalafat? This I cannot answer, but, at any rate, the
we hear from everywhere incessantly repeated :
wait ; there will be a chance for you ;it is even ap- attempt he made has proved most unfortunate. On
proachinse but is not come as yet.' And thus the whole the morning of the 19th, at nine o'clock, three guns
affair remains still in suspense. The Poles have very , !
g dings that the Russians were approaching. In a few
ave the alarm, and announced to us the welcome
often, and very justly too, complained of diplomacy, at ti
minutes the whole of the garrison, infantry, cavalry,
the very mention of which some of them are seized with ,a el artillery turned out—each arm, each regiment, each
an unavertable disgust. This is very easily accounted
m in
,in the place allotted to them previously. It was all
for, and as easily justified. But what puzzles me is, how i
done with admirable punctualit) and celerity. The greater
some of my countrymen can consistently apply to my per-
son the loathness of that term, when I had never concealed part of the infantry took their post on the ram arts and
my opinion about the former customary diplomacy ; but as the Russians appeared in considerable force the
on the contrary, have frequently expressed it in word, ii whole of the regular cavalry, the whole of the field ar-
writing, and print, and have amply shown what it was I tillery, and all the irregular infantry and cavalry were
hitherto, and whatitoughtto be Impotent are, therefore, ready to sally out. Scarce had they quitted the place when
1 we saw on the immense plain which stretches out before
the shafts flung at me on that account, for they never can
reach me. My having defended the Polish cause even on l the fortifications of Kalafat, the Russian army drawn up
the arena of diplomacy but too unfavourable to her just 1 in order of battle, between Puiano and Kalafat, with their
lines exten
claims, may redound rather to my commendation than 1 ding from Kupretchin to Pojana. Sixteen
blame. To attempt, in our helpless condition, to set squadrons of regularinfantry, the whole cavalry, 20 pieces of artillery,
several battalions
aside, almost with scorn, the Cabinets and Powers who,of of the irregular
with all the forces at their command, decide the affairs cavalry and infantry,m, and accept the challenge. The
amounting to 4,000 men, sallied
and destinies of nations—tu attempt, without minding out to meet th
Russians continued to approach towards the town.
them, to act blindly in our own way, is such an impru-
We waited till they were within reach of cannon, and
dent, absurd, and frantic idea, that it does not even de then our Turks unmasked the batteries, and the
serve any further notice. Besides, let us not lament
forts threw their fire among them. Contrary to
and complain of the dilatoriness of the Governments
1
1 their usual habit the Russians persevered in advanc-
ing,with regard to our cause. Their conduct towards us
strikes me rather by its ca
may even say by its and we soon saw that they really meant to give
conscientiousness—two qualities rarely met with in cases battle. In the mean time the Bashi-Bazooka, who,
of that kind, For, if the allied Governments forbear I may tell you, en passant, are capital marksmen, opened
making to us flattering declarations consonant with our in a most spirited manner the action with the Cossacks
wishes—if they refrain from buoying us up with pre- in the direction of Kupretchin ; the field-pieces were
placed in battery, and threw in an effective fire on the
mature hopes and encouragements they are acting
with equal candour and loyalty towards us as towards Russian column. You are aware, I daresay, that the
w
those States which have not acquired, as yet, a k Turkish artillery is far superior to that of the Russians in
accuracy of aim.
clear perception of the expediency and necessity of While we pounded into them in this men-
the restoration of Poland, which may be, perhaps, as ner the Muscovite cavalry charged the Turkish horsemen
nt three times. and three times the Turks repulsed them with
indispensable to these States themselves, as it is urge
for their own security. The tardiness again of the loss, while the guns from the forts played on them with
Western Powers, and thence their unwillingness to hear excellent effect. One of the regiments of the Ottoman ca.
havin with it four pieces of artillery
of a decidedly Polish corps, and to participate directly valr, g , which were
in its formation, proves that they do not wish to make masked from the Russians by a rising ground, allowed
use of us in the deadly struggle as of a mere tool, which, with the greatest sang froicl the Muscovites to con-
to slaughter, might be thrown time their charge till they were within 200 pace.,
after having been devoted with and, suddenly unmasking, the battery let fly p
away when the war is over ; but they are acting oint
blank with its four pieces at the Russian column,
us as with a people whose sufferings they bewail, and
mowed some down, and threw the rest into
about whose destiny they are deeply concerned ; and
the greatest confusion. I assure you the movement
dread cheering us up with immature hopes, and shed ,could not be made with greater steadiness or more pre-
ding our blood for their own mere temporary advantage.
Let us not be disheartened, therefore, for it is much better cision by the most experienced troops.
letelt
ly is unne_ce
esd on
?ary
to say that the Russians were comp repuls
to have to do with candid and conscientious men than
with those who would not scruple of beguiling us with that point.
premature promises, which they may not be sure of ful- other points and the
tilling. What many deem to-day impossible—what " While this was going on the Turkish infantry ob-
tained the same advantagesdion
d themselves bra'vel
they not venture to anticipate—may be accomplished Russians, though they
back in the direction of
by that portentous cloud pregnant with unexpected the signal for retreat, dnetdenfeli
m rably
events, and, guided by Providence, it may be con-I seconded by the
artillery, followed
ducive, too, te our own good, if we deserve it before the Turkish cavalry,
Muglavitz. It did the heart good to see howlad
God. I stated to you, my respected countrymen, on all their movements, The irregulars, who certainly shared
the last anniversary of the 29th of November, how the with the artillery the honours of the day, stuck to them
Turkish Government is acting towards me, and in whatdirection of Ku retch'
"In the . . p in, a sanguinary con.
national capacity they decided to consider me. I amplace in the village between the Cossacks and
with implacable tenacity.
filet took
honoured with similar favour and confidence by the
our irregulars. It was afmurderous affair, but it decided
Western Governments. Mindful of the rather disunited
the complete retreat
.o the Russians. The cavalry,
condition of our emigration, scattered over various
victorious on otherT points, galloped up to the support of
spots and countries, the French Government especially
the irregulars. he combati lasted seven hours.
wishes to have it represented by an individual, and pre-you,
Russians
an one
.or two thousand men,
fers concentrating in me its direction. The Western e
dioi ngainst us. It was com-
Powers, in beginning the war, which may turn into a24v squadrons • is of regular cavalry, hussars,
general conflagration, are particularly anxious of re- lancers,
i posedtheforncooefwo:
humans ; 15 squadrons of Cossacks, from 20
ito 21 pieces of artillery, and
I all from 12 000 y, 5,000
may some day be inclined to employ for the subduemen
of their common foe might be the revival of Socialist ' to 14,000 men. As to their loss, they
i must li_a_ve, had more than 200 men killed, from
dissensions, the rekindling of the revolutionary brand,
bent upon uprooting everything which constitutes the '.) to 600 wounded, 100 horses killed, and 60 taken
and.at brought to Kalafat. You will be surprised to learn
well-being and order of society. There is, on the other
hand, against us the fatal prejudice that we Poles that on our side we had but 20 men killed, 40 wounded,
blin ydl into the and we lost some prisoners !
are but too prone of plunging "The hero of the day is unquestionably the famous
fray with lighted torch in hand ; that we are men t
of rebellious disposition, turbulent by habit and na,. 1 Colonel Iskander-Bey whose adventurous and chivalrous
; career rather • resembles romance than history. It
tore, longing for uproar and rebellion, were it even of
the whole world, and this unfortunate, this unjust and was he who commanded the whole of the irre•
foul aspersion, is one of the principal obstacles which bar gular cavalry at Kalafat, and under him they made
the return of our country to independence. We exclaim ! the most brilliant charges and displayed the most ad.
justly, restore to us our dismembered country, our na- mirable courage. He was vigorously seconded by ano.
denial existence, and we will prove to you that on our
people, as use-k they Polish officer, named' Idact Agar, a man of
native soil we can be a quiet and orderly approved valour, and by Colonel Mercier, with whose
ful to our neighbours as to Europe at large. But public name you have been long since familiar. On the follow.
opinion, as well Ns the Governments who are partial to I
us, require of us that we should previously, even now, ing morning, at the same hour, the Russians again made
during eur dispersion and exile into which we are driven i their appearance, and the signal gun again sounded
by fate, our faults and persecution—that we should even the alarm. But it was not to attack us that they showed
themselves ; they came on slowly to perform a sad duty,
now prove the foulness of that aspersion. And, indeed, to remove the dead and wounded. Nevertheless, fearing
there can be nothing more salutary than that in every .
respect, whatever may be in store for us for the future foul play, we sallied out once more, in force equit to
'rile
tired.,
To the vitality of national spirit, to the ardour of our theirs, to be prepared for any emergency.
warmunion and
discipline, courageous hearts, let us add the spirit of taking with them a great number of ambu nc Jill
sians did not show fight this time. They scan
er: ....ed
and order, and I may safely assert that
ISO nation \ill ''
,with deal and wounded."
surpass us in moral perfection and vig- _______
our. Let us, therefore, endeavour, let us exert ourselves, TUE BLACK HAWK EMIGRANT snip.—GßEENoct,
to convince our friends, as well as our foes, that our causc; ; May s.—Capt. Bowser, of the ship Elizabeth Duncan,
is a cause of devotedness, and not that of an in cendiars • , of Glasgow, which arrived here yesterday from Cardenas,
revenge ; let us eve, avoid an appearance of disunion , ' reports that en Monday, 24th ult., when in lat. 47
let the noble feeling prevailing in the whole natio. a 3.5 N long. 33 47 W., he discovered the glare of h
be reflected by us. And, if we desire as fervently, :is large fire in the
}s. lie
quarter, which he supposed to
perseveringly, as mightily our restoration, it is that: it j proceed from a ship. lie immediately steered towards
may redound to the glory of Divine justice, to the en- i it, to render assistance, and discovered two ships to
noblement of mankind ; and we cannot, do not wish .to leeward, in company with a burning vessel. He spoke
earii the reward of life and happiness, but by exert ing the Dirigo, of Glasgow, whose captain informed him
ourselves to reach the lofty summit of the purest vial se!. that he had a number of the passengers of the burning
Diversity of party opinions and private grudges will b a ship on board, and requested him to lay by him till day-
but mean and paltry excuses to satisfy our conscienc a , light, and relieve him of some of them, which he did.
with. If that number of the Poles who may be calla I' At daybreak he received on board 54 persons, viz. 45
immediately into activity for the vindication of tb e men, five women, and four seainen. From them he
rights of their country, are not united, considerate, ar ,d learnt that the vessel which had been burnt was the
ready for any sacrifice whatever, what could wash ( ,ff Black Hawk, from Liverpool, of and for New York,
the stain of culpable anarchy before our own county y, with SOO passengers. She had been distnasted in a heavy
before time Governments, and before public opinion ? gale, April 17, and subsequently became co leeky that
In my last address I requested you, dear countrymen e it was resolved to abandon her ; and several vessels bays
to be united and peaceable, and to favour me wit h ing hove in sight, all the crew and
your confidence ; now, being still better acquaints A , She was than set on fire, to
prevent her doing damage
with the tendencies and intentions of the Goveri 1- 'to other ships. passengers left her.

TIIE LATE BATTLE NEAR KALAFAT.