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:— .
__

"The present formidable war differs widely from all
those that have been carried on. It is a war of princi-
ples—the purest and holiest principles, the very same
whose culpable violation has occasioned 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 pre-
serve the foundations of public morality and order from
the most pernicious influence. Had such principles been
protected in the last century, Poland would have been,
and it will now, or ultimately, be 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 allparts 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 whose 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. Some of
them, however, prompted by their own individual im-
pulse, have joined the legion of Cossackp, 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 andnoblest 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 Zatnojski, 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 approved of
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, much the 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- .
tinople, when recent letters brought the intelligence that "The garrison of Kalafat knew for some time past that
the Turks themselves have put off the negotiations on. General Gortschakoff had fallen back on Kralove, and
then on Bucharest, where he fixed his head quarters, and
the very point of their being definitively concluded, by
insisting upon the condition that the Polish corps was that he had been succeeded in Little Wallachia by General
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
we hear from everywhere incessantly repeated :---‘ Wait, Kalafat? This I cannot answer, but, ate, any rate, the
wait ; there will be a chance for you ;it is even ap- attempt he made has proved most unfortunate. On
the morning of the 19th, at nine o'clock, three guns
preaching, but is not come as yet.' And thus the whole
affair remains still in suspense. The Poles have very gave the alarm, and announced to us the welcome
tidings that the Russians were approaching. In a few
often, and very justly too, complained of diplomacy, at
minutes the whole of the garrison, infantry, cavalry,
the very mention of which some of them are seized with
and artillery turned out—each arm, each regiment, each
an unavertable disgust. This is very easily accounted
man
,in the place allotted to them previously. It was all
for, and as easily justified. But what puzzles me is, how done with admirable punctuality and celerity. The greater
Some of nay countrymen can consistently apply to my per-
part of the infantry took their post on the ramparts, and
son the loathness of that term, when I had never concealed
as the Russians appeared in considerable force the
my opinion about the former customary diplomacy ; but
whole of the regular cavalry, the whole of the field an-
on the contrary, have frequently expressed it in word,
tillery, and all the irregular infantry and cavalry were
writing, and print, and have amply shown what it was
ready to sally out. Scarce had they quitted the place when
hitherto, and whatit oughtto be, Impotent are, therefore,
We saw on the immense plain which stretches out before
the shafts flung at me on that account, for they never can
the fortifications of Kalafat, the Russian army drawn up
reach me. My having defended the Polish cause even on
in order of battle, between Puiano and Kalafat, with their
the arena of diplomacy but too unfavourable to her just
lines extending from Kupretchin to Pojana. Sixteen
claims, may redound rather to my commendation than
squadrons of regular cavalry, 20 pieces of artillery,
blame. To attempt, in our helpless condition, to set
several battalions of infantry, the whole of the irregular
aside, almost with scorn, the Cabinets and Powers who,
cavalry and infantry, amounting to 4,000 men, sallied
with all the forces at their command, decide the affairs
out to meet them, and accept the challenge. The
and destinies of nations—to attempt, without minding
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
their usual habit the Russians persevered in advanc-
with regard to our cause. Their conduct towards us
ing, and we soon saw that they really meant to give
strikes me rather by its candour—l may even say by its
battle. In the mean time the Bashi-Bazouks, who,
conscientiousness—two qualities rarely met with in cases
I may tell you, ems passant, are capital marksmen; opened
of that kind. For, if the allied Governments forbear
in a most spirited manner the action with the Cossacks
making to us flattering declarations consonant with our
in the direction of Kupretchin ; the field-pieces were
wishes—if they refrain from buoying us up with pre-
placed in battery, and threw in an effective fire on the
mature hopes and encouragements they are acting
Russian column. You are aware, I daresay, that the
with equal candour and loyalty towards us as towards
Turkish artillery is far superior to that of the Russians in
those States which have not acquired, as yet, a
accuracy of aim. While we pounded into them in this mans
clear perception of the expediency and necessity of
as ' tier the Muscovite cavalry charged the Turkish horsemen
the restoration of Poland, which may be, perhaps,
indispensable to these States themselves, as it is urgent three times, and three times the Turks repulsed them with
loss, while the guns from the forts played on them with
fur their own security. The tardiness again of the
Western Powers, and thence their unwillingness to hear excellent effect. One of the regiments of the Ottoman m-
ot a decidedly Polish corps, and to participate directly valry, having with it four pieces of artillery, which were
masked from the Russians by a rising ground, allowed
in its formation, proves that they do not wish to make
with the greatest sang froicl the Muscovites to con-
use of us in the deadly struggle as of a mere tool, which,
tinue their charge till they were within 200 paces,
after having been devoted to slaughter, might be thrown
and, suddenly unmasking, the battery let fly point
away when the war is over ; but they are acting with
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 abed
could not be made with greater steadiness or more pre-
ding our blood for their own mere temporary advantage,
cision by the most experienced troops. It is unnecessary
Let us not be disheartened, therefore, for it is much better
to say that the Russians were completely repulsed on
to have to do with candid and conscientious men than
with those who would not scruple of beguiling us with that pint.
" While this was going on the Turkish infantry ob-
premature promises, which they may not be sure of ful-
tained the same advantages on other points, and the
filling. What many deem to-day impossible—what
Russians, though they defended themselves bravely, gave
they do not venture to anticipate—may be accomplished
by that portentous cloud pregnant with unexpected the signal for retreat, and fell back in theh direction of
Muglavitz. It did the heart good to see ow admirably
events, and, guided by Providence, it may be con
the Turkish cavalry, seconded
iby theio artillery, followed
ducive, too, to our own good, if we deserve it before The irre,tions,lowi certainly.shared
God. I stated to you, my respected countrymen, on all their movements,
with the artillery the honours I day, stuck to them
the last anniversary of the 29th of November, how the
Turkish Government is acting towards me, and in what with imPlac3ble ten3tOifYkupr„ttlin
avillage Between the Cossacks and
" In the direction
the
national capacity they decided to consider me. I am
honoured with similar favour and confidence by themurderousl affair, but it decided
Western Governments. Mindful of the rather disunited flouicrt
itroi.oegkutt: il!:.
retreat ofa The cavalry,
the complete
oilier'. ' points, the
i."sians.
condition of our emigration, scattered over various
vidtoriousi::tris.,_.meenii:l:igalloped up to the support of
spots and countries, the French Government especially
withint lasted
seven hours.
wishes to have it represented by an individual, and pre-one or two thousand men,
fers concentrating in me its direction. The Western the forcel of the Russians against us. It was cora-
the,,ilrrie;.;rt:v•
give
yrolu,
Powers, iu Beginning the war, which may turn into a ,„d of 9.1
iliao,;lssquadronsn ofregular cavalry, hussars,
general conflagration, are particularly anxious of re-- 1)13
laoncoeris,
piecess
of
futing the reproach that one of the means which they ,lioartillery, and 5,000 infantry—iu
may some day be inclined to employ for the subdueinent I
to
from 12,000 to a, 00 men. As to their loss, they
of their common foe might be the revival of Socialist 1
all
have
a, Brought
ute ha 1 ior than 200 men killed, from
dissensions, the rekindling of the revolutionary brand,
500 to 600 woUndedn le ,
00 horses killed, and GO taken
cons
ti
upon uprooting everything which cotits
ther the Knti to
a 1 afat. You will be surprised to learn
well-being and order of society. There is, on the o 1
I,R u 1 that on o
hand, against us the fatal prejudice that we Pe— and we lost Some side we had but 20 men killed, 40 wounded,
ome prisoners !
are but too prone of plunging blindly in th j
e '
"The heros
fray with lighted torch in hand ; that we ato re men of the day is unquestionably the famoua
Colonel
of rebellious disposition, turbulent by habit and na.lskander-Bey whose adventurous and chivalrous
were it even of career rather resembles romance than history. ry. It
tore, longing for uproar and rebellion,
the whole world, and this unfortunate, this unjust and was he who commanded the whole of the irre-
al obstacles which bar ular cavalry at Kalafat, and under him they made
foul aspersion, is one of theprinci p g
the return of our country to independence. We exclaim the most brilliant charges and displayed the most ad-
our dismembered country, our na- minable courage. He was vigorously seconded by ano-
justly, restore to us will prove to you that on our they Polish officer, named Idact Agar, a man of
tioual existence, and we
native soil we can be a quiet and orderly people, as use- I 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.
as well as the Governments who are partial to ing morning, at the same hour, the Russians again made
opinion,
us, require of us that we should previously, even now, 1 their appearance, and the signal gun again sounded
during stir dispersion and exile into which we are driven i the alarm. But it was not to attack us that they showed
by fate, our faults and persecution—that we should even I 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
foul play, we sallied out once more, in force equal to
there can be nothing more salutary than that in every
respect, whatever may be in store for us for the future. theirs, to be prepared for any emergency. The Rus-
To the vitality of national spirit, to the ardour of our , sians did not show fight this time. They soon retired,
warm and courageous hearts, let us add the spirit of 1 taking with them a great number of ambulances filled
union, discipline, and order, and I may safely assert that . with dead and wounded."
no nation will surpass us in moral perfection and vig-
our. Let us, ,therefore, endeavour, let us exert ourselves
to convince our friends, as well as our foes, that our cause
is a cause of devotedness, and not that of an incendiary
revenge ; let us even avoid an appearance of disunion,
let the noble feeling prevailing in the whole nation
be reflected by us. And, if we desire as fervently, as
perseveringly, as mightily our restoration, it is that it
may redound to the glory of Divine justice, to the en-
noblement
of mankind ; and we cannot, do not wish to
earn the reward of life and happiness, but by exerting
ourselves to reach the lofty summit of the purest virtue.
Diversity of party opinions and private grudges will be
but mean and paltry excuses to satisfy our conscience
with. If that number of the Poles who may be called
immediately into activity for the vindication of the
rights of their country, are not united, considerate, and
ready for any sacrifice whatever, what could wash off
the stain of culpable anarchy before our own country,
before the Governments, and before public opinion ?
Iu my last address I requested you, dear countrymen,
to be united and peaceable, and to favour me with
your confidence ; now, being still better acquainted
with the tendencies and intentions of the Govern-

THE LATE BATTLE NEAR KALAFAT.

TnE BLACK HAWK EMIGRANT SHIP.—GRURNOCK,
May s.—Capt. Bowser, of the ship Elizabeth Duncan,
of Glasgow, which arrived here yesterday from
in Cardenas,
reports that cn Monday, 24th ult., when lat. 47
35 N., long. 33 47 \V., he discovered the glare of a
large fire in the S.E. quarter, which he supposed to
proceed from a ship. Ho immediately steered towards
it, to render assistance, and discovered two ships to
leeward, in company with a burning vessel. He spoke
the Dirigo, of Glasgow, whose captain informed him
that he bad a number of the passengers of the burning
ship on board, and requested him to lay by him till day-
_ light, and relieve him of some of them, which he did.
At daybreak he received on board 51 persons, viz. 45
men, five women, and four seamen. From them he
learnt that the vessel which had been burnt was the
Black Hawk, from Liverpool, of and for New York,
with 800 passengers. She had been dismasted in a heavy
gale, April 17, and subsequently became so leaky that
it was resolved to abandon her ; and several vessels hav-
ing hove in sight, all the crew and passengers left her.
She was thorn set on fire, to prevent her doing damage
to other ships.