The Sun.
London, England, 1847-03-03 00:00:00

G S rify MARCH 3, 1847.

ANNEXATION OF CRACOW...

GREAT PUBLIC MEETING:
A public meeting was held in the Freemasons' Hall, Great
Queen•street, yesterday, at one o'clock, for the purpose of
" petitioning the Crown with respect to the annexation of
the free city of Cracow to the' Austrian empire, in violation
of the treaty of Vienna." There was a numerous attendance.
A number of ladies occupied seats immediately below the
platform. Amongst those present we observed the Marquis
of Northampton, Earl Fitzwilliam, Earl Rosehery, Viscount
Sanflon, Lord Beaumont, Lord Hatherton, Lord Arundel and
Surrey, Lord Wharncliffe Lord Dudley Stuart, Sir W. Clay,
M.P., Sir C. Napier. DMA)., Mr. Williams, M P., Mr. M.
Milnes, M.P., Mr. J. S. Buckingham, and a number of
other gentlemen interested in the cause of Poland.
The Marquis of Northampton was voted to the chair on
the motion of Lord Dudley Stuart. He was supported on
his right by Earl Fitzwilliam, and on his left by Lord
Wharncliffe.

The CIIAIRMAN called upon Lord Dudley Stuart to read
several letters which he had received from various noblemen
and gentlemen with respect to the question which the meet-
ing had been called to consider, and explanatory of their
reasons for not attending the meeting.
Lord DUDLEY Smiler said he had received a number of
letters from different gentlemen regretting that they would
be prevented by circumstances over which they had no con-
trol from being present, but expressing their cordial con-
currence in the object for which it had been called. Amongst
them were letters from the Duke of Bedford, the Duke of
Sutherland, Earl Lovelace, Lord Ashley, Sir Edward Bulwer
Lytton, Mr. Hume, M.P., Mr. Wyse, M.P., Mr.
Denision, M.P., Colonel Angerstein, the author
of " The Revelations of Russia," Mr. T. llankey,
and a number of others. As it would consume too much
time to read the whole of them, he would merely refer to two
or three, which he thought the meeting would be glad to
hear. One from the Doke of Bedford, dated Woburn
Abbey, Feb. 28, stated that. it would have given his Grace
pleasure to have aided by his presence so good a cause, but
that he had for some time, owing to ill-health, given up
attending public meetings. Lord Ashley did not conceive
that it was a judicious course to hold such a meeting, but he
added that " no one could regret the annexation of Cracow
more deeply than he did, and that he considered it as one of
the blackest deeds in modern history."—(Cheers.)
The CHAIRMAN, who was received with loud applause,
then addressed the meeting as follows :—Ladies and gentle-
men,—ln taking the chair on the present occasion, I have
departed from a rule which I have, in a great measure, laid
down for my guidance with respect to public meetings. The
rule which 1 have adopted is similar to the one alluded to by
the Duke of Bedford, in the letter which has just been read
to you, as the state of my health does not generally allow
me to attend public assemblies of this kind, at least they ge-
nerally interfere with my health for some time after ; but there is
another reason why I have adopted such a rule, namely,that
I hold the office of President of the Royal Society, t
owhich
I was elected by men of science in England ; and,theretore
I feel it right that I should abstain from party feeling as far
a
s as possible—as far as my duty will enable me to do—as I
think that that abstinence enables me more effectuallyto
perform duties of another kind.—(Cheers.) But, gentlemen,
there are occasions of a peculiar nature, and I think this is
one, on which no man in England—undoubtedly no states-
man in England—who considers that the maintenance of public
faith and public treaties are the great mainstays of universal
peace in the world, and the true promotion of intellectual pur-
suits, ( for peace could never be secured, and can never continue
if breaches of faith take place between nations), should hesitate
to express his opinion. The expression of public feeling in
England will have a great effect upon the Continent, and
have a great effect in preventing the repetition of similar
events to the one we have this day to deplore. It is on
these grounds, therefore, that I have consented to take the
chair. I will not, however, address you at any length,
as there are several gentlemen to address you.
I can only say that it is of the greatest
importance that we should be, as far as passible, unanimous in
the expression of our sentiments; that we should not push
them to violent lengths, in which all cannot concur; but
that we should all combine together for one common object;
that we should be temperate and moderate, but at the same
time Arm in our purpose.—(Loud cheers.)
Earl FITZWILLIAM then proposed the first resolution. In
doing so he said—Ever since the present state of Europe had
existed, ever since the expiration of that period
which they generally now called the " middle ages"—
when the various families of European civilization had
assumed their present form—it had been held that that
was a law of nations, which had the effect of binding toge-
ther the separate civilised families into which the world was
divided, by receiving an understanding between all. It had
been held that those nations which suffered from an infrac-
tion of the common understanding created between all should
be entitled to call upon those who had committed the viola-
tions from which they suffered to act justly, and
that, if they refused to do so, they must be contented
to meet with the condemnation of the other nations of the
world.—(Loud cheers.) Now, it undoubtedly appeared to
him that if there ever was a violation of the public law of
Europe, and not merely of the public law, but of an acknow-
ledged, an existing treaty, the suppression of the free state
of Cracow certainly came under that definition, and afforded
a glaring example of a violation of the law of nations to
which he had referred—(Cheers)—for let it be borne in mind
that they had not merely that written law to which the
chairman had alluded, but they had a clear, a distinct re-
cognition of the freedom and independence of that state in
that last settlement of Europe, which was enacted at the
Congress of Vienna, in which it was most distinctly affirmed
that without " restriction or proviso Cracow should not be
occupied by a military force on any pretext whatsoever;
and should for ever remain a free and independent city."
He had thought it necessary to call, in the first instance,
the attention of the meeting to the expressions in the
resolution, because they were probably not unaware that ex-
pressions had been made, with the view of makingitout
wasa
case, for the three aggressing Powers arising, as
stated, from this circumstance—that though there was a
independent
stipulation that Cracow should continue an
state, nevertheless, that stipulation did not forma
part of that Congressional Act, by which the public
ear of Europe was thenceforward to be regulated ;
but, instead of that, it most clearly appeared that
that stipulation did form a part of the Act of the
Congress, and that, therefore, the suppression of the state of
Cracow was not merely an act' of violence against that state,
but a breach of faith with all the other Powers of Europe.—
( Hear, hear.) It was necessary, in the first instance, toil
draw attention to this, because they were probably we
aware as himself that expressions had been made, and pro-
bably might hereafter be made to show that however much
Cracow had reason to complain, the other Powers of
Europe had none; but he thought the words lie had read
were sufficient to satisfy them that the suppression of Cracow
was not merely a violation of the treaty with respect tof
Cracow, but a breach of faith with all the otherPoweroe
Europe.—(Applause.) Anotherquestion would probably be
_
asked—what good could be done by a few hundred gentle-
men meeting in Freemasons' Half to express their opinions
on the sahjecf ? It would be said that the act was donee--
that it could not be rectified— c'est un fait accompli. It
might be asked if they expected to get that meeting to annul
the suppression of Cracow ? He meant no such tlimg,
but he knew that the opinions—the serious and deliberateend
opinions of the people of England, were P°w•erful d that
trusted that meeting was a sample of those opinions,
it would fearlessly express its opinion with
nt •
respect to the
conduct of the most despotic Governments of the Continent;
for even the most despotic Governments respected public
opinion, and no public feeling was so powerful as that of
England.—(Hear.) Therefore, he thought that
the expres-
sion of their opinions on the transaction wouldn
out utility. Let it also borne in mind that Cracow 9S not the
only weak state in the empire.—(Hear, bear.) ' There were
other feeble states with powerful neighbours; and it was,
perhaps, as mush for the sake of defending and throwing the
shield over those weak nations, as well as for the purpose of
transaction, that he
expressing his opinion on this particular transa to
expressiong
agreed to be present, to join them in
their opinions. He would not detain
roose. It
ceed at once to the resolution which he winfurthB.3 to p er, p
but pro-
was to the following effect;
the military occu-
That in the opinion of this meeting,
osvifest a
n, and their
pation of the town and territory of Cracd flagrant
an-
nexation to the empire of Austria, are man
violations of the general act of congress ortrßeatt
concluded between England, France, Austria, tsYs i an, Prussia,Vi en
and other Powers, by which it was
stipulated,
be occupied by
iplated, without re-
striction or proviso, That Cracow should
a military force on any pretext whatever, and should for ever
remain a free and independent city
"'—(Loud cheers.)
—He would ask them if, after that stipulation, Cracow was
no longer to remain a free and independent state, what
security was there for the safety of Geneva from ag-
gression ?—of Frankfort ?—of elamburgh ? These were
all small feeble states. . But he would go fur-
ther, and he would ask
what security was there
that a similar proceeding might not be adopted with respect
to Wirtemberg and Saxony? What sscurit was there foe
the safety of the small states intodewslatriocbie
Germanyi thought,
therefore, if Cracow was to be thus
therefore, that they would agree with dm that they would
adopt a wise step in
giving expression to the sentiments of
the resolution which he had proposed for their acceptance.
to
Lord WstaexceierE, on rising second the resolution,
was received with great cheeringes to said it was his inten-
tiongs of the people of
only to say a few words, as
Thesubject.'NffeeeblelillienForiend had already
England, he was sure, as wel'as the..
of the present assembly, were with them on the question of
the suppression of Cracow.—(Hear.) And the sentiment
was one confined to no party or body of men, but pervaded
all.—(Cheers.) It would not be necessary for him to enter
at large into the subje.ct ; but he woul confine himself to
Cato.—
the plain and simple circumstances of the the violation
, of the treaty of Vienna—which he pronounced to be a wanton
into the great field
violation of the holiest engagements. He should not, in
wrongs of Poland.
expressing himself upon this. point, go
s country on this
of argument and declamation about the
and feeling
He knew the feelings of the people of this
subject, and he could testify to the apathyut
which they had everywh.ere excited. with regard to
the question more immediately before the meeting, the Act
referred to, it had received no defence from those by whom
the act of aggression had been induced. But no defence
would be admitted. There had been no provocation
noteeat hitnnefOeoretrhsee
suppression of Cracow, or if there had that w
which the three Powers should have taken. The course
which they ought to have taken was clear. They ought to
and asked their sanction to
have appealed to the other Powers who had been parties to
the treaty of Vienna,
they were disposed to take. No defence, no ex the course
planation
could excuse the act they had done, and it wasopinion
that
a r
right that
they should meet here, and to pronounce the
the suppression of Cracow, as a violation of treaty, was
one of the most flagrant recorded in the pages of
history.
They might truly say, in the words of a more exalted person
in another place, that if this treaty was to be violated with
impunity, such engagements would be found not more sacred
pri the banks of
on the banks of the Rhine and the Po than 0
the Vistula.—(Hear, hear.) His Noble end, as he
before observed, had so well alluded to the
question that he (Lord Wharncliffe) would
a not dfeatcatsinntfhtehme
longer, than but to remark, that if such meeting as the
present was deemed necessary, it was desirable that it should
not be a failure, but express, as he believed it would, the
strong feeling of the people of this couietry specting the
suppression of Cracow; that thereby the alieercehf of her Gra-
cious Majesty, in opening the present session
on this head, might find a response in the oParliament
breasts of Eng-
lishman.—(Cheers.) The Noble Lord sat down, amidst
loud cheers, by seconding the resolution.
The Citatttatax then put the resolution, which was carried
unanimously.
Lord DUDLEY STUALT, who on rising was greatly
cheered, said he did not get up to make a speech, but

to read a letter which he had received from a most
eminent person, and well known to the world for
the interest he had taken in "the 'affairs of . Poland—
he alluded to Sir Stratford Canning—(Cheers)--who•
was her Majesty's representative at the Ottoman Porte. The
Noble Lord read the letter, which condemned in very decided
language the suppression of Cracow as an act, which, he be-
lieved, in its consequences would yet shake the foundations of
the states of Europe, and expressing a regret that it was
impossible he could attend the meeting on account:of the
official position he held.
Sir EawanDCODRINGTON rose to move the next resolution.
He said a resolution had been placed in his ham% and as
he had been all his life in the habit of obeying orders,
he had submitted to the word of command on the-present
occasion.—( Hear, hear). He was no public speaker, and if
,be had his own way he would read the resolution for his
speech. But he would only say that, in his opinion, the
example afforded by the suppression of Cracow would prove
of the most serious consequence to Europe and the world.—
(Hear, hear). If the suppression of Cracow was justifiable,
where were they to stop ? They had heard that
the French had an eve on the Balearic isles, and
why should they not take possession of them, if Cra-
cow was to be suppressed? Why, in fact, should not
all the states of Europe follow the same example ?—(Hear,
hear.) If it were right for the three Powers to confiscate
Cracow, why should not Britain (which, he trusted, she
would never do) take possession of some islands that might
suit her convenience?—(Hear.) On this ground, therefore,
he held the example of the suppression of Cracow was most
injurious and dangerous to the peace of the world—(Hear,
hear)—for if oue country committed an act of aggression,
others might consider themselves justified in following in the
same wake ; the effect of which would be, that the despotic
and strong powers would take possession of the weak. It
was to prevent such a consequence that he thought the sup-
pression of Cracow should be protested against, for though
his trade was war, he had an anxious desire for peace.—
(Cheers.) If they were to sanction such a violation of trea-
ties and engagements, he could not see why other countries
should not make reprisals, and every one take what he could
and do as he pleased.—(Hear, hear.) It was important that
the resolutions of that meeting should go forth to Europe, as
expressing the sense of the people' of this country on the
subject. He would now conclude by moving the resolution
entrusted to him, in doing which he begged leave to observe
that he fully agreed with the observations of the Noble Lord,
who preceded him. The resolution was as follows:
" That even, if the existence and independence of Cracow
had not been guaranteed by treaty, the aggressions of Rus-
sia,Austria, and Prussia on that city, would have constituted
a glaring infraction of the principles of justice and interna-
tional law : but that being so guaranteed, the conduct of
those states in abolishing the independent existence of Cra-
cow, notwithstanding their repeated assurances that no such
step was in contemplation, and without the consent of the
other powers, parties to the treaty of Vienna,:mustbe further
considered as involving an affront to those powers, and to
England as one of them."
(The Hon. Baronet resumed his seat amidst loud cheers.)
The Earl of Anomanr. and SUZREY seconded the resolu-
tion. He should not detain them with a speech, but be rose
to express his satisfaction at the assembling of so many dis-
tinguished Englishmen to protest against the most unjusti-
fiable act of the suppression of Cracow, in defiance of every
principle of honour and justice among nations.—(Cheers.)
The resolution was put and carried unanimously.
Lord BEAttstorr moved the third resolution. It was one
in which he must cordially agree, and he thought he would
have no difficulty in getting the meeting to agree to it also.
It embodied the chief features of the transaction to which it
alluded. It referred not only to the great moral injustice
committed by the three aggressive Powers, but also
to the impolicy of the other Powers allowing
such an aggression to take place—(Hear, hear)—not
only to the infraction of the treaty of Vienna, but
to the moral dereliction of allowing the weak powers of
Europe to be trodden under foot.—(Loud cheers.) With
such a subject, were he to consult his own feelings, he would
carry them far into the question, but that he did not intend
to do. He simply proposed to give vent to the sentiments
which such an event as the suppression of Cracow was calcu-
lated to call forth, and which must excite the feeling
in this country, that if it were allowed to pass by with im-
punity, as it had sot been the first time such deeds were com-
mitted, so neither would it be the last.—(Hear, hear.) Were
he to go back to Poland and her sufferings, which he did not
intend to do, he would have to go over a large por-
tion of the history of Europe. The aggressions com-
mitted on Cracow was but one of many similar committed on
Poland. Already there had been four monstrous aggressions
committed, since the first great one, when, in spite of every
right of man and law of God, three great nations divided
Poland, like robbers after they had made their plunder.—
(Tremendous cheering.) That nation and that people, to
whom Europe was
.more indebted than any other, was thus
divided.—(Hear, hear.) He would want words to state it as
he ought. But for the protection afforded by Poland,
Austria herself would not have existed as a nation, and a
Turkish Pacha would have ruled in Vienna. —(Hear, hear.)
He could read to them how, for many ages, and in many
bloody battles, the people of Poland stood the bulwark of
Europe and Christianity against the Mahometan nations, and
the barbarism of the East.—(Cheers.) There was not a
European nation which was not indebted to Poland for the
advancement of civilisation and the spread of letters.
—(Hear, hear.) But, though he might expatiate
on the topics, he would not dwell on them
at present, but confine himself to the great danger there
existed to the peace and stability of Europe, in allow-
ing those acts of aggression to take place. Every
publicity had already been given to the circumstances
connected with the suppression of Cracow. They had
now on record the whole of the correspondence
which took place in consequence of the Austrian and Prussian
dread of the overwhelming power of Russia. They knew
that at the conclusion of the war, when the provisions of the
treaty of Vienna were ratified, they knew that then—and
they had the correspondence which passed upon the subject—
Austria and Prussia dreaded the conversion of the large king-
dom of l'oland into part of the dominions of Russia; but the
English Ambassador, Lord Castlereagh, fought their battles
for them, he got the consent of this country to fight their
battles for them with Prussia, and he defeated her pro ject.—
(Cheers.) But let them look at the consequences of the ar-
rangement made between the three Powers on the 3d of May
in consequence of the correspondence of Lord Castlereagh
with Russia. It was England, then, that protected
the dominions of Austria and Prussia with their
express wish, and in compliance with that wish it was she
that afterwards secured a settlement ; and had nothing
further taken place, had England done nothing more, surely
Austria and Prussia were bound, in gratitude to her, and in
honour, even if no treaty of Vienna had ever existed, and if
the treaty of the 3d of May had been the only treaty
concluded to respect her views on the subject.
That treaty was signed by the Three Powers,
and these two countries were protected entirely
by the exertions of this country. But not only that
treaty was negotiated, there were three treaties at length ob-
tained, and that great treaty of Vienna was in existence; all
of these, together with the great treaty of Vienna, set forth
the strong obligation that lay on the three Powers to respect
the independence of Poland in the republic of Cracow.
(Cries of "Hear, hear," and cheers.) This country
did not only obtain for them the three treaties
between the 3d of May and the 9th July; not only did
these exist by themselves, but they were set forth and were
to be considered as a part of the text—those treaties were
actually combined as integral parts of the great treaty which
was ratified in the Congress of Vienna, the words of which
most distinctly stated that on no ground whatever should any
armed force ever enter the free republic of Cracow—(cheers)—
that she should be a free and a neutral state; and among
the last provisions of that treaty it was distinctly set forth
that the Polish provinces themselves should enjoy their own
constitution.—(Great cheering.) Therefore it was clear, it
was evident, that by the treaty of Vienna alone, the obliga-
tions wore binding upon those Powers. Supposing there was
no other treaty in existence than that, by that the obliga-
tion lay upon them which they violated ; and that treaty
itself , and the treaties which formed parts of the text,
that of the 3d of May, and the others constituting afterwards
a portion of the treaty of Vienna,: these were planned and
arranged by the English Ambassador, Lord Castlereagh
But now, in spite of all these the;strongest obligations which
could exist, these Powers slighting them as nothing, deluding
the other Powers, misleading—(Hear, hear)—professing to
do one thing and doing another—(Hear, hear)—not
boldly in the mode, but meanly—(Cries of "Hear,
hear," and cheers)—not openly, but behind the backs
of the other Powers, pounced upon Cracow—(lmmense
cheering)—and destroyed not only that republic, but with
that republic the bonds between the nations of Europe.—
(Great cheering.) Now they were aware that there were
great epochs in history, that these epochs marked the times,
and that from these the times themselves took their colour.
There were the treaties of Westphalia, of Utrecht, and of
Vienna, all concluded for the same object, to repress
the strong and to protect the weak ; but he asked them, if
that was the object of them all, whether they could violate
one of them without a convulsion in Europe?.—(Great
cheering.) But here was a treaty which fixed what had
been called the balance of power In Europe—a treaty by
which all the Powers associated for the protection of the weak
and for the repression of the strong—that treaty had
been infringed and violated, and what might be the Conse-
quence? He would not weaken the words of the Gallant
Admiral (Sir Edward Codrington) who had spoken before
him, but attempt to quote them, as they opened up , the
possible consequences as they might ensue to Europe, ffoit)
was the time come for every nation snatching what it liked,
for every people that were strong to seize on every power that
was weak, why might not France pass the Rhine at
Belgium, and pass the Rhine at 3trasblitg, and cross the
Alps into Gallieia P—(llear, and cheers.) Now was the time
come when Austria might with justice again be driven from
the plains of Lombardy.—(lmmense cheering.) If he had
time he could point out the danger which threatened not
only the small states of Europe, but even offer
strong and likely reasons why there was leattirtetit
danger threatening thee* two powers themselves
that appeared to be strong. Never did blind go down into
a pit, never did fool throw himself from a precipice with Colia
sequ
ences more evident than that black act—(Cheers)—
committed by Austria and Prussia, which would stand
against them and be remembered in the dayofvengeasnt elo-
quentce(Great cheering.) The Noble Lord concluded a moat
continuedthirt third resolution,
several
11 iannudt
esti" t down
atuidstscpheeecehriubgy
M. C. HILL, Q.C., then came forward to second the reso-
lution. He said he felt, after the eloquence which they had
whichmoin moving
the
just heard, that he required their indulgence while he en:
deavoured to point out the grounds on which tested the
manifest the treaty of lenna. He
h
maonuilfdestnotvi
ohlaatvirthought it ettii possible for a lawyer,
should
he unfortunately happened to be,-(baiighter)—
with all that ingenuity which those who had less reverenced
tlaibbling and quirks, to have fixed
atreaty brought befor their
fao r;joi tubt thanon lawyers;tho
previsions of thata
ouindwia
tue
attention by the Noble Lord— treaty
many of tl°le Powers—
that" main independent between Russia,
Cracow should re__
and Austria. But an ingenuity had been
great Peters of Europe an
Prussia,
t ed • l d' It had been erm specie. pea ing.
brought to bear upon the treaty, which, if a lawyer
had used, would have
ed in certain minor treaties. But of that quibble
been said, for example, that those provisions affecting Cracow
were contain
the Noble Lord who preceded him had sufficiently disposed.
Again, said they, it bad been broken before. That might be true,
but a treaty was not a china bowl, that it should be broken im-
mediately into pieces. And if England had been so phlegmatic
as to sit by and look on while it was violated, the three
Powers had combined now to rouse them, phlegmatic as they
were, by an act which would bring upon these Powers eternal
disgrace.—(Cheers.) He would assume that there had been
a violation of the treaty of Vienna. The Noble Lord had
said. that that violation had been done meanly
iii the mode, but he must lay that in the

PRICE SD.

principle they had acted with boldness, in open day,
before the face of Europe ,glorying in their shame, violating
that which their own troth had ratified before all Europe.
They had entered into open treaty, and by agreement they
had destroyed that Republic, and it bad been absorbed -into
the dominions of Austria, never again to exist.—(Hear )
Why, he asked, did England stand aside? They had
treated the treaty concluded byGreat Britain with the pthrers
of Europe with contempt ; and why did they not speak ?
England must now speak or be for ever silent.—(Cheers.)
He assured them that this act could not be passed over
Without danger to England, strong as she was; and if, when '
the danger threatened themselves, they cried out, what
might the other Powers say other than throw back in
her teeth her former silence. (elks of " Never.")
Some had said of that day's proceedings that it 'would be a
barren protest. He disagreed with that. The humblest
man, when he lifted his voice against wrong, had might
with his words; but surely when the greatest Power in
Europe—for he expected that that meeting would be the
first of many national assemblies—lifted up her protest
against the act, she could not be heard in vain.—(Cheers.)
The Learned Gentleman, after referring to the events of the
--last great war in Europe. reminded the meeting that a claim
had been made by Russia upon Holland. The question was,
who could bear the burden? for the Dutch were weak.
Britain, was the reply.—((irreat laughter.) Britain, of
course, had had no expense during that war ; she
had made herself sovereign of the seas by nothing'
Of course; but Britain Was called upon to refund to the
Dutch creditors the loan of 25,000,000 florins, borrowed by
the Emperor of Russia, and she did that by a payment
annually of 5 per cent., and 1 per cent. sinking fund. These
25,000,000 florins were equal to about 2,200,0001., and the
interest they had still
,to pay for Russia amounted to
something like 120,0001.—(He,ar, and cries of " Shame.)
Another convention was agreed to between England and
Russia in 1831, when the separation of Belgium from
Holland was- recognised, and the latter end of that
convention stipulated the continuance of the 120,0001.
yearly, partly on the ground of that stipulation be-
ing maintained, but much more that the treaty of
Vienna should be observed in respecting the independence
of the republic of Cracow.—( Hear, hear.) But, Cracow was
now no more—it had been destroyed by agreement between
Russia and the other two Powers, and now formed part
of Austria.—(Cries of "Shame, shame.") He trusted
that the men of England were prepared, heart and
hand, to uphold 'their Sovereign, whose words from the
Throne on the first day of the session, he'was sure, spoke
the sentiments of every Englishman.—(Great cheering.)
The Learned Gentleman sat down, by seconding the follow-

ing resolution :
° That as the tranquillity and prosperity of all co.muni •
ties, whether of nations or of individuals, depend on the main-
tenance of justice, the repression of violence and the fulfil-
ment of engagements; and as, :on the contrary, tranquillity
and prosperity are endangered when the weak are abandoned
to the mercy of the strong, when sacred rights and duties
are permitted to be violated, and solemn obligations to be
disregarded, therefore this meeting views with no
less alarm than indignation. the measures adopted by
the Governments of Russia, Austria and Prussia towards
Cracow, and the other provinces of ancient Poland, believing
that such measures are not only in themselves, in the highest
degree, unjust and impolitic, but that they directly tend to
weaken respect for treaties, to retard the progress of civilisa-
tion, to encourage the projects of ambition, to strengthen the
enemies of order, and to endanger the peace of Europe."
The NOBLE CHAtzmAN put the resolution to the meeting,
and it was carried amidst immense cheering, the whole
meeting standing.
Mr, D. LIKQUART felt considerable difficulty in bringing
the motion with which he was intrusted under the notice of
the meeting; but he was so fully convinced that there had
been a gross violation of the rights of nations, that he was
relieved from much of the difficulty under which he laboured,
for the eloquent speeches which had been addressed to the
meeting had placed the matter so fully before them that he
had only to turn his attention to the subject which during
the last three months had been so urgently pressed upon the
Government and on Parliament, and that was the
violation of the Treaty of Vienna. The last sentence
which had fallen from the Hon. Gentleman who
had just addressed them, backed as it was
by his own high character gave the assurance that the
highest legal authorities were fully convinced that there had
been a shameful violation of the treaty by which the inde-
pendence of Cracow was secured. But it would be his bu-
siness to show that not only had this treaty been violated,
but that there were other Powers who perfectly coincided in
that opision, and that the fallacies which had been put before
Parliament bad a foundation neither in reason nor justice.
They had had the highest legal opinions of this country that
there had been an infamous infraction of those principles, ,
and he felt assured that the meeting would sympathise in
the opinion that they could never be broken through
without exposing any nation to the liability of
being themselves the sufferers from the same injustice.
That was their position, and he had always found that, in
order to be safe, their acts must always be in conformity
with their duty. And, notwithstanding the mighty array of
power, which was brought to bear on this matter, he believed
that England had nothing to do but to express its will, for
that will to be listened to and to be obeyed—(Great cheer-
ing)—for,
he believed, that at the present moment, she pos-
sessed the greatest power on the face of the earth.—(Renewed
cheering). By consenting to this aggression, they were
leaving the opportunity open for the commission of equal
injury against themselves, but if they recorded their deter-
mination, and acted up to that determination, that no
injustice should be done to other nations, they would
be raising a barrier for their own defence.—(Cheers).
He bad never felt the value of public opinion j
more than he did at the present moment.—(Cheers.) They
might recollect how public opinion had been slighted oii !
several subjects, until it was fully, determinately, and. per-
eeveringly expressed; and they might estimate the value of
such demonstrations as this, and how the representations of
public meetings had been weighed by the Government, and
with what readiness their influence had been allowed by the
house of Commons.—(Cheers.) The expression of public
opinion was nothing more than the expression of the sense i
which was entertained of public right, and they would perceive ,
by this that that expression was not so much a declaration
of abstract principles, as it was an assertion of the determi-
nation
to have public right enforced.—(Cheers.) They would
see by this, too, what was the value of the pressure from
without. lie did not mean that pressure from without that
had so much force in Downing-street, as that which would
oblige a consideration of the rights of nations. He believed
that such a moving cause was to be found in this affair of
Cracow, and that it would, in the end, terminate in
a recognition of those rights.—(Cheers.) It should be re-
collected that this meeting had to do with the, not merely pri-
vate affairs ofa few, but with the blotting out a whole people
from the map of nations. They were met for no ordinary occa-
sion, for they were met to celebrate the obsequies of the
Polish nation ; a nation whose existence had not been ob-
literated by their own crimes, but from the violence of foreign
aggression. Mr. Urquhart then went through the whole of
the treaties which had been entered into for the preservation
of the nationality of Poland, and showed how sensible the
Ottoman Government had been of the necessity of uphold-
ing Poland, in order to preserve that country as a barrier to
the several nations of Europe. lie concluded by moving—
" That this meeting has learned with profound satisfaction
that the Government of the Ottoman Empire has on the
present, as on former occasions, signalised its condemnation
of the injustice of which Poland has been the victim."
Sir li. VERNIy, in a speech delivered with great freedom,
entered into the principle that the infraction of treaties
against one country, might very easily be used as a principle
of aggression against others, and detailed the whole of the
circumstances which had occurred since the year 1815, and
proved how detrimental the infraction of the Treaty of
Vienna had been to the general interests of Europe. He
concluded by cordially seconding the motion. It is almost
needless to say that the resolution was passed unanimously,
for every speech was received with great enthusiasm.
The TAIAD Marna (Sir G. Carroll) proposed the fifth reso-
lution, and in doing so, adverted to the circumstance that, as
the Chief Magistrate of the City of London, he was exceed-
ingly anxious to promote the good understanding between
France and England.
Mr. BEALES seconded the motion, and stated his belief
that if the entente cordiale between the two countries had not
been interfered with, that the three Great Powers would
never have dared to commit this aggression upon Polish
freedom.
A resolution in conformity with the speeches was then una-
nimously adopted.
Sir C. NAPIER moved " That a humble address be pre-
sented to her Majesty the Queen, humbly thanking her Ma-
jesty for the distinct expression of her sentiments in reference
to Cracow contained in her Majesty's speech on opening the
session of Parliament, and humbly praying her Majesty to
adopt any measures which may appear calculated to avert
the evils which must otherwise inevitably accrue to all the
states of Europe from, the continued acts of violence exercised
by Russia, Austria, and Prussia, towards Poland, and
for ameliorating the condition of that oppressed
nation." He expressed his opinion that if the pro-
test of England and France had been followed by
something like a hostile demonstration and the withdrawal
of the Government agent from Cracow that its annexation to
Austria would never have occurred.
Mr, 3. S. BUCKING/IAM seconded the motion, and in doing
so expressed his belief that the violation of treaties was a
backward step from the onward progress of civilization.
Like the others, this motion was unanimously adopted.
Captain L. JABLINSKI moved a vote of thanks to the
I'oble Chairman, stating that the Poles did not rely on the
treaty of Vienna for the preservation of their nationality.
They had been no party to that treaty, and were therefore
net bound by it in any way.
Lord DUDLEY STUART, in a long speech, seconded the mo-
tion, taking the opportunity of showing what dreadful suffer-
ings had been endured by the Poles from the conduct pursued
towards them by the Austrian Government.
Before the resolutions were put, the Chevalier Wyrcinsrki
explained the cause of a fracas which occurred whilst
in cemLed
it..
Dudley Stuart was speaking. An assault had been
ted (as we understood) by Mr. Beniowski on Mr. Harcourt,
but its cause had nothing whatever to do with the object of
the meeting.
The Marquis of NORTIIAMPTON returned thanks, wish-
ing that el'ery one present might go and dream of_the wrotnngs
of .Poland. The reply was greatly cheered, and the meeting
separated.

liftr sIC At VERSUS MonL.—Whether the Physi-
cal wants should be remedied through the Moral, or the
Moral through the Physical, has been a question which has
oddtipied the attention of philosophers and philanthropists
for centuries: Without attempting to decide the question,
there can be no doubt that when the Physical condition is
impaired it demands the first attention. For instance ; a
person whilst suffering from an acute attack of Gout would
be unable to appreciate the sublimest lessons of philosopliv,
qtri though entinciated by the divine Plato. How much
more welcome to the sufferer would be a box of Blair's
heumatic Pills? so efficacieus iv,
Gout and Aeradicating this
distressing malldri
SUDDEN 1)BA.T11 AT TIME RAILWAY STATION
LIMB-STIMET, LivEnpoot.--Yesterday morning, about a'
quarter-past seven o'clock, a person who was sitting upon a
bench in the outer lobby of the booking-office,
with a gentleman from Chester, and who appeared to be in
good health, suddenly sank down, suid almost instantly ex-
pired. Dr. Carson, who was going as a passenger by the
next train, promptly and kindly lent his assistance, but said
from the first the man was dying. Articles of som. e small
value were found upon deceased, but not anything by
which he could be identified. He was a stout man, about
fifty years of age, with a bald head, and wore a wig. The
body lies at the station, where it may be seen by any persons
who may deem themselves interested.—Licerpool .41bion of
yesterday.

WEST-
On Monday a meeting of the friends of Mr. C. Lushington
WAS held at the Crown and Anchor Tavern, Strand, to hear
from that gentleman an avowal of his political sentiments,
and to decide upon his qualifications to represent the city of
Westminster in the next Parliament, vice Mr. Leader, who
intends to resign. •
The Hon. E. P. BouvEnrE, M P., was called to the chair,
and, after a few brief remarks, introduced •
Mr. LVSHINGTON, who was, received with loud cheers.
That gentleman began by expressing - his: gratitude for the,
numerous meeting that had attended to greet him. He had
been induced to put himself forward as a candidate for their
suffrages in consequence of a communication from the West-
minster Reform Society, requesting his opinion upon certain
points, and to which he had replied bv announcing his con-
currence i❑ all of them. Thereupon he had been chosen by
the society by a very small majority over Mr. G. Thompson
who had in the most generous manner acquiesced in the de-
cision, and further promised to render every support in his
(Mr. Lushington's) behalf. Another gentleman, Mr. Page
Wood, originally looked upon as a future candidate for West-
minster, had also yielded his claims, and becqme a member of
his (Mr. Lushington's) committee. The Hon. Candidate then
proceeded to detail his opinions upon the leading points of
political discussion. As to the rote by ballot, he had always
voted for the ballot.—(llear, hear.) The extension of the
suffrage to every househoider, and even• constituency to
consist of at least .5,0(X) electors, he also concurred in. The
next point was, the repeal of the 7th clause of the Reform
Act—(Cheers)—and that he had already in Parliament voted
for.—(hear, hear.) The next question, respecting triennial
Parliaments, was one lie entirely concurred in, but thought it
must be preceded by other measures, such as the extension of the suffrage, Si.% Ile would support any measure to pro-
cure a reform in all municipal corporations. The corn-lawn
being now almost dead, he need not renew his pledges to
oppose them, but was prepared to attack, and procure, if pos-
sible, the repeal of the window-tax. Another question put
to him was, whether he would co-operate in the endeavour in
procure the abolition of all pensions not merited by public
services. For that he had voted in a previous Parliament,
and would do so again. He would vote for the removal of
all taxes pressing upoa the free diffusion of knowledge, par-
ticularly the stamp duties on newspapers ; for a
reform in the Church establishment, and for a proper
application of the funds of the country to the pur-
poses of education independent of all sectarian distinctions.
—(Hear.) He could not pledge himself to go to Parliament
without a preference to one party over another, but he could
pledge himself to do his duty, and not,to recognise the odious
principle of finality.—(Cheers.) In short, if elected, he
would feel it his duty, as well as his pleasure, to support per-
fect free trade, universal education, short Parliaments, the
protection of the ballot, and would boldly assert the preser-
vation of international peace as a duty of all men to their
God. In answer to an elector, Mr. Lushington said, that
with respect to the Ten Hours' Bill he suspected that ques-
tion would be settled before he went into Parliament. He
would say, that as a free-trader, that as a strict principle, he
thought the artizan should be left to his own discretion, and
ought not to be fettered by any legislative restrictions._
(Hear.) In conclusion, he would assure the electors he
was too old for place and too independent for promotion.
Mr. PAGE WOOD moved, and Mr. G. THOMPSON seconded,
a resolution approving of the principles enunciated by
Mr. Lushington, and pledging the meeting to use every en-
deavour to procure his return to Parliament.
A Mr. SKELTON proposed an amendment dissenting to the
resolution, but the original motion was carried almost unani•
mously.

~
After a vote of thanks to the chairman the meeting sepa-
rated.

DREADFUL COLLISION ON THE
RIVER, NEAR GRAVESEND.
SEVEN LIVES LOST.
A collision of a most serious character, involving, it is sup-
posed, the loss of seven lives, happened early on Sunday
morning, in the river, off Old Haven, about ten miles below
Tilbury Fort, on the east side, a fine schooner, of about 100
tons burden being run down by a powerful steam-ship.
The particulars as yet received respecting the catastrophe
are far from being satisfactory. The unfortunate vessel which
is lost appears to have been the Rose, of Exeter, 1)1r. Webber
master. Having been loaded with a cargo of miscellaneous
goods at Topping's Wharf, London-bridge, she took her de-
parture in the course of Friday evening, and reached Old
Haven Bay the following evening. She there brought up
for the night, and remained safe until about a quarter tQ
four o'clock on the following morning (Sunday), when a
large three-masted steamer was seen bearing down at full
speed, having the ebb tide with her. She exhibited the
usual lights at her bow and mast-head. Whether the ordi-
nary look-out was kept on board it is difficult as yet to state.
Certain it is, however, that she continued her course, and on
nearing the anchored schooner the usual cries were raised on
board the steamer to "port," "ease her," "stop her," " turn
her astern," but before those orders could be complied with
she came in contact with the vessel with tremendous
force, the steamer's bow carrying away the schooner's fore-
mast, and cutting her bulwarks and hull down to the water's
edge.
It being evident a few seconds after the collision that the
schooner was rapidly filling, all bands on board the steamer
ran aft in order to save the crew of the ill-fated craft. Ropes
and other means of rescue were thrown out, but only one
man was seen, and him they succeeded in preserving, who
proved to be the master. The poor man had a very narrow
escape, as may be judged from the fact that he ran from his
berth with only his night shirt on to the deck. They had
barely got him on board before the vessel went down with
the remainder of the crew, five in number, and it is supposed
two passengers, who all perished.
The crash was distinctly heard in all parts of the bay, and
by the officers on duty at the Coast Guard Station at Old
Haven. Boats were put off in the direction from whence the
cries proceeded, but their aid was of trifling avail.
The steamer remained near the spot where the Rose went
I down for some time, with a view of picking up what might
be cast from the wreck. Little appearing, however, she
proceeded on her voyage to Leith, the damage she sustained
not being so serious as to prevent her completing her run.

RAILWAY SHARE MARKETS.

LIVERPOOL, MARcli 1.

STOCK EXCKANGE.—TIC sales alCl7trnbergate and Eastern June-
lion, to p.—Birkenhead, Lancashire, and Cheshire Junction. % p.—
Birmingham and Oxford Junction, 9% p.—Blackburn, Clitheroe„
and North-Western, dis. Boston, Stamford, and Birmingham,
2% p.—Chester and Birkenhead, New, 201. Shares, par —East Laura.
shire, New, 2% p.—East Lincolnshire, 3% p.— Edinburgh and
Northern, New, 251. Shares, 2% p.—Ditto (late Edinburgh, Leith,
and GrantozO. New, Quarters, % p.—Glasgow and Dumfries. 1% p.
—Great Northern (Nos. 1 to 105,000), Sr. 9d. p.—Great Western,
Quarters, 6% p. ex div.—Leeds and Thirsk, dis.—Leicester and
Bedford, % dis.—London and North-Western, ISO ex div.—Ditto,
New, Quarters, 12% p.—Manchester and Leeds, Fifths, 6% p.—
Ditto, 32/. Shares (late Extension), 3% p.— Manchester, Sheffield,
and Lincolnshire (late Great Grimsby and Sheffield), 434 dis.—
Ditto, 20!. Shares, 1% dis.—Manchester and Southampton, 16s.
34. dis.--Midland Stock, 123—Ditto, New, 4% p.—North British,
Quarters, 21 p.—North Staffordshire, 3% p.— Preston and Wyre,
Halves (A), 4( p.—Scottish Central, 7% p.—Shrewsbury and Here-
ford, % dis.—Shrewsbury, Oswestry, and Cheshire, 2 dis.—Shrcws-
bary and Binningham, 151. 7s. 9d. Shares (A), 14 p.—Ditto, 9!. 12s.
3d. Shares (II), p.—South-Eastern and Dover, New, No. 2,2% p.
—Ditto, No. 4, Ti p.—South Staffordshire Junction, 3,p.—West
Riding Union, 2 p.—York and Newcastle, New, 6% p.--York and
_North Midland, Preference, 10!‘ p. —Newry and Warrenpoint, 114 p.
—Dutch Rhenish, 2% dis.

. _
MANCHESTER, 111A.acn 1.
STOCK EXCCANOE.—The sales are—Amhergate, Nottingham, and
Boston. % p.—Birkenhead, Lancashire, and Cheshire Junction, % c.
p.—Birmingham and Oxford Junction, 9 11-16 p. —Blackburn, Clithe-
roe, &c., p. c. all—Ditto, Preferentials, 2 p.—East Lacashire,
New, 2% c. p.—Ditto, New (scrip), 1 7-16 p.—East Lincolnshire.
c. p.—Edinburgh and Glasgow, 78%—Fleetwood, Preston, and
West Riding Junction. ik c. p.—Great Northern (late London and
York), Reg., % p —Huddersfield and Manchester Railway and
Canal, 4 p.—Leeds and Thirsk, die.—Ditto, New, % dis.—Ditto.
l'referentials, 1% p.— London and South-Western. scrip, p.—Man-
chester and Leeds, 321. Shares (late Extensions), 3 3-16 p.—Manches-
ter, Sheffield, and Lincolnshire, Eighths, 3j dis.— Ditto, Grimsby
(121. 10s. Shares), 1 dis.—Ditto (Sheffield and Lincolnshire), 1% dis.
—Manchester and Southampton, 165. dis.—North British, Extension
13-16 c. p.—North Staffordshire, 33G p.—Preston and Wyre, 35--
Ditto, Halves (B), % p.—Shrewsbury and Birmingham (A), 5-16 p.
--Ditto, 9/. 12s. 3d. Shares (B), 9-16 p.—South-Eastern and Dover,
No. 4, %p. —South Staffordshire, 34 p.—Wharfdale, c. dis.
LEEDS, MAacu 1.

STOCK EXCHANGE.—The sales are—Ambergate, Nottingham, and
Boston, 3s. 6d. p.—East Lancashire, New, 21. 6s. p.—Ditto New
(scrip), 295. 6,1 p. —East and West Yorkshire, 14s. p.—Glasgow and
Dumfrii2s, 20s. p.—lludderstleld and Manchester, 3% p.—Leeds and
Dewsbury, Extensions Scrip (green), 15s. p.—Leeds and Think, 20s.
dis.—Ditto, New, 2s. 6d. p.—Ditto, Preference, 345. 6d. p.—Mahon
and Driffield Junction, 265. n. p.—Manchester and Leeds (late Ilud
and Sheff.), p.—Ditto, 321. Shares (late Extension), 31. 3s. 9d.
p.—Manchester, Sheffield, and Lincolnshire (late Great Grimsby
and Sheffield), 4% dis.—Lntto, ditto, Extensions, 295. dis.—North
British, Halves, 4% p.—Ditto, Thirds, 545. 9.—Ditto, Extensions
(scrip), 15s. 6d. p.—North Staffordshire, 3% p. —Northern Countlea
Union, 245. dis.—North-Western, tis. 6d. p.—Sheffield, Rotherham,
and Goole, ss. p.—West Riding Union, 395. 6d. p.--Wharfdale Junc-
tion, par —York and Newcastle (late New. and Dar. June.), Prefer-
ence, 4% p.

ULL, m 1.
STOCK EKCIIANGE..—ThH Mia
e sales are—i Blackburn, Clitheroe, and
North-Western, par—Great Northern (London and York), 3—Leeds
and Dewsbury, 7 p.—Alanchester and Southampton, 21s. 9d.—
North British, Extension (scrip), 275. p.—Ditto, Thirds, 76s.—North-
Western, % p. ex int.—Shropshire Union, 13s. dis.
EDINBURGH, FEBRUARY 27.
STOCK EXCHANGE.—The sales are—Caledonian, New, 50s. 6d.—
Direct Northern (scrip), 58s. 6,1.-11undee and Arbroath, No. 3,
51,4 —Dundee and Perth, 3514—Ditto, New, 22%—East Lothian Cen-
tral, 535.'—Elndburgh, Leith, and Granton, New, 60s.—Ditto, Quar-
ters, 17s. 6d.—Edinburgh and Northern, 17N—Ditto, New, 925. 6d.
—Ditto, Newport, Ss. 6d.—Ditto, ditto, New, 59s,—Edinburgliand
Mo.
Perth (New), 52s.—Ditto, New, 16s.—Great Northern (late
).Direct
Northern), B'2s. 6,l.—North to
British,
Q
Quarters, 91s. 6d.—Ditto, New,
Thirds, 765.—Scottish Central, 22—s 'tirlleg and Dunfermline, 78s.—
uart 36—Ditto,ers
(s
u
ri11pa),1v2e57;.176,1.--Dit ,
ct Bombay and Madras,
York and Newcastle, Preference, W.—Dire
3s. 9d.

GLASGOW, FEBRUARY 27.
STOCK EXCHANGE.—The sales arc--Direct Northern (scrip), 573.
—Dundee and Perth, 361. —East Lothian Central, 525. 6d.—Edin-
burgh, Leith, and Granton, Quarters, 16s. 9d.—Edinburgh and North-
ern, New, 60s.—Edinburgh and Pcrth (Old Co.), 535. 6d.—Ditto.
New, 15s. 3d.—Glasgow, Kilmarnock, and Ayr, Halves, No. 2, B%
Manchester and Southampton, 22s.—Scottish Central, 221. Is.—
Scottish Midland Junction, 241.—South-Eastern and Dover, New
No. 4,4%.

ST. DAVID'S DAY.—Monday being St. David's
Honourable SociTethye
members_i tofßtrihe-
tDoany;ctehleebAnratecdienthteiarnld 33d
anniversary
sSioccei eitny t ahneda
ftt heerncohoni d ractn
sotf.
‘tihaemsecshsoocl ;lartcthe,n
pcl
cdcaDd
iv
lin e.
the se r -
Rprea‘3.-.etrigrw.
vezrerdds,inthethechaanpclaieinnt toßrtihtleshinlastnigutugne, bayntdhae
wraea
sermon was preached is English by the Bishop of Worces-
ter, after which a collection was made for the befit of the
charity. In the evening the Society dined at the Freemasons
Tavern.
THE HousEnon, TROOPS.—The half-yearly
change of quarters of the brigatle of Foot Guards commenced
on Monday, and was completed yesterday, agreeably to the
following order :—Grenadier Guards, Ist battalion, from Win..
chaster to the Tower; 2d ditto, from St. John's Wood and
to
from
ne r
st et
olvutin-quarters.
tocrooirdtsmtraenam-strGeeuta;rd3ds, dlisttto,
b fra
totr aa
i tohn*,
George's Barracks to the Wellington Barracks; 2d ditto,
from Portman-street to St. John's Wood and out-quarters.
Scots Fusilier Guards, Ist battalion, from Wellington Bar-
racks to Windsor; 2d ditto, from Windsor to St. George's
Barracks.

EXTENSIVE HIGHWAY ROEBERT.—Monday in:
formation was forwarded to the
eXtettsive highway robbery, accompaniedpolice, from Leeds, of as
Friday last. It appears that a man, with violence, on
the employ of the Rev. RH. Brill dniiramed James Heald, in
the Middleton Collieries, R.
sent totf,e, thworksepro withpt a proprietor
b of
containing 117/. 10s. in gold, five 10/. provincial notes, and
51. Is. 100. in silver and copper. On reaching the road
near Belleisle, he was suddenly pounced upon by three men,
who knocked him down and beat him till he was nearly
insensible, and took sway the bag with its contents. A re-
ward is offered for their apprehension.
There is a rumour that the Hon. F. Charteris will.
again come forward for the eastern division of Gloucester-
shire, and will receive the support of the free-trade Con-
servatives as well as of the Liberal party.—Bath Journa.
TILE RAJA OF SATTARA.--Monday a public
meeting was held at the Assembly Rooms, Peckham, for the
purpose of petitioning Parliament for an immediate and
searching inquiry into the conduct of the Indian authorities
" by whom the Raja of Sattara has been deposed, stripped
of his private property, and kept for seven years in exile and
captivity." Runic) Rapogee, the agent of the Raja, de-
' tailed the proceedings connected with the Raja's case, and
',. after several addresses it was determined to petition the
' House of Commons to interpose its authority in procuring
the Raja's restoration to power.