The Sun.
London, England, 1846-11-19 00:00:00

ANNEXATION OF CRACOW,

(F-r‘tq ho Times.)
s made by Lord Palmerston
upon his return to Office last summer contained an em-
phatic declaration in Parliament, that the Northern
Powers would do well to remember that the great public
treaties, which are the basis of political society in Eu-
rope, are no less binding on the Vistula than they are
upon the Rhine and on the Po. The Northern Powers
have,however, taken so little account of this declaration,
that they have not hesitated to perpetrate on that tame
Vistula the most flagrant, direct, and unwarrantable vio-
lation of the Treaty of Vienna which has ever yet been
attempted by any of the Governments of Europe. Im-
portant changes have, indeed, before been effected in the
provisions of that important instrumentby the irresistible
. force of events, which have subsequently been ratified
or accepted by the consent of the five great Powers. But
the policy of the three Northern Courts towards Poland,
and especially towards the " free, independent, and
strictly neutral city" of Cracow,
forms a signal exception
to this rule. Russia, Austria, and Prussia have carried
on their work of spoliation and oppression alone by the
gradual violation of every pledge under which
Cracow was assigned to their protection, and the
systematic subversion of every institution which might
have made that city prosperous and free; they have now
crowned these encroachments by the total annihilation
of the republic itself, the absorption of its territory, and
the unflinching violation of all the treaty engagements
by which the existence of that last fragment of the Polish
commonwealth was guaranteed. And these are the pro.
tecting Powers to whose care the city and territory of
Cracow were assigned in trust ! Since the Congress of
Vienna no act has ever been consummated more thoroughly
revolutionary in its spirit, or more subversive of that
general principle by which the existing territorial ar-
rangements of the Continent are upheld. Cracow was,
indeed, almost the least of the independent States of
• Europe, hardly exceeding in size those free cities of
Germany whose political existence rests upon the foun-
dation of the German Confederation. But if we required
evidence of the
public, which concentrated in itself all that remained of
political significance of this little re-
Polish independence, we should find such proof in the
extraordinary care with which the State of Cracow
was determined by the Congress of Vienna, and in
the extraordinary perseverance, deceit, and audacity
which have been employed in the destruction of that
work. In all the several treaties signed on the 3d of
May, 1815, between Russia, Austria, and Prussia, hav-
ing reference to Polish affairs, the independence and
neutrality of Cracow was solemnly proclaimed. In the
additional treaty of the same date between the same
three powers the first article runs thus :

One

" The city of Cracow, witliit; territory, shall be re-
garded in perpetuity as a free, independent, and strictly
neutral city, under the protection of the three high con-
tracting parties."

The subsequent articles of the same treaty determined
the extent of its neutral and independent territory ; se-
cured the entire freedom of its commerce, as well as
that of the adjoining Austrian town of Podgorze ; for-
bade the introduction of an armed force under any pre-
text whatever • and, finally, conferred on the city a free
constitution, Which was textually inserted in the addi-
tional treaty.

" A copy of these articles,"
of Cracow,
oBn
oflfoast
Cssh:
rbe a i
aymccp
topeohwronemri
rt
pwaa
enlnees etrsnneoi
otpf
to be solemnly deposited in the archives of the free city
p
esomniasoeteyafi
nlas
clauses,
oryl
aifat the
steseshpi
oe
gelesf
nBa,ga
ettai
ehedi
nndt
dheoi reennosputpt clause,hhose wece era'9gir'l
ntel
si
especially
ciples adopted towards it by the three high Powers.
e
.'
ffoptothi
Vienna,
those touching the freedom, independence, and strict
r 'no
fee Aur
jat
ullr an
all teich: teyl
and it was, moreover, provided by the 118th article of
that treaty, that the separate treaties relating to Cra-
cow, " should be considered as' integral parts of the
arrangements of the Congress, and have everywhere the
same force and value as if they were inserted word for
word in the general treaty." Never were engagements
more precise or more solemn. Never have such engage •
ments been flung to the winds with more thorough in-
difference. If these clauses are so worthless that the
ir completedirect
nt
aengagementn d
o theirpen a
annihila-
tion irhkitt ofe-
tt o
ne e
ofP destructiono
Cw, er
ari Powers
Polandowf thet
h there
Northrebyh e
d
is
notmay
treaty of Vienna which can stand against the will of
any Power disposed to break it, and to talk of the
faith of treaties is an extravagant fiction. They, be
it remembered, have set the example on the Vistula ;
let them ilot• be surprised if it be imitated elsewhere.
They have, however, arrived at this determination
by slow steps ; and more than ever we must now
regret that there was no diplomatic agent of England
on the spot to mark from the first the whole tendency
of these changes. In 1833 the three protecting powers
began by substituting a new constitution for that which
had been incorporated in the treaties of Vienna, and
thus transferring the supreme power from the magis-
trates of the city to their own Residents. In 1836, upon
the most frivolous pretences, the city was occupied by
Austrian troops; false reports of disturbances and re-
volutionary schemes were studiously promulgated by
the Austrian police; and 200 or 300 victims were
dragged without trial from the neutral territory and
banished to Western Europe or America. At Tceplitz,
in the same year, a proposition is said to have been
made to Austria to annex the city to her empire, but at
that time the offer was declined. The events in Poland
and Galicia in the spring of the present year appear to
have conquered this repugnance of the Court of Vienna.
Caused, as those events undoubtedly were, by
the misgovernment and incapacity of the Austrian
authorities exaggerated to the last degree by
the servile newspapers of Germany, which are
wholly under Austrian control and augmented
by the gross misconduct of the Austrian troops, who
were terrified by the lies of their own police, the dis-
turbances of last February are the pretext for trampling
on the last remnant of Polish nationality, and breaking
the last promise of mercy made to Poland. The Aus-
trian Government has-shown the world in its own pro-
vince of Galicia to what brutal bands that portion of the
spoil of Poland was consigned. The city of Cracow is
now, it appears, to be annexed to it. The statesmen
who have literally repeated the 'sanguinary trick of the
massacre of St. Bartholomew, by arming and inciting
one class of society against the other, are to turn the
palace of the Jagellons into Austrian barracks, and to
guard the tombs of John Sobieski and Kosciusko ! This
is, indeed, the
last insult to the Polish name. Under
Russian authority Cracow might have had at least a
tranquil subjection ; under Prussia the city might have
enjoyed the protection of a firm and honest administra-
tion ; under that rule which has so lately covered Ga-
licia with ruin and bloodshed, Cracow and Poland are
condemned to sink beneath the feeblest of their foes.
Bat whilst we feel the strongest commiseration for
the fate of this unhappy city, which has literally
been persecuted to the death, and whilst we abhor
this repetition of the partition of Poland on the
last fragment of Polish territory, the nature of the
transaction, the violation of the treaty, and the insolent
indifference to the voice of public opinion and the claims
of Western Europe, are even more important in our
eyes than the act itself. Nor can we shake off the sus-
picion that the Northern Powers would not have dared
to strike such a blow at the established order of Europe
without at least the secret acquiescence of the French
Government. We shall see the result ; we shall see
whether the Court of the Tuileries is prepared to descend
to the base conspiracies of Laybach and Verona, formed
for the destruction of the liberties of Europe. We have
not yet learned to think so meanly even of our opponents.
But this thing will put it to the proof. France is pledged
with England to uphold the treaties of 1815 ; France is
more earnestly devoted than England herself to that
cause of Peland, which she celebrates by an annual pro-
testation of her Legislature. We shall see by the con-
duct of France with reference to the annexation of
Cracow, whether the sacrifice of ber independent
judgment is already made, or whether she repudiates
and resists the resuscitated policy of the Holy Alliance.
King Louis Philippe has miscalculated his strength if he
hopes to bend the spirit of the French nation to so de-
grading a compact.

FlRE.—Tuesday afternoon, about one o'clock, the
neighbourhood of Barclay and Perkins's brewery, in
Southwark, was greatly alarmed, in consequence of a
fire having broken out in a small house, occupied by
some poor people, in Angel-court. It appeared that the
woman of the house lighted a fire in a room, in which
there had not been one for some time past, when some
sparks communicated with the soot—the chimney being
very foul—and instantly the whole was in a blaze, and
the neighbourhood half suffocated with smoke. The
utmost exertions were made by the poor woman to ex-

tinguish the fire, but finding it 1.-,urn fiercer, and it being
evident that some part of the wood in the flue had
caught fire, the engines were sent for ; before their ar-
rival, however, some ladders were obtained, and by the
exertions of several men the fire was eventually subdued.
The engines arrived shortly after, but their assistance
was not requisite.
FATAL CARRIAGE ACCIDENT.—On Tuesday evening
an inquest was held:by Mr. Bedford, at St. George's Hos-
pital, on the body of Luke Shaw, aged 51, a drover.
The deceased was in a very weak state of health, and on
Tuesday afternoon last he was driving a flock of sheep
along the Bayswater-road, when near the Craven Hill,
a barouche, drawn by one horse, belonging to Mr.
Thos. Orton, of 1, Orme-square, Notting-hill, and driven
by that gentleman, passed. The horse suddenly jibbed,
and a person who was on the box got down, and suc-
ceeded in getting the animal to proceed, and whilst he
was jumping uP on to the barouche again the deceased,
who was unnoticed by Mr. Orton, was knocked down by
He was picked up in an insensible state, and
ve
the horse, and the hind wheel of the carriage passed
over
him.
to the above hospital, where he expired on
Friday last, from fracture to the base of the skull. Ver-
dict, " Accidental death."
FATAL ACCIDENT.—On Tuesday morning, at about
half-past nine o'clock, as a young lady was crossing
Hyde-par, kin the direction of Upper Grovesnor-plane,
she was knocked down by one of the Brentford omni-
sb
u
e w
s
e
s
.
conveyed
She was taken to St. George's Hospital, in the
immediate vicinity, but life was found to be already

extinct.
A NOVELTY IN FRUITS.—On Monday there were
several dishes of raspberries exhibited in Covent-garden
market. These were not the produce of forcing, but
were natural crops, grown in the open air in a gar-
den near Turnham-green, being the second supply this
season.
Tug NATIONAL CLUB.—Tuesday evening a public
eeting of the inhabitants of Kennington and its
vi
cinity was held at the Horns Tavern, in support of the
recently formed National Club, at which Lieutenant-
wee addressed by the chairman and several
Colonel Sir Digby Mackworth, Bert., presided. The
orntretrinsgpeakers, and resolutions were passed for the for-
mation of a branch association under the title of " Surrey
Protestant Alliance."
Lord John Russell arrived at his residence, in
Chesham-place, Belgra,ve-square, yesterday afternQvn,
from a Visit to her ildit,jeslY a 6 Wiudsor Castlc.

THE ANNUALS.

SH
fiGni-sitheo:, DRAWING-oßrgoeoouKs
FIWeIEIdR
do the
theD“RhAighWly IN.
for 1847. Edited by the lion. Mrs. Norton.
binding, and elegant appearance of this beautiful
volume prove its right to its aristocratic appellation.
Yet it has other and far higher qualitities than that
appellation might be supposed to imply. In its way
it may serve as a not insignificant "sign of the times,'
as an evidence of the new sentiments and opinions
which now find entrance into the most refined, and,
hitherto exclusive regions. Very different is the
Drawing-room Scrap-book for 1847, from the many
various-coloured silken volumes which annually
adorned the salons and boudoirs some years since.
In place of the fancy portraits of some romantic 1
heroine or the miniature illustrations of some fictitious
tale, in this audacious volume—styling itself par
excellence the chosen of the drawing-rooms—we find,
as a companion for that of her Majesty, of Prince
Albert, and of many a scion of the nobility, a like-
ness of Mr. Cobden 1 While in the verses which ac-
company these and the other illustrations, sentimental
" stanzas," and senseless panegyrics have given way
to a brilliant variety of lively raillery and caustic
sarcasm on fashionable faults and follies, mingled
with pure and holy thoughts and high and earnest
aspirations for the popular welfare, from the talented
grand-daughters of Sheridan. Consequently to assert
in 1847 that the Drawing-room Scrap-book is worthy
of its name implies that its attractions are of a cha-
racter totally different from those which might have
obtained for it such a commendation in the " good old
times." The thirty-six engravings which adorn this
volume are not originals," done for the occasion,"
but, what is far better, a collection of beautiful
subjects, which have already, in various forms,
claimed public approbation. They present a pleasing
variety of portraits, landscapes, fanciful scenes, and
what, for want of a better name, must, we suppose,
be denominated, interiors. Of this latter class are
some of the most beautiful engravings of the whole
collection—representations of the interior of the
Chapel of the Virgin in the Abbey Church, St. Denis ;
of that of St. Gudule, Brussels ; of the Gallery of
Henry 11., Fontainbleau, and several others of a
similar kind, from most elaborate drawings by
Allow, most admirably engraved. Yet after admir-
ing these works of art, which commemorate the great
achievements of men's hands, it is almost refreshing
to turn to others which endeavour (at however great
a distance) to portray the infinitely greater works
of nature. Among these is a view of the Rhine, with
Coblentz and Ehrenbreitstein, the "broad stone of
honour." The great charm Of this beautiful picture
consists in the sudden effect produced by simply
turning over the page which contains it, when, as if
by magic, the whole expanse of country appears
spread out before us. Many of the portraits which
adorn this volume—among others those of Sir
Robert Sale, of Lord Hardinge, and of Mr.
Villiers—will meet with a cordial welcome. The
frontispiece represents the accomplished editress, to
whom Sir Edward Bulwer Lytton has addressed some
most complimentary lines of exceeding beauty. The
likeness of Mr. Cobden, to which we have already
alluded, is undoubtedly a correct one, yet it is hardly
the Mr. Cobden most foniliar to the great multitude.
He does not stand before us with the kindly smile
and cheerful air with which he was wont to make dull
matters interesting ; his countenance has hardly that
look of unwavering confidence and firm conviction so
prone to inspire confidence in others. He is repre-
sented as in deep thought, as we may suppose him to
have appeared while the mighty project was forming
in his brain, and great facts and immutable truths
were presenting themselves before him, to be by him
freed from the errors and prejudices of long years,
and reduced to their primitive simplicity. So entirely
does the appearance of this portrait carry out this
idea, that we may easily suppose, that even while
the artist was at his task, the thoughts of his " sitter,"
forgetful of his situation, were flowing in their
habitual channel. The portraits of the Great Free-
trader, ani his brother-in-arms, Mr. Villiers, are both
accompanied by suitable poems by Mrs. Norton ; the
concluding verse of that one, in honour of Mr. Villiers,
is most appropriately addressed to the British public
at the present time :
" But forget not, in that hour
When the strife is all gone by
The earnest hearts whose power
First led you on to try
What the might of gathered multitudes might do.
Turn back, and let your cheer
Sound gladly in their ear—
' We never should have conquered, but for YOU 1"
Among the many interesting pictures in this volume,
is a portrait of the eldest son of Lord Ashley, appa-
rently a high-spirited, intelligent child. As the
portrait of a child, it will be viewed with interest, and
as that of one of the " children of the nobility," it
may attract many curious glances from the bright
eyes of the drawing-rooms through which the " Scrap
Book" is destined to pass. But how earnest and how
intense would be the interest it would excite among
the inhabitants of the factory regions : how many a
mother would turn anxiously to look on the picture,
and gratefully to implore blessings on the head of the
child of him to whom her own young children are so
very much indebted. In addition to numerous
poems, varying from " grave to gay, from
lively to severe," with which the editress has
illustrated many of the engravings, the drawing-
room scrap-book is rich in poetical attractions. Lady
Dufferin has contributed some very sprightly and
amusing pieces, one of which suggested by a group of
Chinese going out in grand procession to " Meet the
Spring," is rendered most effective by the sudden
transition from raillery to feeling; she begins—
" Well! the assurance of some person! Just conceive so
bold a thing,
As those horrid Chinese monsters going out to meet
the spring,"
and then proceeding in a lively strain turns the whole
ceremony into ridicule. " I have never been to China,"
she observes,
" But I know the sort of place it is—as well as wiser
pates—
From different Works on China,' illustrated with
plates."
And so on, till after an ironical enumeration of various
peculiarities of the country and the ceremony, con-
cluding—
" But enough! my soul turn from them 1' Let the
creatures take their fling,
Only, don t join that procession going out to meet the
spring I"
She suddenly exclaims, changing her tone and check-
mg her mirth,—
' Oh, thou mocking tongue, be silent I Is there so much
joy on earth,
Thou wonld'st grudge the simple pleasures, that in
Nature have their birth?
Dust thou scorn the meek-eyed people? Dost thou
deem that worship wrong,
That would welcome back God's blessings, with a
grateful heart and tongue?—
That would greet the glorious Summer, with its sun-
shine and sweet air,
As a precious gift from Heaven b be hailed with song
and prayer?"
These and many lines of a similar character, both by
Lady Dufferin and Mrs. Norton, are introduced
with peculiar effect amid their lighter pieces—
evidencing the kindly feelings of their hearts,
notwithstanding their somewhat sarcastic ob-
servations, and proving that their wit is of that
harmless kind which "loves to play, not wound."
" The fountain of Vaucluse and Petrarch's castle,"
have suggested some very beautiful lines to r.
Monckton Mines, commencing (though without
acknowledgment), in the very words of Byron
on the very same subject, " There is a tomb in
Arqua." The enduring celebrity of Petrarch's
sonnets as surviving his more learned compositions,
is described with forcible simplicity :
" High on the shelves, in dusty dignity,
His un-read wisdom may for ages stand;
While on the shaded garden-seat you see
That maiden with her sonnets in her hand.
And thus Vaucluse—not Arqua—is the spot,
That Fetrarch's memory in full justice claims;
The statesman and the scholar are forgot,7—
Petrarch and Laura rest as household names."
We must not omit calling attention to one among
the fanciful illustrations which is entitled " Poland,"
an engraving of singular beauty, singularly appro-
priate to the subject. Two beautiful females, one
with an infant in her arms, are kneeling in tears upon
the field of recent carnage. Such a scene
-is peculiar
to no country or no period—many a similar one
might, doubtless, have been witnessed on that dread-
ful field, where "Freedom shrieked as Kosciusko fell ;"
and so the picture may be, perhaps, literally correct.
But we would rather regard it as a figurative re-
presentation (however unintentional on the part of
the designer). The beautiful women, bowed down
with grief, clasping each others hands in the sad fel-
lowship of sorrow, too truly exemplify their unhappy
land in the hour of her darkness and desolation ; but
in the lovely child, all unconscious of surrounding
trouble playfully clasping the cross which hangs
frcnct his mother's neck, as his bright countenance
beatas with artless joy, we would fain imagine we
behold an embodiment of Poland's better genius;
tho-agh now perchance only in its infancy, weak and
powerless, yet clinging resolutely to the emblem of
faith, and looking forwards with a smile of hope.
We must not close our notice of this truly beautiful
book without making mention of an admirable repre-
sentation of an ancient lady "threading her needle,"
while, with the assistance of Lady Dufferin, she thus
laments the degeneracy of the present times :-
1 " Ali deary me what needles I well really I must say,
All things are sadly altered—(for the worse too)
neitherpair
ahi
re aodfs
sncoi
srs
opros i no tsf
the—the
g onoede do eds.
7.lsieinpcienms
hyadvaeyn le
have no eyes,
.And there's ne'er a
fashioned size