The Sun.
London, England, 1848-06-05 00:00:00

ONE WORD IN DEFENCE OF THE

POLISH NATION.

TO THE EDITOR OF THE SUN.
Sr t,—Whoever speaks of facts should in justice
look to the causes from whence such facts arise.
It has very generally become the fashion to assume
that the Poles are a demoralized nation, utterly in-
capable and unworthy to govern themselves, and de-
serving neither sympathy nor support.
This wholesale condemnation is certainly a very
convenient way of getting rid of a troublesome ques-
tion ; but it is as unjust as it is ungenerous and selfish.
The Poles are demoralized ! Granted ; but why are
they so ? There was a time when they, without
contradiction and reproach, ranked with any nation
in Europe ; and, therefore, to judge justly, we ought
to trace the causes of this demoralization, rather than
so severely attack their present faults. More than
thirty years, before the first partition of Poland in
1772, Russian policy, steadily working its way west-
ward, began the demoralization of its unfortunate
victim, and by the most infamous intrigues succeeded
but too well. What, then, is to be expected of a
nation, the systematic demoralization of which can he
traced more than a century back ?
The work of intrigue was followed up by oppres-
sion and tyranny, and every species of infamous treat-
mAit was resorted to, in order to crush Polish
nationality; and yet the perpetrators of such iniquity
are now the first hypocritically to condemn the
growth of the seed sown by themselves.
Is it to be wondered at, that a nation so systemati-
cally oppressed, so tyrannically governed, should
degenerate, hate and curse its oppressors, and as
opportunity offered, try to avenge the wrongs of a
century ?
Far from wishing entirely to exculpate the Poles
from some acts of curelty, recently committed in the
Grand Duchy of Posen, although these acts are
grossly exaggerated, as an eye-witness can testify, the
causes which provoked these lamentable occurrences
should be taken into consideration.
The promises given to the Poles, at the time of the
liberation of Mieroslawski, and the other Berlin
prisoners, were afterwards as good as nullified by in-
trigues entered into with the Jews, and part of the
German population, who were urged to resist the
attempts of the Poles at forming a Polish Government,
a mean trick to obviate that promise of reconstitution
given in a moment of weakness, and of which it
would appear the Prussian Government afterwards
repented; having in the hour of need shown libe-
rality, it hastened to counteract that step byithe
creation of dissensions between the two populations.
The question is simply this : Is the Grand Duchy
of Posen originally " Polish" or not ? It is; and
since the Prussian Government authorised the Poles
to reconstitute themselves under a purely Polish go-
vernment, the German population of course must
adhere to this new state of things.
When the Duchy of Posen was incorporated with
the kingdom of Prussia, the depreciation of property
caused a great many Germans to settle in Poland,
riot from any motives of philanthropy, but from
motives purely of interest. These and the Jews who
have enriched themselves upon the Polish soil are the
men who now want to sever half the Duchy from
Poland, and incorporate it with Germany.
Their duty would be either to Polonize themselves,
or leave the country which so abundantly nourished
them for the last thirty-three years; yet they have
allowed themselves to he made a tool of, to further
the ends of the Prussian Government. That Govern-
ment objects now to give up Posen, the capital, on
the plea that they have spent a million sterling to.
convert it into a fortress! Was this ever done fof
the benefit of the Poles ? Did they ever ask the Go=
vernment for such a boon ? And yet this scourge is
now made a pretext to rob the Poles of part of their
own ! this, too, at the time when the Government offers
freedom, and nationality !
Who can wonder at the exasperation of the Poles ?
who can wonder at excesses in retaliation on an
enemy, who wages a war of extermination against
them, slaughtering them by thousands, and hunting
them down like wild beasts; and all for what ? for
that in their simplicity they thought the Govern-
ment had been sincere in its permission to re-
constitute themselves, and in its promise of a Polish
Government.

In justice to the Prussian Government it must be
confessed that the Duchy under its rule had less
cause to complain than the kingdom under that of
Russia, and Galicia under that of Austria ; and that
the improvements in agriculture and commerce, intro-
duced by the German population, have had the most
beneficial effects in the Duchy; yet what is all this in
comparison with the loss of nationality ? which by
the higher degree of civilization of the German po-
pulation is more jeopardized in the duchy of Posen
than in Russian or Austrian Poland, where the op-
pressors are lower in the scale of civilization than the
oppressed.
Poland is a country which, from the vastness of its
natural resources, cannot be ruined, and the Poles are
a nation who, from their high intelligence and tradi-
tional love of freedom, can never be annihilated.
This has been abundantly proved during the last cen-
tury, and since the various partitions, the effect of
which has only been to strengthen their love of
country and nationality, and teach them the value of
union.

Systematic demoralization, subsequent oppression
and misrule, have injuriously acted upon the national
character ; this is no less true than lamentable, but it
is a natural consequence, which under similar cir-
cumstances would arise in every nation.
It does not, however, follow that wrong should be
continued because wrong has been done during a
century.
The status quo of 1772 is due to Poland, and if
Germany was alive to ber real interests, she would
willingly grant and assist the reconstruction of that
ancient country on the widest and most liberal basis ;
whether the Poles, after such reunion would be in-
capable of managing their own affairs would remain
to be seen, and would in fact be no business of other
nations. At all events, before condemning them, as
incapable, the experiment should be tried ; the mere
assertion " that they are unworthy, unprepared, and
incapable," is no less insulting now, than the original
sp, iation was infamous.

It should not be forgotten that the Poles of to day
are not the Poles of the last century ; misfortune and
exile have had their chastening effect upon the present
generation.
The objection that the Poles are a nation of nobles
only, and serfs, is now removed, for actual Nrfdom

has been abolished ; moreover it should be recollected
tint a middle class has now sprung up, which a cen-
tury ago did not exist in that country, and that con-
sequently there is no want of elements for successful
recon-.titution.—l am, Sir, &c.,
June 3, 1848. A GERMAN.

Now ready, at all the Libraries, in 3 Tols. post STo.,
MR. CURLLNG'S NEW ROMANCE.
SH S PEARE,
TAB POET, THE ACROMA NCTOR, THE
E. OVER, AND TEX MAX.
A
By HENRY CURLING.
Author of " John of England," tr..e.
Richard Bentley, New Burlington-street.

TO FLOUR DEALERS and POTATO
DEALS.
The Trustees of the Poor of the Poor of the Parish of ST. LEON-
ARD, STIOREDITCH, Middlesex, will meet in the Vestry-room,
Shoreditch Church, on MONDAY, the 12th day of June, 16411, at Six
o'clock in the Evening precisely, to receive PROPOSALS, and CON-
TRACT for the supply of FLOUR and POTATOES, for the use and
consumption of the Poor of the said Parish, tor Three Months, com-
mencing on 25th day of June, 1848. and ending en 29th day of Sep-
tember, 1848.
The whole of the articles to be contracted for are to be delivered
(free of expense), at the Workhouse in Kingsland•road, in such quan-
tities as may be required from time tr. time, and none whatever will
be received after Half-past Nine o'clock in the Morning ; and the
Trustees reserve to themselves and their agents power to reuse airy,
If suck be not according to the quality or quantity agreed on ; and I
also if such goods or articles are not delivered at the proper time, and
purchase other in lieu thereof, and charge the expense of the same to
the account of the contractor so is default.
The terms of payment to be within thirteen weeks after the com-
pletion of the quarter's supply.
The Contractors mast (if required) enter into Bonds, with such
sureties, and for such amounts, as may be deemed necessary, for the
due pe-formance of their respective Contracts, and such Bonds will
be prepared by the Clara to the Trustees.
Sealed Proposals to be delivered at the Clerk's Office, at the Work-
house, before Three o'clock on the day of meeting, and no alteration
in the Form of Tender will be allowed.
The Contracts will be sabject to any alteration or amendment ren-
dered necessary by any rule or order of the Poor-law Commissioners.
The Form of Tender, and any further information may be obtained
by applying to the Clerk to the Trustees, at the Workhouse, from
Nine o'clock till One, and from Three till Five ; and persons offering
to Contract, must attend at the Church at the time of meeting.
The Trustees do not pledge themselves to accept the
Wlowest Tender.
JOHN IRE Clerk.

ITER MAJESTY'S THEATRE.'
lidlle. JENNY LIND.
The Nobility, Patrons to the Opera, and the Public are respectfully
Informed, that a Grand EXTRA NIGH r will take place on THITR3-
DIY next, June 8, on which occasion Mdlle. JENNY LIND will
appear in Donizetti's Opera, entitled
L'ELISIR D'AMORE.
Adina, Ildlle. Jenny Lind ; Nemorino, Signor Gardoni; Belcore,
Belletti ; and Dr. Dulcamara, Signor Lablache.
To be followed by ♦arious entertainment sin the Ballet Depart-
ment, combining the talents of Mdlles. C. Grisi, C. Rosati, M. Tag-
lion!, Cerito, and MM. Perrot and St. Leon.
The r'ree List is suspended, the public Press excepted.
Pit Tickets may be obtained as usaal at the Box-office of the
Theatre, price 10s. 6d. each.
Applications for Boxes, Pit Stalls, and Tiekets to be made at the
lox-office of the Theatre.

THEATRE ROYAL, HAYMARKET.
'Ca ier the Manazement of Mr. B. Webster. sole Lessee.
MR. AND MRS. CHARLES KEN.
THIt EVENING
Will be performed a new and original Play, entitled Tim WIFE'S
SECRET. Lord Arden, Mr. Howe Sr Walter Ainyett, Mr.
Charles Kean ; Jabez Sneed, Mr. N:eoster ; Harrington- Mr. Eris-
dall ; Brouillard, Mr. Rogers ; Lady Beeline Amyott, Mrs. Charles
Kean ; Maud Mrs. Keeley.
Betweea the pieces Mr. Gerhard Taylor, the eminent Harpistovill
perform a grand Fan aria.
After h a new ce called the PAS DE FASCINATION ; or,
Catching wa
i Gch overnor. pie
Michael Browsky, Mr. Keeley ; Katherine
).loner, Mrs. Keeley.
To conclude with a Grand Romantic Extravaganza, founded on
Elor.ice Walpole's mysterioas nroduction and. called THE CASTLE
OF DEXANTO. Manfred, Keeley ; the Marquis Viacenea, Mr.
J. ; Theodore, Miss P. Horton ; Oder to, Mr. Caulfield ;
Hip-
polito, Xis. W. Clifford ; Isa.oelia, 2.1 ss Reynolds ; Matilda, Mrs.
Caulfield.
Sta;e Manager, Mr. Farren; Acting Manager, Mr. F. Webster.
J. T. Archer, Fos-book ifeeper.
Bones, ss. ; Pit., 3s. ; Gallery, Is. ; tipper Gallery, is,
Doors open at Halt-oast Six, Per.ormance to commence at Seven.

IidEATSE ILOYAL, ADELPHI.
Under the direction M Madame Celeste.
THIS EVENINO

Will be performed a new and original Dra/nr called HARVEST
HOME. Principal cbaractors ay Messrs. H. Hughe,, Lambert,
P. Ilediord. 0. smith, Madame Celeste, Miss Woolgar, Mrs.
Frank Matthe—s, Turner, &c.
After wnic't a rew Farce, co'led GOING TO THE DERBY THE
DERBY DAY. Mr. Jererryah Twiddle, Vr. Wriglq 31r. John
James Chucks, Mr. Po.ri Bedaird; Mrs. Twiddle, )fins Weolgar.
To conclude wish o‘ ,nice, called 'IOW TO SETTLE
ACCOUNT:" WITH YOUR lALLicI)RESS. WhiLLlng•ton Widgetts,
Wright; Jock Brown, 701-. ,rnihb, Mr. Redmond
Ryan: Nary White, Miss Wool.;ar, , Mdlle. Cherry Bounee, Miss
Emma Harding.

Boxes, 45.; Pit, 25.; Gallery, Is.
o 2n at Ea1i..).1. Pet:o• mance to commence at Seven

BOYAL LYCEUM TUEATItE.
Ender the Manar„emert of Madame Vestris.
sole Lessee, Mr. Charles Mathews.
'PHIS EVENING,
Will be performed THE SCARECPOW. Principal characters by
Messrs. Beckstone, Selby, CarC,arjy, pod Charles; Mrs. C. Jones, Miss
Jane Coleman, Miss Lee. Prd
titer which, a new Interlude, entitled ',IIE FAST MAN. The
characters by Mr. Charles Mathews and 2.1-. Buckstoue.
T. conclude with r i ortginrl gran Claslical Extravaganza,
entitled THESEUS and ARIADNE or, tt'e :Marriage of Bachus.
Principal characters by Messrs. C. 'Mathews, H. Hall, S. Smith, F.
Cooke ; Miss Fitzwt"ism, Miss Jae Coleman, Miss Marshall, and
Madame Vest; Is.
Dress homes, 55.; rpper Domes, 4s. ; Pit, 2s. ; Gallery, Is. No
half-price to any pat t or the boa•.e.
Tile New Dom-otce, No. 2, Wellington-street, is open to the
Tablie every doy, from Ten ti'l alas

PRINCLSS'S THEATRE.
Mr. I. M. Maddox. so'e Lessee and Manager, Duchess-street, •
POT tland- place.
THIS EVENING,
" Will be performed THE CROWN DIAMONDS. Count de Campo
Mayor, Mr. Itodda ; Den Henriquez de Sandoval, Mr. Allen; Don
Sebastian D'Aveyro, Mr. Barker ; Rebolledo, Mr. Weiss ; La Cata-
rina. Madame Anna Thillon ; Diana, Mrs. Weiss.
After which, a new cemic Drama, entitled SPANISH MAR-
RIAGES Don Hernando& Mr. J. Vining ; Count San Lucia, Mr.
Gilbert; Don Gaspar, Mr. Conway; El' zabeth Farnese, Mrs. Stir-
ling; Donna Beatrice. Miss Cooper; Griselda, Miss Enema Stanley.
To conclude with a new Ballet, entitled MENORF:LLA. Charac-
ters by Mr. nein:lore, M. Le Clereq, M. Deulin, Madame Le Clercq,
Mdlle. IA Clercq, Mdlle. Louise, Mdlle. Adele, Mdlle. Mathilde, Miss
Hodson, and Mdlle. Auriol.
Dress Circle, : Boxes, 4s. ; Pit, 2s. ; Gallery, Is.

FRENCH PLAYS.—ST. JAMES'S THEATRE.
Lessee. Mr. John Mitchell. 33, Old Bond-street.
THIS EVENING,
The Performances will commence at Eight o'clock, when
Will be performed SECOURS CONTRE L'INCENDIE. Dan-
cenet, 31. Derval ; Beaulieu, M. merger ; Laure Dancenet, Madame
Berger ; Clensence de JuNigny, Mdlle. Brassine ; Claudine, 3ladlle.
Juliette.
After which, LES SECO:•.TDES NOCES. Desire Cornillet, M. Ra-
vel ; Fichon, M. Grassot; Atala, Madame Dupius ; Zenobie, Ma-
dame Grassot; Madeleine, Madame Lemenil.
To conclude with MON AMI PIERROT. Savournin, M. Lemenil ;
M. Vigoreaux, M. L'Heretier ; Verdier, M. Allard; Jules, M.
Berger; Rigaud, M. Grassot; Toe ese, Madame Grassot; Madame
Verdier, Madame Berger ; Madame Vigoureix, Mdlle. Juliette.
isoxes, 65.: Pit, 35. 6d.; Amphitheatre, 3s. Gallery, 25
Boxes and Stalls may be obtain, dat Mr. Mitchell s Royal Library,
32. Old Bond-street.

Si. JAMEs'S THEATRE.
ROBERT HOT:DE; (of the Palais Royal, Paris).—The
prising and interesting performances of ROBERT HOUDLN, having
been received with the mos, enthusiastic admiration, he will con-
tinue his extraordirary SOIREES FA
TA`
at the Sve•
t.
James's Theatre, and every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday E
ning, comprising Automates, Prestidigitation, Magic, and original
experiments, invented by Robert Houdin. Also, SecondVue Esca-
motage de Roberts Houdin, Pis, and Suspension Ethereene.
There will be no peribimarce To-Morrow Evening.
Doors open at Eight, the Exhibition to commence at half-past
Eight, and terminate before Eleven.
Boxes, 45.; Pit, U.
Boxes and stalls_ may be had at Mr. MITCHELL'S Royal Li-
brary, 33, Old Bond street , and at the Box-office of the Theatre,
which is open daily from Eleven to Five.
In compliance wits numerous applications, a DAY PERFORM-
ANCE will he givea on WEDNESDAY MORNING, June 7. Doors
&pea et Two o'c'ozit.