Washington sentinel. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1853-1855, 1854-12-17
THE Observation-Disclosures OF 20
IANn

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When a fortnight ago, we took ground in de
tense of Poland against the assertions of the
New York Tribune, which denied her the pos.
sibility of being reconstructed, we did not ex,
pect to be sustained in our opinions by such
imposing authorities as those we have now to
| record. 1t has been so little in the habit OF
foreign governments to sympathize with suffer
ing nationalities, and the spirit of the Congress
of Vienna had SO completely controlled the
policy Of their cabinets, that we could not sup
pose for an instant that such an idea as the re-
construction of Poland could be contemplated
by them as one of the necessities of the times.
Our reasons for believing in such change,
though not resting upon positive documents,
are nevertheless sufficiently indicated to be
above the mere rumors Of the daily press, or
the commentaries of foreign correspondents,
which are always more entertaining than relia-
BILE. Our authority in this case consists in the
language held by certain foreign papers whose
character and conservative spirit discards from
the mind, every idea of revolutionary or incen-
diary propagandism. This gives to the mea.
sure, certainly very bold in ITSELF substantial
appearance, and entities it to the consideration
of all classes and parties.
This question has been brought up during
the last fifteen days; first, by the North British
RevieD, and secondly, by the Journal des De-
bats, which never treats SO delicate subject
without having good reasons for doing so.
The English periodical supplies us with gen
eral review, in which the political map Of Eu-
rope is thoroughly remodelled, empires, king
doms, and dukedoms, set up on a new plan,
and concludes by showing the necessity of
wrestling Germany from the influence of Rus
STA, and Of restoring three nationalities, viz.
Poland, Italy, and Hungary, to their former
independence. The Journal DIES DebatS, on
the other hand, though not SO sweeping in its
policy as its English ally, leans however on
the same side, and recommends the establish
ment of Poland on the basis of the treaty of
1910. What the Journal DIES Debats under
stands by this we are unable to say for the
history of Poland does not afford, that we
know of any treaty, bearing that date, in refer
ence to its Constitution. All organic treaties
are anterior or posterior to that time. But
whatever may be the meaning of the editors
of that paper, well known to be in the conf
dence of the French Government, and filling
Offices under it, it gives rise to the idea that
Louis Napoleon intends to renew the policy of
he 10
atively puny arm to the banks Of the Vistula.
In that, he will have the advantage of
complying with the long delayed wishes of the
French, well known to be most devoted to the
independence of Poland. Indeed, France has,
been perhaps, the only country in the world
which never gave up that caase. The viva
city, intuitiyeness, generosity, and chevalier
spirit of the Pole has established a sort Of con.
sanguinity Of virtues between him and the
French; so much so, that they often call them
selves the Frenchmen Of the North. The part
which they constantly took in the victories and
the reverses of the first French Empire has
drawn still closer the ties already existing, and
the noble hospitality exercised towards the
Polish exiles after their defeat Of 1881, has put
a seal to that union. Its not, then, unnatural,
on the part of France, to take the initiative in
the restoration of Poland, since that nation,
though blotted out from the political map, has
always existed in the heart and mind Of her
people.
The reconstruction of Poland, seriously taken
into consideration by both governments England
and France, with chances Of success, is mea-
sure which cannot fail TO exercise great in
Auence upon the world and open new outlets
TO the welfare, industry and liberty Of several
nations. 1t is sufficient to cast glance upon
the map to see what n country of thirty mil
lions Of inhabitants, springing up in the midst
Of Europe, contentious with Austria, Russia,
Prussia, Germany, Denmark, and Sweden, with
democratic and revolutionary antecedents, to
have an idea of the importance Of such an
event The resurrection of Poland would not
only check the power and ambition Of all its
neighbors, il would not only scatter over the
world the resourcesofs rich agriculturalsoil, but
it would also call to its gate the manufactures
of foreign countries, and such productions as
cotton and tobacco, the trade of which is now
either depressed by Russian policy, or en-
crossed by Russian merchants. To re-estsb-
lish Poland is then a measure, not solely
revolutionary, but at the same time economical
in its bearing, and well calculated to enlist in
its favor, the sympathies of the people Of the
United States.
nara correspondent Of the Newark .Aduer-
tiser, writing from Rome under date of No
var,har IAth aava.