The New York herald., 1863-07-27


other great Union triumph there, following SO
closely upon the successes Of Meade, Grant,
Banks and Rosecrans, the rebels will have
neither the courage nor the ability to hold out
any longer. Their armies will be dispersed,
and the people of the seeded States will again
seek peace, wealth and greatness under the
banner of the republic.
The Present Aspect or the Polish oues-
tion. -
We have received by the Scotia one week later
dates from Europe. Among other intelligence
brought by this mail is the announcement that
Russia has replied at last to the formal notes
forwarded to tie st. Petersburg Cabinet by
England, France and Austria apropos Of the
unfortunate people Of Poland. To all the de-
mands made by the three great Powers Russia
now accedes, with the exception that she pro-
poses an amnesty instead Of an armistice It
will be borne in mind that the Poles demanded
constitutional government, an armistice for
year and the reconstruction Of the kingdom as
1t was before the treaty Of Vienna, which divid-
cd Poland between Austria, Prussia and Rus
sa, or rather as she was before 1772.
OF course the Poles are aware that their first
great care must be to obtain cessation of
hostiiities. To effect the reconstruction Of the
kingdom depends not upon Russia alone: Aus
tria and Prussia must resign the provinces they
now hold; and the probabilities are that neither
of these Powers will do so. The Poles demand
conference formed by eight European
Powers upon this subject, hoping thereby to
obtain majority, as they insist upon being
also represented. France and England, ex-
tremely anxious to avoid war with Russia,
are in favor Of the proposed conference. 1t
may readily be understood that Russia, Prussia
and Austria are not in favor Of such step.
The Russian government has recognized the
right Of the great Powers to adjust the political
system in Europe, with view to prevent the oc-
currence of events likely to disturb the general
peace. The Cabinet of st. Petersburg is anx-
ious to see termination Of the present hostili-
ties in Poland, and proposes temporary paci-
dcation, which it will depend upon the Poles to
observe. All the demands Of the great Powers
are considered by Russia in most conciliatory
spirit, and desire is shown to grant them all
save the armistice, which Russia proposes to
convert into an amnesty. This is Q most adroit
measure on the part Of Prince Gortschakof, as
it forces npen the Poles a recognition of the
authority of Russia, against which they are
now in q state Of insurrection. To have granted
or accepted an armistice would have been,
on the part Of Russia, an acknowledgment,
in fact, Of the power of the insurrection-
lists. To offer them an amnesty gives proof that
Russia still intends holding her power ever the
Poles, who, even if they are allowed constitu-
tional government, must yet depend upon
Russia as the controlling Power. The offer
Of an amnesty is thus most significant, as
1t foreshadows that Russia will not give up
Poland entirely. OF course, If Russia does not,
Prussia and Austria will follow her example,
although II is rumored that Austria will, on the
contrary, side with France and England in an
appeal TO arms, and force Russia to entirely
abdicate oil claim to Poland. We place no re-
lance upon this assertion, as IL is inconsistent
to suppose that Austria would thus work against
her own interests.
To sum up, the position Is now virtually as
follows The great Powers forwarded to st.
Petersburg notes demanding for tho Poles an
armistice, constitutional government, and
general amnesty. The Russian Cabinet. in
reply, expresses its willingness to grant repre-
sentative government to Poland, but, instead
Of an srmistice, general amnesty, and, as
consequence, the immediate cessation of hostli-
ties. This course forces upon the Poles the
acknowledgment of the rule of the Emperor
Alexander, fact which an armistice would
not recognize, as that would be simple cessa-
ton of the war for a given period. leaving the
question of the rule of the Gear in allegiance.
1t remains to be seen whether the great Powers
will accept the present offer Of Russia, or
whether they will prefer to try the force Of
arms in the matter. II is evident that Russia
will not abandon her hold upon Poland without
q struggle, and we doubt whether France and
England will attempt to force her to do so,
knowing that Prussia weuld more than likely
join Russia, and that Austria, even il she did
not follow the example, would remain
neutral. Neither France nor England is
prepared to act singly against Russia
Each fears treachery on the part Of the other
were the lead taken by either. IF England as-
sumed the initiative France would withdraw at
the last moment; and France fears that England
would act in the same manner; and herein lies
the safety Of the Gear, his enemies having no
faith In each other.
The Poles, who are prosecuting their insur-
rection successfully, will more than likely refuse
to accept the proAIered amnesty Of Russia. They
have once before repulsed with scorn such an
offer, and now that they have organized and
resisted the Russians with success they will
feel all the more disposed to object to any
course which would bring them once moro
under the rule Of the Emperor Alexander.
They are determined to regain their nationality,
and hope that the great Powers will aid them
in the accomplishment Of this desire. II, how
ever, France and England see flt to accept the