The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1879-11-20
Poland's Greeting to Her
Great Painter.
ARTS CHALLENGE TO TYRANNY
The National Spirit Enthusiastic
cally Aroused.
RUSSlAS DESIRE TO CONClLlATE.

national patriotic fete recently rendered by the
city of Lemberg to the celebrated painter. Henry
SiemiradzcEi. The unprecedented ovations with
which the old capital of Poland lately hailed the
celebrated novelist and poet. Kraszewzki and the
less unusual demonstrations with which the princi
pal city of Gaicia greeted the lustrous painter OF
Polish origin above mentioned merely express
sions of literary and artistic admiration. They pos
deep political sgnihcance they mark the revi-
val of the Polish question the awakening of 100000
of beings Poles and Ruthenians scattered over the
territory of the old Republic of Poland Do they
roreshadow a not far distant war between Austria
and Russia? perhaps the ACKNOWLEDGMENT of the
heterogeneous and discontinued Empire of the Czars
The personal merit of Kraszewzki and Siemiradzck
however great could not account for agitation
general and so profound. These names to the
Galicians and Poles symbols of the spirit of liberty
which fills their hearts.
MOBILES COSTUME
ON the day following the arrival of Semiradzeki
ut Lemberg great banquet took place, at which
the leading citizens of the city, without
distinction of political opinions. The most splendid
theatre OF the city had been transformed into
magnificent hall, beautifully decorated with flowers
and ablaze with light. By means of an opening
made in tho wall OF this edifce the latter
connected with the Palace of the Diet.
which had been no less sumptuously
decorated for the ball which was to follow the
banquet. moro picturesque sight than that af-
forded by the two halls can hardly be imagined.
The noblemen appeared In their rich national
tunes with sashes and belts OF golden cloth, their
breasts blazing with jewels and carrying karabeles
or swords, the hilts of which were coy
cred with diamonds and pearls. The Ga
lician Deputies to the Austrian Parliament.
the municipal body. the academical body or
of displaying gorgeous attire. All the private boxes
crowded with ladies in full evening dress and
Respondent with diamonds flowers and loneliness
When Siemiradzcki entered the hall of the theatre
escorted by Dr. Jasinski the Mayor Of the city the
enthusiasm of the audience knew no bounds. The
orchestra and chorus obliged to wait at least
half hour before rendering Mendelsshon's
HISTORY IN PAINTING
The first toast offered to Henry Siemiradzcki
by the Mayor. who said that the fete less in
tended to honor the talent of the artist than his
to which he had given such ample testimony by his
gift Of his famous painting. "The Luminaria
OF Nero, to the Town Hall. Count Borkowsk
his capacity of President of the Academy
of the Fine Arts. His speech was marked by the
most enthusiastic patriotism, and was frequently
interrupted by vehement applause. 1t contained
passages truly touched by the fire of eoquence as
when he said:-"On one side The Battle of Gran
wald (the last colossal painting by John Matejko)
on the other The Luminaria OF Nero Here is the
history of our crucihed country. The former sums
up its past the second. alas It's present but by no
means its future. for country which produces
such artists as simiradzcki cannot de-"
SIGNIFICANT SPEECHES.
All the speeches of significant political cast,
and they were so numerous that to mention
however. overlook that pronounced by Herr
Lowenstein. some paragraphs of which elected
registered a triple martyrdom-for faith. for
science and for freedom. PROGRESS. eternal prog
ress by developing spirit Of forbeaTance, has put
ernments. There is no longer an Antioch o Nero.
Shouts from all sides. But there Aexanders Of
Russia.") The martyrdom in behalf of science. as
regards ut least its moral aspect. will last until
mankind shall endeavor to realize
attainable ideal. The wreath of thorns will
however, that the faith of Calico Tasso and Co.
lumbas are things Of the past The third martyr.
in all its pent-up agony. The Polish nation
the greatest martyrs for freedom. They have
tune, family. life-all that Is dear to man-to
freedom But this martyrdom cannot be eternal.
like a thunder in the heart of all nations thirsting
alter freedom. May the day shortly come in which
Independence and freedom may need no sacrifice!
drink to that day. But if its dawning is not in
scribed the book Of fate drink to martyrdom on
behalf of freedom" frantic applause. causing the
AIRS MISSION AMID SLAVERY
Herr Goldman. in an elaborate speech, surveyed
the mission OF the arts among ensaved people,
"Among us, he said "the pen and the brush must
be weapons to reconquer the lost fatherland. Let
them ever be witnesses of our national vitality Let
MS surround our writers and artists, who thor
pughly understand their mission. with love and
generation. Poland will not be lost SO long
d Krazewzki and Siemiradzcki until its sons
n their way comprehend their duties to
their nation. / drink to Poland, that will
die to whom. il need be, cheerfully shall sacr-
ice lives; to whom shall devote all our
thoughts and actions all our desires and affections
Let us unanimously cry. "pira our beloved Polandl
In the applause which ensued the ladies in the
boxes boxes took their part. and the orchestra
Is Not Yet Dead, in which the whole
assembly joined. The banquet closed by speech
from Semiradzcki in which the artist explained that
he wished to have it understood that lie accepted
such honors. not because his painting was master
piece OF art but protest as strong as his talent
permitted, against Russian tyranny, and that he
proud to declare to the world that the Luminara Of
Nero" was but a challenge to a despot.
The fete lasted three days, and presented great
variety Of entertainments The evening OF the third
where the artist was the recipient of un-
diminished applause. At the close of the
nrst act OF Zalewskrs Before the Wedding"
siemiradzcki was invited to appear on the stage.
where he was surrounded by all the artists of
Leopolis. and where Frau Aszperger presented him
with laurel wreath. The performance ended by the
exhibition Of the 'Luminaria of Nero, aud taJ,eau
r,rd"f. in which the portrait Of sicmiradzcki
was crowned by the muse OF painting and
by Poland. After the theatre there was
grand reception at the Mayors house.
of Galitia the high clergy of the three denomina-
tions, Latin, Ruthen and Arm enian and ali the no.
bility OF the state who had assembled at Leopolis
Tor this especial occasion. Siemiradzcki was then
escorted 20 the depot by torchlight procession of
many thousand persons and started for Vienna.
whence he proceeded TO Rome, where he generally
resides.
RUSSIAN FEARS OF POLISH ALLIANCE WITH
THE AUSTRIAN EMPIRE.
The London Examiner says that General Kotzebue
of Warsaw, has addressed despatch to the Emperor
suggesting that. In view OF the alarming develop
ment of the philo-Austrian proclvities Of the
sian Poles. steps should be taken to concate them
by easing tho administration. Kotzebue points out
that no long the Poles we're isolated Russia
had but little to fear from their hostility. In the
event, however, of strong national feeling arising
in favor of incorporation OF Russian Poland
with the Austrian Empire, and receiving the
sympathy of Germany and tho authorities at
Vienna the western frontier OF the Romanof's
dominions would be seriously impered.. 1t IL con-
reivablc. he asserts. that coalition between Hun