The Anaconda standard. [volume] (Anaconda, Mont.) 1889-1970, 1895-01-30
WEAR BL OK BADGES.

| Patriotic PolandeTs IN Chicago Observ
ing Melancholy Anniversary.
Within the last few days 1T has beer
noticed that hundreds of men and womer
III Chicago are wearing black badges val
the numbers 1795-ls95 printed on them il
figures of glistenIng white metal. TheJ
are becoming so numerous as TO attract a
good deal of attention and call for in
quiry as to their significance. Only tho
wearers know until the matter is ex
| planned what they mean. Other people
scratch their heads and wonder.
| 1t has Furthermore been observed that
/ these sable emblems are to DO seen only
on the breasts of the Polanders, therefore
the question that comes up is, why should
the cIuzens of that particular nationality
! thus distinguish themselves at this time
from every other class? Being black, the
badges are evidently signs of mourning,
But why do the Polanders mourn? Who
are they mourning for? No greatly distin-
gulshed son of the race has died recently.
There is nothing now in the shape of a
national calamity TO call for expression of
grief.
Max Drezmel cleared tho mystery by
saying that this year is one of universal
sorrow among all good Polanders through
out the entire world who have any feel
ings of affection for their native land. 1t
is the centennial anniversary of Poland's
complete obliteration as n distinct and
sclf-governed kingdom. In order to make
the sad event somewhat memorable ma
tive Poles. wherever they may be found.
have agreed to live the II months of 1895
as period of lament. This means that
they intend to- deny themselves all the
frivolous and gay pleasures they have
pledged themselves, says Mr.. Drezmel, to
abstain from festivals, dancing, picnics.
theaters, in fact amusements and pleasure
able entertainments of every kind.
As there are almost 1 O,O0O Poles in this
city, and they are n fun-loving race, it
will be seen that this mournful observ-
ancc is likely to have it's effect on Chicago
life next summer. However, benefits TO
art and education may grow out of it all.
The money usually spent in balls and fes-
rivals aud celebrations is to be applied TO
the purchase of a $1,000 statue OF Kos
cusko, to be erected either in Lincoln or
Humboldt park, and in paying the eX-
penses OF a series of education lectures.
In this connection it is rather interesting
to know that the Poles of Chicago are now
sounding the praises of tho now car of
Russia. This is due 10 the fact that since
coming upon tho throne he had not only
been showing his Polish subjects consid-
erablo consideration, but promises them
more Liberties than they have enjoyed in
many years. AS result they have some
occasion tor rejoicing. As is well known
Alexander III. had no love for the race
and kept a governor over them by the
II me of Gurllo who in this regard shared
the rulers feelings SO much that last year
whom the people arranged their pro-
grammes for this year of sacrifice, no We
tocd them. Then, as a punishment, he
ordered a round OF public festivals TO be
held during 1882 and also commanded
that tho arlstocracy of his province should
attend all the gay entertainments he en-
pected TO give. After the old car died
deputation of prominent citizens waited
upon Gurko and beg yed him to withdraw
his edict and permit Polanlers to observe
the centennial of their nations downfall
in the manner they had selected. But
this presumption upon his eXcellency s
patience met with "A severe rebuke. The
dcputation, however, was not to be sup
pressed without an effort, 50 they appealed
to tho young ear Ior relief and got il.
Tho young ca ar not only told them to do
as they liked. but he Immediately removed
the tyrdnncal governor. gave them per-
mission to speak their own language,
which they had not been privileged to do
for more than 90 years, aud full power to
carry on the anniversary doings to SUIT
themselves Chicago Tribune.