The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1899-07-05

II
that was In the open and In which his msr
were only protected behind crude earth
works
The Russians hurled themselves against
these weak defenses repeatedly. but were
beaten back from each assault These
wree continued at short intervals. but the
I:ttle Polish army held its ground Tor five
days. At the end Of that time KOsciuskO,
finding his position menacer from Galacia-
retreated In good order, the Russians hav-
ing lost 1900 men and the Poles barely
o.
Of this battle a German historian says:
The best military judges pronounced
6ith one accord that the affair OF Dubt-
enka might stand q comparison with
Greek and Roman deeds. and that Poland.
II she had no ThermOpylae. yet boasted
Leon4das upon her open fields"
The Russians passed the Bug. and soon
menaced Warsaw Stanlslaus. weak and
terrified. summoned his ministers and the
marshals OF the confederation. sho1ed
them the last threatening letter OF the
emprass and said: 81 have determined 70
ciuslCo, sick at heart declared that he
would not stay to witness the degradation
OF his country. He resigned his commits
sion. rejected several brilliant offers TO
join the Russian service. and with TIE
words, Grant, o God. that may once
more draw my sword for my native land
put out for Dresden. Thence he went 10
Leipsic, where he was followed by sixteen
young Polish noblemen.
At Leipsic Kosciusko received diploma
from the French National assembly, max
Ing him French citizen. In recognition
OF his services IN the cause Of liberty in
America and Upland. Kosciusko refused
an invitation to visit France but Jour-
neyed through Italy. where he was re-
ceived with enthusiasm. While he was
wandering matters were fast approaching
crisis in Poland. The King was a mere
puppet in the hands of the confedera-
ton, the heads Of which were equally pup
pets In the hands of Catherine.
Russian troops were poured into Poland
by the tens of thousands. and when every
part OF the kingdom had become invested,
and the people terrorized. the second par
tttion Of Poland by Russia, Prussia and
Austria, was completed. Thies was in
October. 1873. At this time the popular
prudently remained quiet. He felt that
ferment was at its height. but KoscIusko
the time for an uprising was not yet
ripe.
But the climax came when the Russian
envoy. General Baron Igelstrom. proposed
to reduce the Polish army to 1900 men,
Incorporating the rest of the troops with
Russian regiments This proposal was
really a command. General Madalinski.
commander OF a brigade OF Polish cav
airy. learned that his troops were marked
Tor reduction, and he Instantly resolved
to light the torch Of instruction. He
seized the Prusslan military chest. made
prisoners OF several officers. outwitted
several Officers. outwltted Iglestrom by a
strategem. and marching southwark
reached the Province OF Sendomir
Madalinski proposed to the mobiles a con-
federation to rescue Poland but they were
afraid Of the undertaking. General lyle
strom concentrated his troops at Warsaw.
and wave of patriotism swept over the
land that seemed as II II would carry all
before 1t. Cracow was In open rebellion,
and all that was needed TO achieve re-
suits was a leader.
kosciusko. who had been closely watch
ing the progpress OF events from beyond
the frontier. now concluded that the time
TO strike was at hand. He hurried to
Cracow by post. arriving late at night on
March "a. 1874. He entered the old capital
OF Poland at the head Of a few exlles.
When his arrival was announced the peo-
pie rushed TO meet him. The streets be-
came blocked with men. women and chill
dren. who hailed him as the deliverer OF
the country. Every house was Illuminated
and thousands Of men paraded the streets
with torches.
Kosciusko forced his way to the town
hall and taking his stand on the steps
aGaa al ~ a. Il
city and bring In all the arms that could
be found. His orders were executed. but
all the time the multitude kept shout
ing: 'Rosciusko foreveri Long live the
deiiverer Of tho country" The MOBILES who
were loyal to Poland gathered around him
and in the Hight Of the torches solemnIy
declared him commander-in-chief Of the
Polish forces. and an act. entitled the in
surrection act Of the citizens and inhabi-
tants Of the Province Of Cracow. which
placed unlimited dictatorlal authority in
his hands, was signed. |
This extraordinary document which con- |
veyed unlimited authority, both military /
and civil. was signed by thousands OF /
Poles. It authorized him to name the /
members Of the National Council-whlch /
was fashioned after the French Commit /
Tee Of Public Safety. But the power % /
the council was only 20 be exercised when /
employed In conducting the war 1
gainst the three powers that had divided |
Poland among them.
But this appointment did not mean IN /
any sense that KOSclusko should super
,ede the King. Its object was 20 provide
4 substitute for him so long as he should
remain a prisoner 10 the Russians-as he /
vas In fact. II not in name.
The title conferred on Kosciusko was
hat OF Naczinik. which means supreme
,hief. any by this title ne was reverentiy
Known 10 the day Of his death
When dawn broke on the morning after !
lis arrival az Cracow the Naczlnik was /
scorted 10 the market place By almost !
he entire population and here he made
brief address 20 the people He pointed
ut the importance Of the present move
nd demanded a cordial reception for his
oldiers and vigorous Cooperation. The
lctator's address was received with wild
bouts Of 'KosciskO forever! Liberty
nd Poland"'
The dictator then named the members
2 the National Council. proclaimed anew
he constitution, and Issued the following
reclamation:
Feilow-Citizens: Called upon from al
;des 20 save our country. I appear. In ohe-
fence 20 your will. az the head 90 the
overs II liberty. But alone cannot
bake Of the yoke Of slavery and break
ur chains. Every one must DO hts part: |
nd then can and VIII effect our eeiiv-
rance. In our common cause ore
pirit must ensoui Us. and zeal IRE our |
carts Each for all and all for eara!
onsecra;e 20 your country q part OF your |
not 50 much yours a. the |
estined booty Of dsspotsc rnereenaries,
Al our ranks with armed neaf Eacrf- I
8 es made 20 liberty and our country vili
? worthily rewarded BY a nations Kra-f- .
lde, The first step towards liberty e the |
solution 20 Re free: - the 6rst towards /
Ic,ory' IS the kn0EieGge % cur 0Wn
trength-
sly dear feIlow-eogn;rymen' expect .