The Irish standard. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn. ;) 1886-1920, 1910-05-14
A PROUD DAY FOR POLAND.

A PROUD DAY FOR POLAND.
Last Wednesday at the national
capital statues of kosciusko and Pu-
laski We're unveiled. and the president
of the United States offered fitting
tribute to the memory of the Polish
heroes who left their own country to
aid Americans in the War of Indepen-
dence. Like La Fayctte. De kalb, Ba-
ron Won Steuben and others, koscius
ko and Pulaski belonged to the arts
tocracy. but their hearts throbbed in
sympathy with the subjects of King
George III, who had declared their
independence: and with letters of in
PRODUCTION from Franklin to George
Washington they crossed the ocean
and offered their services in the cause
of the colonists.
What can you do" asked Washing
ton of kosciusko. ",rry me-" an
swered the gallant Pole. Washington
attached him to his staff and soon
learned that he possessed military tai
ents of a high order. He was fine
engineer and earned the title of the
Father OF the American Artillery"
His military skill contributed largely
to the success of the Saratoga CAM
paign and he superintendent the cree
ton of the Notifications at West
Point. He accompanied the Northern
army under Gates and the Southern
army under Greene and rendered sig
eminently worthy of A statue at
Washington and his eXiled country
men have reason to feel proud of him.
Pulaski is no less renowned in
American history than is kosciusko.
He was one Of the most brilliant cav
airy leaders the world has known.
Pulaski's Legion struck terror into
the hearts of the British soldiers. Con-
gress has appreciated his services by
providing the funds for the monu-
ment. The fearless hero fell mortally
wounded at Savannah and his death
was severe loss to the cause Of lib
erty the world over.
kOsciuskO returned to Poland after
the surrender of CORVALLIS at York
town and assumed command of his
countrymen against Russia and Prus-
STA. Although finally overwhelmed, it
WAS not until he had twice achieved
glorious victories against his superior
foes. His name is immortalized by
Campbell in English poetry and his
achievements for freedom are an in
spiration To the downtrodden race for
whom he fought and bled, though UNI
successfully.
Though the name of Poland is oblit-
Grated from the map OF the world and
it's rich soil is owned by the conquer
ors. yet her native sons have never
despaired of regaining their freedom
from foreign rule. Nobody doubts the
bravery of the Poles. They have
fought valiantly on many occasions
only to be defeated by superior force
Next to the Irish, they have been the
most prosecuted people in Europe. and
like the Irish they may attribute their
downfall largely to dissensions among
themselves in bygone days. Like the
Irish they have learned from expert
ence the value of unity and have Or
ganized the Polish National Alliance
in this country. Like the Irish, too
they are loyal members of the Cath
Ollie Church and loyal citizens of the
republic to which Koscusko and Pu-
laslzi contributed their military serv-
ices in the days that tried mems
souls.
The Poles and the Irish have suf-
fered Imprisonment. Punishment and
death for making futile attempts to
emancipate their ancient Kingdoms
from foreign domino ton, but the Poles
have never suffered for the faith as
the Irish suffered in the past. No
Russian or Prussian ruler of Poland
has solemnly sworn at his corona ton
that the religion protested by his Po-
lish subjects is dannable and idola-
trous. The Englisl, monarchs alone
have the exclusive distinction of TAX
ing such an abominable oath, but
from every indication the new king
will not repeat the blasphemy.
KING EDWARDS DEATH.