The Caldwell tribune. [volume] (Caldwell, Idaho Territory [Idaho]) 1883-1928, 1914-10-02
HOW THE POLES LOST
THEIR FREEDOM

There are today approximately 200,- |
900 Poles in the German and Austrian
armies, and 100000 Poles under arms
Tor Russia, who are opposing them.
Military experts point out the posi- !
bility that the car was aiming to ali
cnate the Polish soldiers of Russia
ncmics when he issued his recent pro-
clamation, promising autonomy for
he ancient kingdom of Poland.
Poland disappeared as an independ-
mt and integral state in l772, when
the first partition of the kingdom was
effected among Russia, Austria and
Prussia There was second parti-
ion in 1893, and the third and last
partition occurred in 1875. The divi
son of the Polish kingdom among the
hree powers, Russia, Prussia and
Austria, was rearranged by the Con-
yress of Vienna III 1915. In tire rear
rangement the shares of Prussia and
Austria were reduced and the Grand
Duchy of Warsaw was added to the
Russian empire.
This Grand Duchy Of Warsaw, or
the very much truncated kingdom OF
Poland, was absolutely autonomous
and independent of Russia, the only
| bond of union being personal, the
same monarch being the sovereign of
each state. The car was represented
by a viceroy and council of state.
\ constitution was granted OF fairly
liberal character. There was a parli-
ament of two houses, nominated
senate and an elected chamber. The
Polish language was the official me-
dunn The Catholic church was given
equality of treatment. Public em-
| II 70
This pleasant arrangement continu-
ed until 1881, when the Poles, alleg-
| ing abuses BY Russia, arose in rebel
lion and were crushed utterly by the
| car Their constitution was taken
away, their parliament abolished, their
army added to that of Russia and the
Russian language was substituted for
| Polish and made compulsory. All
| principal posts were filled by Russians.
In this sorry state the Poles have
lived until now. They have been scat
tered to all parts Of the world, to Ger
many France, England and America.
In the present war it is estimated
that 1000 Poles are fighting with
Germany, $1,000 with Austria and 400
400 with Russia.
The czar's proclamation may then
perhaps be taken as a pledge to re-
store the constitution of 1915, not only
to the Grand Duchy of Warsaw, but
to the whole of old Poland as it was
before the first partition in l772.
Russia could not fulfill this pledge
therefore, unless the allies are victor
ous in the great war. Parts of the
old kingdom are held by Germany and
Austria, and they would never con.
sent to restore their Polish lands un,
less Russia should be in position to
dictate terms of peace.
Germany would have to Weld up t.
the proposed restored kingdom of Pc
land about 10000 square miles of ter
-itory and Austria about $1,000 SO
miles. 1t may be supposed that Rus
| STA would also surrender her shares o
the partitioncd territory, about 220,
SEQ square miles.
! Thus there would appear in the maj
of Europe after the war" large new
state of approximately PSI, 500 squar,
mics of rich and valuable territory o.
nearly five times the size of England
and Wales. The total population
would be about as large as that o
Spain. 1t would be rather heteroge
neous in race and religion
The purpose of the czar'S procla
nation may have been two-fold. t,
prevent an uprising in Russian Poland
, which always is threatening, and t,
J induce revolts in German Poland an,
, Austrian Galicia.-Pittsburg Post