Imperial Valley press., 1915-01-25


the Poles enjoyed in Germany.
Of what Us care railways, Of what
use are perfect farm roads, when you
own no land? Can you send your
children to school when they have
no home? Those who were allowed to
hold their little farms worked under
such restrictions that life was a bitter
struggle.
An American once said everything
in Germany is "verboten" save bend
ing the knee to the emperor. This
applies with triple force to Posen and
Silesia, ancient Polish provinces. 1t
seems to have been the policy of the
conqueror to make life so hard Tor
the expatriated sons Of the king among
nations that they would starve or trail
tack to the motherland, selling their
holdings for a song.
In mad dream of commercial ex
pansion the Teuton dreamed of Ger
manizing, not alone that division
which had come to him, but also all
of Poland. What he was rot able
to do by intrigue he now attempted by
arms.
In Germany the Pole was far worse
off than in Austria. Calieia was the
hothouse where the flower of Polish
patriotism continued 20 flourish
through centuries. Here the people
were almost free. Their own priests
blessed them in the churches. Polish
professors would thrill their scholars
with stories of the nations ancient
glory. Polish hymns were sung
wherever people gathered. 1t was
permitted to fly the ancient flag, to
carry the Polish eagles on fete days.
Even il was allowed to elect these who
should govern.
Of course, the nominal head was
from Vienna. but, to all intents and
purposes. the Poles enjoyed auton-
omy The Galicians in the parlia-
n'ent of Austria turned the scale for
Of against many q measure. The
highest places Of empire were open
10 them. But Galicia was the step
child province.
When the empires money was
doled oft the Polish portion was last
TO receive. No roads were built here.
No splendid public buildings were
erected. II fact, such as remained
were confiscated to Austrian service.
witness the Palace of Cracow. The
land was poorer than the worst parts
cf Ireland
So bad were economic conditions
that. despite their freedom, the Poles
Of Galicia were poorer than their
brothers c. Posen. People who are
poor are never happy So. despite
parading on Polish holidays. despite
hymnsinging, despite freedom OF re-
liGion, language. tradition. schools. tho
cX9atriaied found their burden TOO
heavy. Yet. when the call TO arms
sounded. the Austrian Poles paused
in quandary. Where did their IN
tsrest lie more2
Then came the proclamation Of the
Grand Duke Nicholas Nicholaviteh. It
promised self government. the lon.
dream Of the Poles. Tactfuily it re
fe-red 70 the past greatness of the
nation. It's every phrase rang with
sincerity. It gave the word Of man
OF honor. and the people trust that
uncle Of Gar.
The proclamation decided Poland.
All who we're II Russia embraced the
Allies cause with fervor. They were
ready u make the last sacrifice fox
their beloved country. But Posen.
West Prussia and Galicia turned tragic
eyes toward the Motherland. What
vas 10 he their fate?
In Ga'lcia desertionS were frequent
Alas! the German rule Of iron for
hade this simple solution of the trou-
hie. - il is in that army that soas
OF Poland have suffered 50 terribly.
L cannot be said that Russia has
no qualms about her stepchild king
dom. From certain sources authori-
ties had heard Of efforts Of the Ger
mans u corrupt Polish loyalty. and
when Germany also promised that
kingdom us freedom there was dan
ger 10 Ha apPrehcnded. So. at least.
thought me. TIE last Of these fears
have iee- wen, away.
Pole light only once. and you can
1erer dag.t their stcadfas;ne-s. The
people have record high among the
lighting nations. Tie Poles nave seen
the day when the Pruzsians bent their
knee tefore them. Nov they battle
70 bring .ack that day
Russian custom provides that con
script Po'es must join the Siberian or
'@ucasisH regiments. Officers and
men arc drafted 20 distant parts of