The Express. — 1855-02-23 (London, England)

RESTORATION OF POLAND.  BIRMINGHAM, TunaepaW. A meeting, presided over by the Mayor, was held is the Town-hall here last night, on the subject of the rolitosatio• of Poland as ea independent nation. The ball Wes immensely fell ; and after the proesediage had been opened by the Mayor, the following extract of a letter was read from Mr. Beholefield, M.P., excusing his absence:— " But I need not say that if you think any aseuranes of my sympathy with the object of the meeting can be useful, you have my full authontt to say how heartily 1 join in the proposed movement. Every day but strengthens my conviction that not only is the resuscitation of Poland pre• liminary to the successful conduct of the great war, but the best, if not the sole guarantee of a lasting peace." Mr. T. C. SALT moved the first resolution, recognising the important)e of the restoration of Poland as a nation. He rejoiced (he said) to find that the hearts of his fellsw, townsmen to be still warm on the subject of the restoration of Poland. There were many persons in this country who wanted peace at all cost ;to such be would say,—no peace at the lust of murder ; no peace at the coat of oppression ; no peace at the cost of the liberty and tee oppressed of nations. RuPla had taken Poland, invaded Prussia, and laid bands ion Finland. He believed that there was so much baseness in the government of England, that if Russia seised the Isle of Wight. England would submit to it. The nation felt that the government had betrayed them; and they now came forward with blood and treasure, proclaiming that a barrier shall be put to despotism, and that nations shall be free. This was a mission from which we ought not to shrink; but whilst our army, even in the midst of the greatest extremity, never turned their backs upon the foe, it was for us at home to take care that all our sacrifice of blood and treasure was not made in vain. lie asked what all this contest was for— whether it was merely for a bit of parchment treaty, that would leave us where we were ? Let who would be sent to Vienna, there was no min. if the voice of the people was distinctly heard, who would dare siga any treaty that would betray the beet interests of Bolden& (Cheers.) What were they but the interests of Poland ? The first crime of Russia was destruction of Poland and establishing on its ruins aespotiam. Our first crime was standing by and looking on. (Hear, hear.) We stood! while Poland was op_pressed; Finland taken; and now Turkey was attacked. We were aroused to action at last. Russia must not only be stopped, but she must be driven hick. Poland must be restored, Finland given back to Sweden, the Caucasus have iodependence, the Black Elsa free, and the Danube open. These were the objects or ought to be the objects of the war, and be hoped the sword would never be sheathed until they bad been attained. (Cheers.) . Mr. J. M. LANGFORD seconded the resolution, which was seconded by Mr. J. Wittour, and carried unanimously. Mr. Ald. BALDWIN moved that a petition to both houses of parliament, praying for the restoration of Polish ladependent' and the formation of a Polish legion, be adopted, and entrusted to Lord Harrowby and Mr. Munie for piesentatinn. Mr. T. H. GILL seconded the resolution. ....  ---the meeting was subeequently addressed by Mr. Lana, a Pole, sod other gentlemen. The resolutions were carried unanimously, and with much enthusiasm, and the petition to parliament praying for such measures as might tend to restore Poland to a state of rode• pendent nationality, was unanimously adopted.