RUSSIA AND POLAND.

Southland Times, Volume 2, Issue 76, 28 July 1863, Page 5 (Supplement)

RUSSIA AND POLAND.

(From the Home News, 26th May.) In our last we reported that the answers of the Russian Government to the despatches of the three Powers were daily expected. These documents have since been published in extenso. The reply to England is at considerable length, and closely argumentative, with a tinge of severity running through it. Austria is dismissed briefly, and with apparent indifference ; and France is treated with friendly courtesy. But all three agree in referring the causes of the Polish movement to that cosmopolitan revolutionary spirit which has already convulsed other parts of Europe, and which Russia evidently think itthe duty of the European Powers to put down, before they came preaching constitutional reform to the Court of Sfc. Petersburg. As to Poland, Russia, of course, is quite ready to introduce improvements. Prince Gortschakoff is stated to have read his programme of reforms to the three ambassadors ; but who trusts in Russian promises ? If there be no better chance of bringing the insurrection to a close than the pro--fessions of the Government, the prospect of a settlement is remote indeed. There is little change in the aspect of Polish affairs beyond the ever-in-creasing activity of the insurgents. The revolution didly spreads into new districts, and the revoluntionary Government daily acquires enlarged power and a wider horizon of public confidence. It almost reigns openly and Jibsolutely in Warsaw. It has decreed freedom to the peasants of Volhynia, and declared illegal all the financial acts of the Russian Government ; and only has it assumed the functions of an established authority, but organised and announced a general rising to take place on the lst of June. The countiy, undoubtedly, seems ripe for such a measure. Volhynia, the Ukraine, Little Russia, and Western Russia are all described as being in open revolt, and Finland is beginning to betray symptoms of uneasiness and disaffection. The attitude of the people is not to be mistaken, aud the Czar seems resolved to meet it with fire and sword. He has issued borders for two conscriptions to be immediately carried into effect, which will place about 200,000 men at his command. Poland has been divided into districts, out of which the inhabitants are strictly forbidden to move without passports ; and attempts are making to stir up the elements of a religious war. The real nature of the situation is plainly pourtrayed in the language held by the Archduke Constantine, who has intimated to his officers his belief that an European war is inevitable. If such a result be precipitated, the independence of Poland would be the ultimate issue. The whole of Europe may now be said to have remonstrated with Russia, the last **•* notes" to that effect having been despatched by Holland, Denmark, and Portugal ; and if Russia stake Poland on a war, she must fight at overwhelming odds.