boast of a heroic past. On more than one occasion Poland saved Europe from the invasion of Turk and Tartar, and although the Poles are branded to-day by the Prussians as an inferior race, predestined to slavery, the truth is that Poland was a highly civilized country when the Prussians and the Russians were only hordes of barbarians.
In the second place, we ought to be interested in Poland on moral grounds, for the Poles have been, and still are, the victims of an odious persecution, which must rouse the indignation of all those who believe in justice, and who believe in freedom.
In the third place, we ought to be interested in Poland on practical grounds, because the question of Poland remains a burning question. Poland remains an open sore. The map of Europe will be recast by the future Congress, on the principle that each nation has the right to decide its own destinies. It is quite safe to prophesy on the basis of that principle of nationalities, that a not distant future will see the resurrection of the ancient Kingdom of Poland.[1]
- ↑ This was written in the Spring of 1913. In the Summer of the succeeding year the Grand Duke Nicholas announced the fulfilment of my prophecy in the following
