[TO THE EDITOR or TEO 'EPROTATOR.1
Srn,—For more than a century a constant struggle has been going on in Poland against the Russian rule. The autocratic methods of foreign oppressions are resisted by ceueleas and sometimes invisible efforts, and in the course of the last hundred years the Polish nation twice revolted openly. Since 1863 the Russian Government, not satisfied with having crushed all external political life in Poland, began its persecu- tion of the language, religion, and all other elements of the national existence. But side by side with the growth of Russian restrictions there went on the regeneration of the nation from within. Large masses of the population have become nationally conscious and alive to the fact that it is the Russian rule which bars their political, social, and economic progress. During the last few months the passive resistance which was always offered to the Russian adminis- tration has changed into open protests. These protests have been suppressed by the Government with the utmost severity. In Warsaw and other towns, men, women, and children have been killed by the soldiery. For forty years there have been no such massacres in Poland as at present. Common humanity demands that we should at least help the families of these unfortunate victims. We hope, therefore, that substantial help will be forthcoming.—We are, Sir, &c.,
L. A. ATHERLIIT-JONES, ARTHUR IIINDIRSON, M.P.
K.C., M.P. E. RAT LANIIMSTBR.
JOHN BURNS, M.P. CONRAD NOEL.
GILBERT CHESTBRTON. SAminci. Swell, M.P.
R. FARQUHARSON, M.P. JAMBS TOWECINSON, M.P.
T. Fimpowicz. E. L. VOTNICH.
RICHARD Gantterr. GEORGE WHITE., M.P.
J. L. HAMMOND.
P.S.—Cheques should be drawn in favour of the Polish Relief Fund, crossed "London and South-Western Bank (Kilburn Branch)," and forwarded to the Rev. Conrad Noel at 15 Paddington Green, London, W.
[We publish this appeal because it is distinctly stated to be made in favour of the wives and children of those who have suffered in the late disturbances in Poland. Recent occurrences in Poland have partaken of the nature of civil war, and in the case of war we hold that help can be given to the non-combatants without interfering in the internal affairs of a nation with which we are at peace.—En. Spectator.]
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