5 DECEMBER 1885, Page 2

This expulsion is one of the most deplorable events that

have occurred in modern Europe, and might form a precedent for outrages such as have rarely shocked modern civilisation. Austria, for example, might expel half- the population of the Brenner valleys, which are rapidly being Its iiamioed. Prince Bismarck contends, it is said, that Prussia simply cannot endure the " avalanche " of Poles which is rolling in upon her, and undoing the work of a whole century. That may be true ; and with the facts of Chinese immigration before us, we will not contend that every immigration must always be allowed; but expulsion is not the remedy. It is quite open to Germany to give notice that no more Polish immigrants will be received, or to double the taxes on them if they come ; but sudden ex- pulsion is an act of direct cruelty. Indeed, but for a singular condition of politics, it could not be ordered, for both Russia and Austria, finding their subjects so treated merely because they are Slays, would declare war. The incident reveals a sinister side in the Chancellor's ,character, which we could net have believed to exist, and will draw down consequences yet. These poor people have no protector on earth; but oppression of that kind does not prosper. Let the Chancellor remember what we are paying for Drogheda.