• The country has, accordingly, been placed under martial law,
and a fierce communique has been published by Count Witte accusing the Poles of ingratitude for the liberties already conceded, and of an " insolent " intention of separating Poland from Russia. The liberties are, therefore, to be withdrawn until the kingdom is tranquil. Count Witte in interviews with the Polish nobles has expressed in haughty terms his approval of this policy, and it is clear that the regime in Poland is again to be one of repression. The result may be guessed. The Pole. are so exasperated by the
difference between their treatment and that of the Finns that they will probably precipitate an armed conflict with the troops, relying upon aid from the Russian revolutionaries, who are favourable to Polish autonomy. This temper will be further developed by the news from Berlin, where the officials have been instructed to deny any intention of marching into Poland, dread of which has hitherto been a great restraining force. The Poles are not, we fancy, generally armed; but they are familiar with insurrection, there is a trace of recklessness in their courage, and they hold themselves to be the superiors of the Russians in civilisation, a feeling which invariably embitters subjection. Their revolt, if they do revolt, will greatly diminish the force at the disposal of St. Petersburg for military repression in the interior, where the peasantry are beginning to stir.
