The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. SATURDAY, MARCH 30, 1935. A FAIR LAND.

Hokitika Guardian, 30 March 1935, Page 4

The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. SATURDAY, MARCH 30, 1935. A FAIR LAND.

T ie fair land of Poland lias been extolled in song, but over the years the country lias bad ,a chequered career, and is still in the throes of evolution. It has played the part of a bulfer nation, and history records bow it lias been treated by its over mastering neighbours. There .are many notable patriots in .the service of Poland. The great concert pianist, Paderwski, will be remembered as the first President when Poland out of the travails of the war, became ail independent Kingdom, .and the President had a seat at the Peace Conference where lie was able to look after the interests of his beloved country, placing its needs before his own fame in music. The outstanding figure to-day in regard to Poland, is Marshal Pilsudski, now almost 70 years of .age. As a young man of 19 fighting for bis country, lie was taken by the Russians and sent to Siberia for five years. Before the Great W,a r he was plotting for the freedom of Poland, and in 1907 raised a secret army and carried on a guerilla, war. In the Great Mar he sided with the Central Powers for he had then as now, no love for Russia. He led. some 18,000 Polish Legionaries, hut soon found his countrymen were being sent to the most difficult posts, and he ended by revolting. Tiien the Germans made him a prisoner, hut lie escaped, having numerous patriotic friends who were devoted to him. At the end of the war, he took up political power in Poland, and in 1920 invaded Bolshevik Russia, hut was driven hack. He became the stormy petrel, and continued to plot, first resigning office, aii t ] then recovering power, till finally in 1926, be seized tbe premiership. Poland like Austria lias experimented in a now constitution, hut evidently it has not worked to satisfaction. Tlieie has been much plotting and political efforts a.t stability. In the latter respect, the most notable was the establishment. of the Polish Corridor to secure an outlet to the sea at Danzig, wnerc tbe Nazis now control affairs. Poland does not regard Russia, with favour, for the latter is an old enemy. Germany is looked upon with suspicion but it can be imagine, 1 Poland may be again the subject ol inleruatibnal concern. The disturbed condition of Europe is specially dangerous to the i'ute of Poland. Germany 'does not trust, Russia any more than Poland does, and out of the present talks something may be done regarding the rearrangement of frontier lines again, '|'li,. fiiet that Poland is not united within herself, but torn asunder by

political intrigue, is not helpful to her solidarity as a nation to make good. I’ilxudski appears to be retaining bis niana, ami may hold the nation together at this critical time. He is a man ambitions for power, but lias made always great sacrifices for bis country and through those denials and bis sufferings in prison, lie lias won the confidence of the people. He has to encounter now the political opponents whom lie has deposed, n.nd if he can mollify that section, there may be hope for Poland to retain her national status. The British delegates favoured the nation-making of Poland \vli.en the Peace _ Conference W as held, »v,ud there is a strong public

feeling in Britain for the support of tbe 4 gallant little nation struggling as she- has, surrounded by greater l Vat-ions. A virile nation, with the traditions of Poland, can. well take care of itself.