ed in the previous pages of this history.

STATE OF FOREIGN NATIONS.

The revolutions in France and Belgium have already been noticed. The
spirit of insurrection displayed in these countries extended itself to
Leipsic, Dresden, Hesse-Cassel, Hamburgh, Berne, Basle, and Poland. In
this latter country, however, the insurrection did not arise from
civil discord, or political machinations, but rather from the harsh and
insulting proceedings of Duke Constantine, its viceroy. It was a light
to guide and warm a noble people to attempt their national redemption
from the hand of a foreign and tyrannical master. A contest took place
in the streets of Warsaw, between the people and the Russian troops,
and the latter were expelled the city. Subsequently the grand duke
was obliged to retire from the frontier, but not till it had been
represented to him that it was the universal wish of the nation that the
constitution should be carried into complete execution; that the promise
of Alexander should be fulfilled, of incorporating with Poland its
ancient provinces now under the dominion of Russia; but that no demands
pointed to the dethronement of the emperor as their king, in whose name
all the changes lately made in the government had been effected. The
Poles, however, being doubtful in what light Nicholas, Emperor of Eussia
would regard their proceedings, prepared for resistance, should he
be determined to treat them as rebels. General Klopicki was named
commander-in-chief of the army, and he soon found himself at the head
of a powerful force. All the Polish regiments joined the cause of the
people; but, divided and mutilated as Poland was, it seemed a hopeless
prospect for a portion of it to engage in a struggle with the gigantic
power of Russia. Fears were also entertained--and they were too soon
realised--that Austria and Prussia, in fear for their plunder, would be
adverse to its cause. Notwithstanding, the Poles made themselves ready
for the contest with stout hearts. To secure energy and promptitude in
their measures, they invested Klopicki, after the manner of the Romans
of old, with dictatorial power. But even in assuming this office, which
was to endure till the chambers of the diet, which were convoked for the
18th of December, could be assembled, the dictator disclaimed any design
on the part of Poland of throwing off its king, or of demanding anything
more than to enjoy under that king, an independent national exist