The denationalizing of Poland for many reasons is impossible, and if Russia will not give up Poland voluntarily, that kingdom will be wrested from her sooner or later. Poland was conquered, temporarily, because she was a republic; had she been a regular kingdom, she would never have become the prey of her neighbours. Should all Europe become a republic (which is very doubtful), Poland might accept the form of republican government; but even then, Poland would be the last of all the European nations where the republican government can work well. Whoever has a practical knowledge of all the parts of Poland, must be well aware, that a king is as necessary to the future well-being of Poland, as the mother's milk to the existence of a child.
Having, after a mature consideration, formed my own opinion on the Polish question (though at variance with the generaUty of the Poles of two opposite parties), I am convinced, that neither any advocate of the wild democracy, nor any man notoriously connected with the last Polish insurrection in 1831, can ever rule Poland; but any talented and energetic man (unconnected with either party), whom circumstances or European diplomacy may favour, can rule that kingdom, and soothe all its internal animosities. Considering that true liberty, which is spoken of everywhere, does not exist but in England; considering that all dispassionate men, who have resided some years in England, agree that British institutions are superior to all others without exception; that the British government is the best in the world; considering that dethroned kings, expelled dukes, illustrious princes, fallen ministers of various shades; considering that even such contrasts as Metternich and Louis Blanc, with swarms of persecuted chiefs, sectarians, exiles, from all parts of the world, find shelter in England, where their persons are safe, their creed respected, their property protected; considering that parties are so well balanced in England that none of them can oppress each other; considering that England expended twenty-five millions for liberating the slaves; considering that British sailors and soldiers, without much noise, under Nelson, Wellington, Harding, Napier, Edwardes, never showed their backs to the enemy, and conquered all nations; considering that there is no better climate for longevity than in England; nowhere are to be found fairer, or more virtuous women than in England; it must be acknowledged, without speaking of British superiority in every branch of science and literature, that as long as she shall reasonably protect the Established church, and produce such political giants as Lansdown, Palmerston, Russell, Peel, and Graham, who, under the most trying circumstances governed her realms with extraordinary firmness, prudence, and foresight, and give at the same time fairly an example of all domestic virtues, England, firm like a rock amidst the raging political storms, will always be the real queen of the world; and, therefore, I cannot but imagine that nothing could be more advantageous to Poland (in the event of the restoration of that country), than that a British nobleman should become the future king of Poland. But should no British noble be induced to ascend the throne of Poland— and my earnest hope thus remain ungratified — his place might then be supplied by one of the princes Esterhazy, or by a Swedish, Servian, German, Italian, or any other foreign prince.
By propagating such an opinion, I offended some influential individuals, who never forgave me, and finding it impossible to alter my feelings in their favour, knowing some of my weaknesses, as also various difficulties in which I have necessarily been involved as an exile, they have indirectly inflicted great injury upon my prospects in England. I was exposed, not only to annoyances, but to artfully propagated slander, unworthy even of an answer. Let them remember that noble blood flows in my veins, and that no offers, however tempting, can bribe me, and though, in consequence of crafty intrigues, some publications have been directed against me in various languages, it will ultimately rather tend to serve than to injure me. Confident in the purity of my intentions, and in the soundness of my political intellect, I shall fight my own battle, like the worthy British Missionaries who spread in all parts of the world, amid raging storms, the blessings of the Gospel.