Page:Constitutional Charter of the Kingdom of Poland, In the Year 1815.pdf/57

 his former representations with regard to Poland, he should content himself with wishing that none of those interruptions to the tranquillity of the North, or to the balance of power in Europe, which he considered it his imperative duty to prevent, might result from the measure proposed by Russia, with respect to that country; and that in order to obviate as much as possible any such consequences, it was extremely important that public tranquillity in the territory that was formerly Poland, should rest upon the foundation of common interests, and that such a system of administration should be adopted in the different districts, as might be agreeable to the inhabitants, however they might vary in their political institutions. “Experience has shewn,” added the English plenipotentiary, “''that the happiness of Poland, and the tranquillity of this important portion of Europe, cannot be secured by thwarting the national customs and habits. An attempt of this kind would only excite amongst the Poles, a spirit of disaffection and degradation; it would occasion revolts, and awaken the remembrance of past misfortunes.” Upon this principle Lord Castlereagh earnestly requested the Sovereigns upon whom the fate of Poland depended, not to leave Vienna till they had pledged themselves that the Poles, in their respective dominions, under whatever form of government they might think proper to place them, should still be treated as Poles. “The knowledge that such a resolution has been taken,” said the same Minister, “will do more towards conciliating your Polish subjects to your Government, and rendering their Sovereign popular in their eyes than anything else; it is thus that the Poles will become peaceful and contented and this object, which H.R.H. the Prince Regent has particularly at heart,'' being secured, the happiness of the Polish nation is also secured; H. R. H. would then no longer have to fear that any danger to the liberty of Europe should result from the union of Poland with the Russian Empire, already so powerful—a danger which would not be imaginary, if the military force of the two Countries should ever be united under the command of an ambitious and warlike monarch.” To this communication the Russian