Polish Residents of Turin
[Translation.]
Hon. Sir: The terrible catastrophe that has plunged your country into the deepest mourning has been echoed throughout the world, attaining the proportions of an universal calamity. The loyal and generous hearts of all true men have paid the tribute of regret at the tomb of the great man who deserved their esteem and admiration. The Polish emigrants in Turin, joining in the general grief, beg you to accept this expression of their sorrow and condolence, and offer their humble wreath to decorate the monument of the American martyr.
Abraham Lincoln had no equal; born in the ranks of the people, his merit elevated him to the highest position. He had not the help of fortune to secure his second election to the chief magistracy of a great nation. The corruption and intrigue of opponents did no harm to his cause; the independence and firmness of his character was his defence. He was indispensable to his country in the crisis it was suffering; his patriotism was increased by obstacles; new difficulties only served to develop new qualities in him, brought out by his devotion to the people’s welfare. He marched forward, unterrified by the clamors of egotism and envy, uninfluenced by mean considerations. His appeal to arms to sustain the rights of humanity was greatly applauded on this side of the Atlantic. Stimulated by his example the Poles, eternal pioneers of independence, recommenced their struggle against oppression and tyranny; they were incensed that the Old World should enslave whites, when America had just freed her blacks; but alone, weak and unsupplied, they had to yield, unconquered. The hour of justice had not come for them. They sought peace in exile, hoping that the sacred principles of Abraham Lincoln—the emancipation of oppressed humanity—would soon prevail throughout the world.
And sixty-two other Polish signatures.
The U. S. Minister, in Turin.