George Matulaitis Journal

265 The Polish Army chaplain, Father Baran, came by and told me that there is no danger at present, that the Bolsheviks have been beaten back, but it may be dangerous later on. The Poles may be forced to retreat. He tried to convince me to make preparations to leave the city. I answered that I will not flee anywhere and that he need not tell me if a dangerous situation should develop. Having abandoned myself to Divine Providence, I intend to remain here. It will be as God wills. During the night of April 30th, there was considerable troop movement, and battles were in progress close to the city. Groups of soldiers constantly went by my window, and carriages and automobiles drove by. There was a great deal of noise—much bustling, clanging, and droning. I could hardly sleep. Early in the morning Father ÷ arnowski, the administrator of St. James’s parish, came to see me. He asked that I permit him to leave, since his life will be in danger if the Bolsheviks return. The Legionnaires have hoisted a machine gun into the church spire and are firing it. Naturally, when the Bolsheviks come they will take revenge on the pastor. I let him leave with the others. Only the young priests will be left behind, and they will hardly take revenge against them. I have heard that many other priests are fleeing or are prepared to escape, especially those who were involved in political organizations and activities. Since early morning, loaded down with their belongings, people have been fleeing from the city. The soldiers were also packing up and moving out. In the afternoon things quieted down somewhat. It seems that Polish fortunes in the battlefield had improved. I heard that the Lithuanians, apparently in two automobiles, had arrived in Vilnius to confer with the Polish Army Command about the city. They are staying at the Hotel Italia. The Polish Legions will scarcely be able to hold Vilnius by themselves. Already the people have begun to curse the Poles for coming here. They have succeeded only in making a great deal of noise and will probably bring new misfortunes upon the citizens. If they could not hold the city, they should not have come in the first place. The young men and the older ones as well are leaving the city with the Legionnaires. God knows how all of this is going to end. The people, anxious and restless, have been continually walking the streets. As is usual in such situations, all kinds of rumors and stories have been circulating.