George Matulaitis Journal

May 4 I went to say goodbye to His Excellency Archbishop Teodorowicz at about 12:30. All the members of Parliament have gone. Until now heavy fighting with the Bolsheviks could be heard. Yesterday evening they pushed the Bolsheviks back even further. Today the booming of the big guns can no longer be heard. The city looks deserted. All the shops are closed, although it was ordered that they be kept open under threat of punishment. From all this it is clear that the majority of the Poles are determined to annex Vilnius. The Lithuanians, Belorussians, and Jews are very much opposed to this, and they cannot believe that the Entente will allow the Poles to seize their lands. I can see that the political sky is overcast and mutual relations are strained. God knows what storm is yet to come. Everywhere it is said that the Lithuanians are banding together, packing up, and leaving Vilnius. The Jews are holed up in their apartments and staying out of sight. One rarely sees any of them out on the street. You can still see groups of arrested Jews being taken to prison. Life in the city has come to a standstill. God grant that truth and justice gain the upper hand. Otherwise, I do not see how real peace can be achieved. This morning Archbishop Teodorowicz celebrated Mass at the Gate of Dawn Chapel at nine o’clock. Father Lutos = awski preached, and afterwards the Archbishop himself said a few words. All the members of Parliament left for Warsaw at about 12:30. I went to see them off. Today I ordained four deacons to the priesthood. May 5-7 Nothing special happened. General Szeptycki came to visit me and Mr. Jasuwat also called. The city has quieted down somewhat. Gradually, the Jews are appearing in the streets. You still see small groups of arrested Jews being herded into prison. The Lithuanians are constantly complaining about the searches and the soldiers and militiamen taking their things. It seems that the Christians are being stirred up not to sell food to the Jews. They have begun to bring American flour into the city. I have heard that they have distributed some of it to various institutions, but it is still considered a luxury item. 274