Reminiscences of Sixty Years in Public Affairs, Vol. 1Boutwell, George S. (George Sewall)
History
Reminiscences of Sixty Years in Public Affairs, Vol. 1
Boutwell, George S. (George Sewall)
Boutwell, George S. (George Sewall), 1818-1905; United States -- Politics and government
XVIII
LOUIS KOSSUTH*
When Louis Kossuth landed in New York, December 5, 1851, he was not an
unknown personage. He and his native land had been made known to the
people of the United States by the Revolution of 1848 and the contest
of 1849 for the independence of Hungary. Until those events occurred,
Hungary was only a marked spot on the map of Europe, and the name of
Kossuth, as a leader in industrial and social progress, had not been
written or spoken on this side of the Atlantic; but in the year 1851
there was no other person of a foreign race and language of whose name
and career as much was known.
There was no exaggeration in Mr. Emerson's words of address to Kossuth:
"You have got your story told in every palace, and log hut, and prairie
camp throughout this continent."
From the first Kossuth recognized a special interest in the
commonwealth of Massachusetts. This interest was due in part to the
history of the State, from which he drew many lessons of instruction
and much confidence that personal liberty and the independence and
sovereignty of states would become universal possessions. Beyond these
considerations the invitation to him from Massachusetts was made
January 8, 1852,--among the first of the States of the Union.
In my annual address to the Legislature, delivered the 15th of January,
I said: "Your action will be regarded as an expression of the sympathy
of Massachusetts for the distinguished exile, and for the cause of
European liberty, which he so truly represents. The common sentiment
of America is on the side of constitutional governments."
The resolutions of the Legislature and the letter of the Governor were
presented to Kossuth at Pittsburg, Pa., January 26, by Hon. Erastus
Hopkins, then a member of the House of Representatives.
Kossuth's first speech in New England was made at New Haven, Thursday,
April 22. From what he there said some inferences may be drawn as to
his religious opinions and the basis on which, to him, the principles
of freedom seemed to rest:
"I know that there is one God in Heaven, the Father of all humanity,
and Heaven is therefore one. I know that there is one sun in the sky,
which gives light to all the world. As there is unity in God, and
unity in the light, so is there unity in the principles of freedom."
Upon his arrival in Boston, April 27, 1852, I met with him on the
steps of the State House, greeting him with the following speech:
"Governor Kossuth: As the voice of the Legislature and people of
Massachusetts, I welcome you to this capitol to-day.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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