Budapest on 16 November, 1851 - "Manchester Guardian"
Kossuth in Manchester - Public Reception at Mr. Henry's
On Wednesday morning there was a reception at Mr. Henry's, about 200 of the most influential of the merchants and manufacturers of the town and neighborhood, including several members of the deputation who presented addresses on the previous evening, assembling to be introduced to M. Kossuth, and to take leave of him. At half-past nine o'clock M. Kossuth entered the room, accompanied by several of his personal friends, and thanked the assemblage for the generous reception he had met with at their hands. He said, if England and the United States could be brought to act in one effort in respect to Europe, a great benefit would result, and now that he was going to the United States he would make it his endeavour to accomplish that. He concluded by a passionate appeal on behalf of his country. The conclusion of the address was received with great cheering, and as M. Kossuth left the room numbers crowded around him to shake hands. He soon after left Mr. Henry's mansion, and departed from the London-road station for Birmingham.
The Great Banquet at Birmingham
M. Kossuth arrived in Birmingham from Manchester on Wednesday at half-past three, and proceeded to the Town-hall, where addresses were presented from the inhabitants of Birmingham, from the French residents in Birmingham, from the inhabitants of Coventry, from the inhabitants of Derby, from the Town Council of Wakefield, from the inhabitants of Northampton, from the Town Council of Worchester, from the inhabitants of Warwick, and from the inhabitants of Kidderminster. The company then adjourned to the long room, where dinner was provided. The room was decorated with various banners, among which the Union Jack and the Hungarian colours were the most conspicuous. On the gallery in front of the chair was displayed an inscription - "Welcome Kossuth" - in large characters, and bordered with evergreens. Along the side galleries were displayed the names of Bem, Klapka, Guyon, Count Louis Batthyany, Dembinski, and other celebrities of the Hungarian struggle. About 600 gentlemen sat down to dinner, but there were about 1,000 others admitted into the front gallery as spectators. The side gallerias and the foremost seats of the front gallery were filled with well dressed ladies. On the entrance of M. Kossuth into the room, which he did leaning on the arm of Mr. Geach, the whole company rose, the gentlemen cheering the ladies waving their handkerchiefs, and testifying in every possible way their enthusiasm for M. Kossuth. He took his seat on the right hand of Mr. Scolefield, M.P., who presided on the occasion. Mr. W.S. Landor had sent the following lines "On Kossuth's Voyage to America": -"Rave over other lands and other seas,
Ill-omen'd blackwing'd Breeze!
But spare the friendly sails that waft-away
Him, who was deem'd the prey
Of despot dark as thon, on sending forth
The torturers of the North,
To fix upon his Caucasus once more
The demi-god who bore
To sad humanity Heaven's fire and light,
Whereby should reunite
In happier bonde the nations of the earth;
Whose Jove-like brow gave birth
To that high wisdom, whence all blessings flow
On mortals here below.
Rack not, O Boreal Breeze, that labouring breast
On which, half-dead, yet rest
The hopes of millions, and rest there alone.
The hopes of millions, and rest there alone.
Impiously every throne
Crushes the credulous; none else than he
Can raise and set them free.
O bear him on in safety and in health!
Bear on a freight of wealth
Such as no vessel yet hath ever borne;
Altho' with banner torn
Ho urges thro' tempestuous waves his way;
Yet shall brighter day
Shine on him in his own reconquered field;
Relating fate shall yield
To constant Virtue. Hungary! no more
Thy saddest lot deplore;
Leak to the star crown'd Genius of the West,
Sole guardian of the opprest.
O! that one only nation dare I to save
Kossuth, the true and Brave!"
After the usual loyal toast, the Chairman proposed "The Health of M. Louis Kossuth." The meeting at this point presented an extraordinary spectacle. The whole of the vast assemblage rose as one man, cheering, waiving hats, handkerchiefs, &c., and demonstrating their enthusiasm in every possible way. This scene lasted for several minutes, and presented one of the most extraordinary spectacles of popular enthusiasm which was perhaps ever exhibited.
M. Kossuth then presented himself to the meeting, and, after the cheering had subsided, addressed the meeting in nearly the following terms: - Three years ago - yonder House of Austria, which had chiefly me to thank for not having been swept away by the revolution of Vienna, in March, 1848, having in return answered by the most foul, most sacrilegious conspiracy against the chartered rights, freedom, and national coexistence of my native land - it became my duty (being the member of the Ministry), with undisguised truth to lay before the Parliament of Hungary the imminent danger of our bleeding fatherland (cheers).
Scarcely had I spoken the world, scarcely had I added the words that the defence would require 200,000 men and 80 millions of florins, when the spirit of freedom moved through the hall, and nearly 400 representatives rose as one man, and lifting their right arms to God Almighty, said, "We grant it. Freedom or death!" (loud cheers). Thus they spoke, and there they stood, in calm and silent majesty, awaiting what further words might fall from my lips. And, for myself, it was my duty to speak; but the grandeur of the moment and the rushing wave of sentiment benumbed my tongue. A burning tear fell from my eye, a sight of adoration to the Almighty God fluttered on my lips, and bowing low before the majesty of my people, as I bow now before you, gentlemen - (cheers) - I left our tribunal silently, speechless, mute.
(Here the speaker faltered for a few moments. Then he continued: ) Pardon me my emotion. The shadows of our martyrs passed before my eyes as I read their names on your walls, and I heard the millions of my native land once more shouting "Liberty or death!" (cheers.) As I was then, gentlemen, so am I now. I would thank you for the generous sympathy with which, in my undeserving person (no,no,) you have honoured the bleeding, the oppressed, but still not broken, Hungary (cheers). I would thank you for the ray of hope which the sympathy of the English people casts on the night of our fate. I would beg leave to state that it is not only from to-day, but even from my early youth; I have been spiritually connected with Britannia.
I was yet young; sir, under rigorous circumstances, almost unto practically preparing my soul for the world, but I know that it is given to every man honestly to fill the place which divine Providence has assigned him. So I relied contented on the idea that the great Architect there above knows what use to make of the meanest; and that the most feeble instrument in the hands of Providence may work some good. And in this I have a great teacher history - history, the book of life (hear, hear). I looked around not for life, but to teach my nation how to live, and my regards resisted with admiration on the Anglo-Saxon race - the living wonder of both hemispheres. Hither was my attention drawn by the wonderful greatness of your country generally. I thought to ascertain the source of this greatness, and I found it not alone in your institutions, because these, like everything human, cannot be expected to be in every degree perfect - but I found it in the public spirit, which pervades every fiber of the nation - I found the source of your greatness in the freedom you enjoy - I found England not free because mighty, glorious, and great, - but I found England mighty, glorious, and great, because free (loud cheers).
Therefore was England to me the book of life, which led me to unshakeable principles; it was to me the fire which steeled my feeble strength to that iron perseverance which adversity can break, but never can bend (cheers.) Having had the honour to dine in Birmingham, surrounded by you here in the Town-hall, looking at your free school, your market-hall, your several hospitals and institutions, all raised without extraneous assistance, so many proofs of your lofty spirit, and of the perseverance of Birmingham - you will allow me to state that in no place of England have I met the elements of your country's greatness on a more solid basis, displaying more activity; and in no place do I more confidently hope to see that sympathy evinced in its practical results which I wish to raise then in this town (loud cheers).
I have not the pretension to tell you your own history. It is one of your particular glories to call men like William Hutton your own. But still I like to prove what I say, and therefore you will allow me to state the motives why I consider Birmingham with trust and with hope. Industry is a chief element of greatness, welfare and power and might. It is industry which gives a practical value to science. In other branches of employment the human faculty is the developing power. But industry is a creative power, and therefore industry is the most efficient locomotive of progress. But industry, highly beneficial in itself, becomes a pedestal of the public order, to the country, and a lasting source of public and private welfare, when it is not only largely diffused, but also connected with an independent condition of the manufacturers which independence, securing a substantial position to entire classes, cannot fail to impart to the manufacturing, man that self-esteem, that noble pride, and that sentiment of proper dignity which is the mark of a free man, and the richest source of public and private virtues. It is so that we see in the historical period of the middle ages cities to be the last stronghold of liberty when all around them was feudal bondage. And what were the cities of old? Almost nothing else but corporations of manufacturers, in dependent in their situation, working at the fire of their own domestic hearts, working for themselves - men whom we might characterize as small masters, not overwhelmed with wealth, but independent in their position.
It was thus that cities became the last stronghold of liberty, and it was precisely the means of personal independence. Now this is precisely the happy condition and the glory of Birmingham. Always the seat of industry, it became the center and the heart of a large manufacturing district, bringing the combination of iron, dime, and coal of this district to become the common benefit of the world, giving arms to those who have the lot to fight for their liberty - the pen to fix the ideas of thinking men - the cable for the wandering sailor, as else the fine neck chain for the beauties of the world (cheers and laughter).
I saw with admiration the Crystal Palace - the glorious meeting hall for humanity. It was in London humanity met, but it was in a wonder of Birmingham's energy and industry where that meeting in London was held. I saw a crystal fountain the most magnificent work of industry. I know Birmingham to be the great metropolis of the railway system - I know that Birmingham preceded by its local exhibition the idea of the World's Exposition - and I know that it was Birmingham which gave, by the genius of Ellington, the electrotype - I know that machine weaving was used at Birmingham before the power loom was used elsewhere - I know that here was the workshop of Watt, whose steam engines blotted the word "distance" out of the dictionary. But what amongst all these glories I most admire is that you have even steam, that omnipotent power of our time, made subservient to be peculiar domestic and independent character of your large industry, so as to be almost an article of domestic use. The character of your industry almost makes me consider Birmingham as the real seat of the strongly felt spirit of freedom which makes your glory and my hope (cheers).
Myself the wandering son of a bleeding nation, I feel my heart flushed with joy on seeing the English people, and inhaling their public spirit. To my very soul I cannot forbear to believe that the freedom of such a nation must be the pulsation of mankind's approaching liberty, and that the part of the world where such a pyramid of civilisation stands cannot be doomed to be the prey of Russian or of Austrian despots. (cheers).
Paulus Emilius, whose triumph by a whim of fate was placed between the tombs of his two sons - you remember his quite Roman words - "Cladem domus mea vestris felicitas consolatur." Were there anything in the world capable to console a Magyar about the misfortunes of his fatherland, here is the place where I would repeat the words of the Roman. But alas who would blame me for it, even here where I am, and so surrounded as I am? Still I feel myself to be a homeless exile, and all that I can see, and all that speaks to my heart, calls back my memory to my down-trod native land.
Sorrow takes deeper roots in the human breast than joys. One must be an exile, and the home of the poor exile must be suffering as mine is - mine, though worthy of a better fate - that the heart of a man may feel the boundless intensity of the love of home; an, however strange it may appear to you, the roots of my life are not within myself; my soul daily is absorbed in this thought - freedom and fatherland (cheers). In all the misfortunes of my country, I feel that God is just, and that he will not allow our country to be destroyed (cheers). All the empires that have yet fallen have perished in consequence of their crimes - or been sacrificed to their pride. That, however, is not the case with Hungary, and she must not die - she must not be sacrificed (cheers).
The Czar has put his foot upon Hungary, but God in his justice will not long allow it to suffer under his tyranny (loud cheers). For the restoration of my own country, I have faith in the destiny of humanity. The organisation of every stat that was based on a small number of the population, was doomed to perish. This truth was exemplified in the case of Germany, Austria, Hungary, and in Rome and Naples. The horrors perpetrated in Naples, had been most generously exposed and denounced by Mr. Gladstone (bear, and cheers). The position of France, too, where the fairest of political freedom should have been enjoyed, had not yet been tested. My country had seen many a storm, and yet the Magyars are alive (loud cheers).
The house of Hapsburg had done its utmost to subjugate my country, but had never succeeded. In the act Austria had lost her future while Hungary retains hers. Austria is on the point of bankruptcy - Hungary had no debt. It was alleged, in favour of Austria, that her existence was necessary as a barrier against the inroads of Russia, but the fact of her having called in the aid of Russia had thrown that pretence to the winds (cheers). And for that most unjustifiable interference on the part of Russia she also lost her fortune (cheers).
The Austrian armies are filled with races who hate the power whom they serve, and that also must be regarded as an element of great weakness. I have mentioned on other occasions that my convictions are in favour of a republic as regards Hungary, for such has been the treachery of the House of Hapsburg, that my people have lost all confidence in that principle. Still, let me not be understood as dictating to others what the government is which they should prefer. Austria, like a spoiled child, has nailed my name to the gallows by the hands of the common executioner (laughter). I do not feel offended in the least at that act. My honour does not depend upon the good opinion of Austria (cheers).
I represent a principle, in favour of which England has pronounced. The house of Hapsburg, however, in nailing my name to the gallows is not intended so much to annoy me as to destroy the sympathy which England had expressed towards me. It is an act of defiance, a challenge to the public opinion of the civilised world. It was a challenge to English sympathy (cheers). But English sympathy would prove to be a more practical thing than a mere passing emotion (loud cheers). Can the words Hungarian revolution be a reproach when it is a fact that we made no revolution (cheers).
Take a man who, relying on the protection of the law, rests quietly in his house, and the night watch, instead of protecting his property, gives the incendiary's torch to a lodger, and persuades him to burn down the house and murder the occupant. Supposing that man rushed out to protect his life and property, and calls upon the watch for assistance - and suppose that watch bring with him an armed guard to destroy that man, calling him a traitor, and a conspirator, for daring to oppose the incendiary, and the man calling about him his sons and neighbours, beat off the watch, the guards, and the incendiary - would any honest man accuse him of assaulting the watch? (hear, hear). If not, then no man has a right to say that Hungary made a revolution. With regard to non-intervention, I approve of the principle, but I wish England so far to carry it out as to prevent Russia interfering with us (hear, hear).
Should the Czar once more threaten oppressed humanity and be willing to violate the sovereign independence of nations, and take a pretence to put his foot on any people in the world, and drown the liberty of Europe in blood, humanity expects that England would wield her trident, and shout out, "Stop!" like Popileus of old. Be sure, gentlemen, this single word will suffice, and will cost you neither money nor blood (cries of 'hear, hear," and cheers). Yes, by that word, pronounced in time, you would save myriads of lives, avert much bloodshed, and give liberty to the world (cheers). The cause of Hungary is the cause of civil and religious liberty. By liberty I mean no exclusion of religion. I am a protestant by birth and by conviction, yet I will struggle equally for the liberty of all sects, Catholic as well as Protestant (cheers). I maintain that the Church ought not to meddle with justice, nor government with the Church (cheers).
I would, therefore, give the election of their bishops and clergy to the people; but I would respect the rights of the Church property, as I hold all property sacred, and leave the Church to appropriate it as it thought proper (cheers). People of England! Do not forget in your happiness our distress, and in your freedom our oppression. Mind, in your proud supremacy, the indignities we endure - remember that those wounds out of which our nation bleeds are so many wounds inflicted on the principles of liberty which makes your glory and happiness (cheers). Remember that there is a tie in mankind's destiny. We are thankful for the tears of compassion for those we honoured in the past; but we ask you to give something more than a tear - to give a brother's hand to our future (loud and long continued cheering, and waving of hats and handkerchiefs). - Mr. Toulmin Smith next rose, and proposed "The future of Hungary." The toast was drunk with great enthusiasm. - M. Pulzsky acknowledged the toast. The meeting broke up about twelve o'clock.
Kossuth in England - Kossuth in Manchester 1
Kossuth in England - Kossuth in Manchester 2
Kossuth in England - Kossuth in Manchester 3
