New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1849-06-15


The question OF political right Invoked On the
present violent war between Austria and Hun
gary, Is not generally understood. While the
ardent champion Of the Republican cause finds in
every victory Of the Magyar arms the inspira
ton Of FREQ impulses, the mnions OF Reaction
brand the whole movement a n revolt, uniustied
by circumstances, aud guided only by the Ambi-
tion Of few desperate insurgent chiefs But
Hungary fights neither ss a rebellious nor Re-
publican power. She has exercised no authority
which she did not Of right possess, under the
sway OF an Austrian sovereign she has adopted
no new principle Of Government, subycrsive Of
her ancient aud cherished system. She only tooh
up arms against the aggressive usurpatIons Of the
Court OF Vienna. when 20 other means va, left
OF preserving the rights guaranteed 10 her BY the
solemn covenant Of Austria, and renewed with
additional sanotity by each successive monarch
OF the House OF Hspsbarg Let Us, before going
farther, examine the extent Of these rights and
the nature OF the union by which the two nations
have hitherto been linked together
Ii Is a mistake to suppose that Hungary was
ever In any sense dependency Of Austria. For
more than three centuries It Is true, she has Of
reigns Of the Empire. bat without violating the
provisions Of her ancient Constitution. Since the
end Of ne thirteenth century she has existed as
an elective monarchy. choosing her rulers, after
tho extinction Of the original line OF Magyar
Kings fum different reisning families OF Europe.
Thus, ~hsa tbs Polish line Of Wladislaw ceased
with Louis II IN $40, the Diet after mature dis
cussion, elected Ferdinand OF Austria. TINS
choice, hoo ever involved no surrender Of right.
As King of Hungary, Ferdinand swore 70 accept
the Consultation aud protect the Diet IN the exer-
else OF Its legislative functions. The organization
OF the two countries remained as distinct as be
fore. Even when after the consecutive election
OF its members t. the throne OF Hungary. the
sovereignty OF the house OF Hspsburg was declared
hereditary by the Presburs Diet Of less, the indie
pendsnce OF the nation SO tar from being compro
missed, was secured by renewed pledges and by
the oath OF coronation itself. The Magyar nation
atty to all appearances, was as complete as under
the Kings Of the race Of Arpsd.
The Constitution of Hungary, however. not only
requires the royal sanction to give effect TO the
acts of the Diet but preeludes that body from dis
cassins measures which have not first been pro
the Diet must be obtained when Austria has need
Of Hungarian arms and supplies. she has the pow
or, Ia turn, OF embarrassing and retardins. to a
considerable extent, its effective operation
Without overstePpins the precise terms Of the
national agreement, the Court OF Vienna may ex.
ercise a very oppressive influence over the Ma.
gysr dominioas. The history Of that Court, since
the time OF Ferdinand |. with the exception Of the
reigns of Maria Theresa and Leopold II. presents
a continual record Of such usurpstions. We car
only aseribe the patience Of Hungary, through
her many generations of burdensouie rule' to thu
reverence Tor kingy authority which is part @
her political faith.
Austsis, with the cunning foresight OF pesPol
ism, saw from the first the difficulty OF retaining
her influence over Kingdom so extensive sn'
prosperous, without torgiog stronger chain. Al
the arts which her selfish aud soheming minister
could devise, have for three centuries been direc.
cd TO this end Avoiding all violent attacks uPoE
the rights and privileges OF Hungary, she has en-
dsavoredb by slow and untiring system Of policy Il
break up the sources Of national feeling and grad
uaIly draw the whole Magyar race iato the SAME
abject dependence as Bohemia and TyrOl. She
gave, indeed few niggsrdy concessions whei
the vaults of her treasury were 70 be hlled or ih'
ranks of her armies to be replsnished, but These
were either retractsd in the security Of victory
their operation neusrslized by some new sehern'
Of oppression. Less powerful than her despotit
aiy oil Rus ia, she equals him in the sabtlety o