The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1849-07-13
A Glance at the History OF Hungary.

AT this crisis all the world turns to Hungary to
form some conclusion from her bearing as to the
question whether centuries Of subsection to foreign
power, the tyranny of one part of the nation over
the other, the sway Of an hereditary arstocracy and
bad laws, unfit community for the duty of estab-
fishing and maintaining liberty. Occupying pc
cular position, midway between the Baltic ice and
the groves Of Italy, Hungary might have been
imagined destined to become one of the most gifted
and prodiga of the nations of Europe. Such has
centuries to younger and really feebIer power
than itself II may not be inappropriate just now
to give brief abstract Of its history.
The origin Of this people was illusrious, having
made its first impression on the page of history,
under the command of Attila, who loved TO call
himself the scourge of God and King of the
Huns" Montesquieu, who translated from the
now forgotten Jornandes, speaks of Atula as
proud, artful, irritable, yet crafty warlike or
peaceful Us policy demanded, he, though followed
by captive kings maintained the severity Of man
ners which were the original characteristics of his
people.
The courage Of the Hungarians is hereditary,
for even when " barbaric monarchs rode up the
sleeps of the capitol" they regretted that they could
not equal the glorious deeds of their fathers.
The Huns, originally mighty people in the
interior of ASIA had established an empire, which
about the end Of the first century, was overthrown
by the Chinese. Expelled from their country for
several centuries, they became wanderers, and, at
the commencement Of the fifth century, under the
command Of Attiln, made descent on Germany,
France, and Italy. Destroying the realms over
which they passed in 45l A. c., Atula met near
Chaions, IN Gsul, the Burgundian and Frankish
armies, under Theodore and Merovic, aided by
the Roman forces The battle fought there gave
to the river the appellation ii yet preserves Of the
Bloody Marne"
Attila was beaten, and two hundred thousand Of
his soldiers killed Thence Attila retired into
Pannonlo, and in 452 appeared at the head Of
new army, on the south side of the Alps. All
Italy lay before him, and he advanced to Rome.
When near the city, he was met by the first Of
those great Pontfs who bore the name Of Leo,
and, induced by his persuasions, turned aside.
Soon after this, Attila died from the effects Of
debauch, during the celebration Of his marriage
with daughter Of the king OF the Bactrians. This
circumstance shows US that Attila did not COM
mand mere isolated band Of adventures, but was
reinforced, from time 10 time, by the great nations
Of Europe, Of whom the Bactrians were one II
was not likely an eastern monarch would have
given his daughter to mere adyenturer.
The children Of Attila could not agree, and other
swarms Of the great barbaric hive appeared and
conquered Pannonia, or Hungary The record of
the contests Of barbaric kings is idle aud un
profitable. In the year 1000, however, a great
event occurred. Stephen, the descendant of one of
the old princes, was elected king. This Is the be.
ginning Of the authentic history Of Hungary The
descendants of Stephen, who was canonized reisned