Grand River times. [volume] (Grand Haven, Mich.) 1851-18??, 1851-12-16
THE KOssUTH QUESTION.

ted Suites is an era in the great events that
now stir the world. He comes rs a "represen-
tative man." n school-master of nations, stand
ing on the broad platform of English and Am
erican liberty, teaching the entire world the val
ne of human rights, and the destiny OF human
progress. Inseparable from Kossuth is the
question of Hungarian nationality and indepen-
dence, and of liberty in continental Europe
He has not abandoned the cause in which he
has periled his all. He does not come to our
shores for refuge, private retreat. lie comes
not to settle upon the public lands rendered him
in the far West, but TO impress himself up
on the public heart, and to wake the sympa-
thies of this great nation for his own unhappy
land. And this sympathy he desires not for the
past, but for the future. t,t,a
The end that Kossuth hopes to accomplish
by his visit to England and America is to secure
the moral weight of these two nations against
the Intervention of Russia in any future strug-
gle between Hungary and Austria: He wishes
guaranty that the question of Hungarian in
dependence shall be simply an internal question,
to be decided without the interference of for
eign powers. He does not ask for an armed
intervention for despotism. word from Lord
Palmerston, at the critical moment, would have
kept back Russia, and have saved Hungary
No doubt, too, the timely appearance Of an Am
erican fleet on the coast of Italy, admonshlng
Austria and Spain not to interfere in the thermal
connections of that country, would have saved
and perpctuated the Roman republic The
question is, shall we grant this moral influence
to the struggling nations of Europe!
The denial of this would come with n very
bad grace from us, while we honor Lafayette
and Kosciusko for their achievements in our ma
tional struggle, and remember that but for the
alliance of France that struggle might have had
quite another termination. The prompt recog-
milton of the Roman and Hungarian republic
would have done for them what the recognition
of our independence by France, did for this re-
public in its infancy. In an important sense
France secured the independence of the United
States. We recognize this obligation to this
day, MS The basis of moral and religious duties
toward France. There is throughout the Am
erican nation, an enthusiastic glow of gratitude
and affection to France, for its prompt and de-
csive action toward this infant republic. 1t
seems ungracious in us to withhold like SYM
pathy from nations in like circumstances. Hun
gary had done more to establish its nationality
and independence, at the time of the Russian
Intervention, than had the United States at the
date of the French recognition. We had fou't
a few successful battles upon wide territory,
with an enemy three thousand miles away,
whose troops could be reinforced only at inter-
walls; the Hungarians had fought decisive bat
ties upon a soil girt round about with enemies,
and infested with traitors; rs against Austria
their nationality was secure. A. word from
England would have secured it against Russia
also.
No doubt there is a ust claim upon u.s. to
aid in some way, the diffusion Of liberty among
| the nations. But this must not be by an armed
propagandism. Liberty cannot be forced upon
n people. Neithor must it be by fomenting civ
il wars, or in any way interfering with the in
| ternal affairs OF other nations. The Cuban en-
petition, the Texan revolution, and the Next
can war, were all marauding enterprises.
But it is quite another question whether, when
a people have shown their ability to maintain
their liberties against all internal odds, we shall
calmly look on and see those liberties crushed
by colossal power from without, or shall pro-
test against that interference, and by prompt
recognition and alliance, encircle the newborn
nation with our protection. This question has
grave moral and political bearings which we
shall discuss hereafter it will enter largely
into the political agitation OF our country. 1t
is the question that Kossuth will bring to the
American people. Yet the identity of the pat
rot-chief with this great European question,
should not in the least detract from the enthusi-
asm of his personal reception. Let us first
open our hearts to the man, and then hear and
| Judge what we shall do with his cause
Independent.
New YORK, Nov. 25.