The Portsmouth inquirer. [volume] (Portsmouth, O. [Ohio]) 1849-1855, 1851-12-05
Kossuth's Address to the Working
~ men of London.

men Of London.
This admirable speech occupies three col
umns Of the Statesman, and We would glad
" give it in full to our readers, if its great
length did not forbid. Great as has always
been our admiration for this noble man, this
speech places him in still higher position in
our consideration and esteem. 1t fully con-
firms the opinion we have always held that
ne is one of the most sincere and ardent low
efs of libelty that the sun ever shone upon
But it also does more, much more. II proves
that he understands fully what belongs to true
libetty,as it's understood and practiced in
this country He aims at no fanciful and
impracticabe results. He believes that in
orderto be free, nations are not bound OF ne
cessity TO the same form of government, but
that this form should be adapted to the par
ticular circumstances of each, though when
these are favorable he seems to think the re-
publican form the best, and the one which
will be eventually assumed by all.
His object is, evidently, to awaken the
sympathies Of freemen, in England and A.
merica, in favor of the struggle already began
and hereafter to become more severe and de-
cisive, in Europe. He looks upon the cause
of Hungary as that Of freedom throughout
Europe, in consequence Of the principles in
volved and the efforts Of European despots
TO destroy it, In this lie is right.
His speech shows him to be as eloquent as
he is bave-as wise as he is sincere. The
brief statement which he gives of the origin,
progress and object Of the Hungarian war
is candid, truthful and satisfactory.
What il his burning words, embodying as
they do the spirit Of truth, should sink deep
into the American heart, and awaken there a
doubt in regard TO the correctness of our ex-
elusive non-interference policy, at the pres,
ent time, however just and proper it may once
have been ought no such doubt to exist?-
ought the United States, the freest govern
ment in the world and fast becoming the most
powerful, to stand by, with folded arms, and
see freedom crushed 10 earth BY the despols
Of Europe? The doctrine in this county is,
that individual man may pursue the course
he deems best to secure his own happiness,
provided he does not interfere with the same
right of others. and that States may adopt
their own internal policy, provided they do
not infringe upon or countract the powers
granted to the federal government. If this
doctrine is right for individuals and our fam
lily Of states, why is it not right for the
great family Of nations?
Kossuth asks that his country should be
left free to work out her own freedom and 10
establish such government as is but suited
TO promote her happiness. Is it not right
that she should ? If it is, why should not
the United States, as one of the great family
OF nations, one by no means the least, and
one having as much at stake in the impend-
ing struggle as any other, although perhaps
no, SO directly, support the right, AMI as far
as possible enforce it?
We do not pretend to say ho,c far our gov
eminent ought to go, but we do say that the
point Of indifference is not our true position
Indifferent, the great mass Of the people can
not be, and if the people cannot the govern
ment cannot, ought not, aud will not.
We will tomorrow find room for the clos
ing part Of Kossuths speech which we be-
lieve will be acce ptnble to sll our readers.