The southern press. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1850-1852, 1851-12-10
kOssuth and Congress.


York on Saturday, for the purpose of rendering
him an invitation TO that city from its corporate
authorities, KossUTH used the following Ian
guage:
"That he was extremely rejoced at this de-
monstration on the part of Philadeph and
that he felt the highest qualification in being
thus honored by the glorious corporation of that
renowned city. Before he left Europe, one of
the pleasures he had promised himself was to
meet and mingle with the citizens of that great
city where the Declaration Of independence had
been proclaimed; and he felt now particularly
anxious to visit the hallowed spot where that
immortal charter had been adopted. But he
went on say, that, at the present moment it was
quite impossible for him to declare at what time
he could 60 there, and that, indeed, it was not
certain that he could go there at all. His object
in visiting this country was not personal one
he did not come to promote any selfish pur-
pose, and he could not, therefore, do anything
that was calculated merely to crafty himself
His object was to promote the great cause Of
liberty throughout the world, and especially in
Hungary and while he was sure the people Of
the United States sympathized in that object,
he could not but say that he was deeply dis
tressed at the action which had been taken by
Congress. Ilo liuu tiIe HShcSI ItoPcCe anu Ic-
gard for Congress-he recognized it az the ex-
ponent of the national will, and in view of what
il had done, his own movements were necessa-
ry embarrassed Whether he would be con-
tent to 90 beyond New York he could not say
but he was free to declare that had the proceed
ings in Congress to which he had adyerted
reached him before he left Europe, he would
have hesitated about coming to this country at
all. And as it wac, with the utmost gratitude
TO all who bestowed on him such marks of kind
ness as the city of Philade phia had offered, and
especially with sentiments of sincere regard for
Philadelphia and its citizens, he must defer for
day or two any positive reply to the request
which had been made to HIM"
1t is far from our wish to find flaw in the
fame of the great Magyar, or to throw chill
upon the generous warmth of the reception
which has been, and will continue TO be, the
spontaneous tribute of liberty loving people
to an iustrious exile in the cause Of freedom.
But when it is proposed to transform popular
tribute into an act of State, and when that one
act may involve reversal of our whole foreign
policy, it behooves thinkers and statesmen to
pause and reflect We are of opinion, and We
believe that the statesmen and Legislators who
entertain and act on like opinions, will find their
support in the good sense of the American peo-
pie, that an official reception of kossUTH by
Congress, will be Justly construed by the world
into the sanction of any mission he may be en-
gagged upon among us, and must logically,if not
practically, commit us to an avowed interven-
ton in the affairs of Europe, if to solicit such
be the avowed purpose of his visit. That such
appears to be his avowed and only purpose, we
now proceed to Indicate from the materials
which he has thus far furnished
KossurH repeatedly declares that he has moi
come to this country 10 enjoy rest nor demon
STATIONS of imperative sympathy; butte inter
cede for practical protection and aid, to be cx
tended TO Hungary by the United States The
passages to this effect, in his various speeches
are too numerous TO be cited. Their substantia
bearing must be obvious TO every reader.
For instance, he declares after previous argu
ment | have the right to say, that il is th
duty Of consistency and logic for the people o
the United States to recognize the declaratio
of Hungary as the only existing law Of my poo
down-trodden country" In the same come,
ton, he observes significantly, (though he els'
where expresses himself pleased with the ind
cations afforded by our government so far0 tn
whatever may be the declaration of your go
eminent in that respect, know ! have the hon
to be in a country where the sovereign is not
government, but the people"
he hopes " that the people of the Unit
States are as firmly decided to be good in de-
and in acts, as in words and sympathy" He
forms the people of Staten Island, that when
again addresses them his adieu, il will be, "a
hope to bear you public thanks for acts, as n
do for sentiments" He reminds the people
New York of their reception of LA FAYET1
and that II was not mere tribute Of admirati
but of gratitude for aid furnished in men, arI
ships, and money; and he informs them that
expects TO find in this people the LA FAYET1
of Hungary.
With these significant Indications Of W
KossUTH will expect, and what the world '
expect, in case Of formal being superaddeC
a popular reception of the patriot exile,
senators will do wisely not TO commit tn
selve. too broadly in this matter, in the mids
the noise and confusion" now prevailing.
sentiments and feelings towards KossUTH,
,indication of his character and course from o
and covert assaults, are too familiar TO our n
ers 10 admit of any doubt as to our motives
throwing out these suggestions. lie has
duties TO perform-our statesmen have thei
F- The Baltimore Clipper conveys the
lowing information in relation to the Preside
invitation TO KossUTH TO visit this city.