The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1851-11-24

kossuth.
Our paper of Saturday contained copious alb
stracts of speeches addressed by Nj. KossuTH
to the operatives of London, and to Italian and
French refugees now resident in that metropo-
lis. As oratorical efforts, they are calculated
to add to the great fame of the illustrious Hun
garian; they evince his knowledge of human
nature, his intimate acquaintance with the wide
range of political and social movements, and
singular skill in adapting himself to the vari-
GUS circumstances in which he happens to find
himself placed. However remarkable in their
isolated character, these addresses derive their
chief significance from their conneXion with
KossUTH's earlier expressions, and as gradual
developments of views which can only be pro-
perly appreciated when regarded in their en-
tirety.
The eulogiums passed by KossUTH upon the
institutions of England were objected to by
many on this side of the Atlantic as indications
of monarchical predictions on his part; and
differences were drawn unfavorable to his liber-
atty and sagacity as politician. BY these OBJ
iectors little allowance was made for the pecu-
liarty of his position as the partaker of English
hospitality, and still less for the fact that a
man may honestly admire English institutions,
as adapted to English principles and habits,
without committing himself TO the unqualified
approval of one or the other, and with
out comparing them with the still better
institutions of this Republic. That Kos
suTH's course at Southampton was polite
in the highest degree was proved by its
immediate effect upon no inconsderable potion
of the public mind. They who had at first
stood aloof from an apprehension of Red Re
publicanism, Socialism, or something of that
kind, discovered that their visitor was in many
respects essentially conservative, and that the
cause with which he had become identified is
in reality struggle for the restoration of an
cient rights. By and by, addressing the sub
stantial business men of London, KossUTH
succeeded in demonstrating the close alliance
that exists between the nationality of England
and the United States and the enforcement of
non-intervention policy so far as the abb
lutist powers of Europe are concerned;
but he limited at nothing more than the exercise
of the moral power ofthis country and Britain
as necessary to keep Russia or Austria within
its proper limits. Compared with these opin-
ions, some portions of the speeches published on
Saturday present a striking contrast--in some
particulars, perhaps, striking advance. The
working classes-more democratic than the mid
die class-elicited from him clearer statement
of his Interior objects and principles than any to
which he had previously given utterance. He
dwelt emphatically upon the nearapproach of 81
mutaneous revolutionary outbreaks upon the
continent ofEurope, and again and again dilated
upon the doctrine Of the community of peoples
in the principle Of freedom, and of "unity in
the destinies of humanity" He proceeded to
applaud the institutions of the United States,
and declared himself an advocate of their
extension to his native country. Whatever
be his opinions in regard to the English
his own people, an unmistakable repub-
lican. In this respect more than in any
other, his grafton in Copenhagen Fields displays
an advance upon prior speeches. Still later,
speaking Of England to Italians, he took holder
ground than before in regard to the precise
upon by the two nations to whom he looks for
cuuntenance and succor. Public opinion,
he said in substance, sis excellent in its way,
and at times may be omnipotent but public
opinion against Russian aggression is worth
little unless it be known that something more
tangible will be employed, if necessary, to
carry out its high behests." In effect, then,
KossUTH calls upon this country and England
TO prepare themselves for the possibility of
being required to act as well as protest against
the wanton excuses Of absolutsm.
Thus stripped of the attractive guse with
which KossUTH invests every thing that pro-
ceeds from his tongue or pen, the doctrine Of in
tervention assumes an importance which it were
unwse to deny or underrate As we have stated
it, il is at variance with the careful policy to
which our leading statesmen Of all parties have
hitherto adhered, and its endorsement, without
material explanation and qualification, would
give rise TO difficulties of which no man could
see the end
This is point, however, which we do not
propose now TO discuss. Justice to KossUTH
and to the interests Of which he is the cham
pion, requires at least some delay before arriv-
ing at positive conclusions in relation TO his
future plans. Before many days are over he
will, we hope, have an opportunity Of speak
ing to republicans on republican soil, and then