The southern press. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1850-1852, 1851-12-15
s'Ko S S D I H.


n European Denssrasy.
About ~ o'clock, the European Democratic
Societies assembled in front Of tho Irving House
There were At least 5000 persons in the crowd
with the flags Of Germany, Italy, France, and
Hungary, and the Rsd Banner Of Universal Re-
publicanism, with two or three bands of music
When Kossuth appeared upon the balcony
he was received with loud and oft-repeated
cheers. He was addressed by Gen. Avaxzana
on behalf OF The society, in the French language
The following is The substance Of the address
made by Gen Avazzana:
CeAoral Avazkana, as chairman Of the CON-
mittse, addressed Governor Kossuth, welcoming
him 70 this glorious asylum of the homeless
victims Of European tyrants, and made him ac-
quainted with the object of this demonstration.
Then copy OF the address was given to him
in the name OF the Republican Democrats and
Socialists from Europe, now living in this great
American metropolis. The address had, how
ever, no reference to the socialistic doctrines
being simply a warm tribute of admiration to
the heroic bravery OF the Hungarian people, and
Of their worthy leader, as wei rs declaration
OF the necessity of the European nations to be
united, 10 order to overcome the common enemy,
despotism.
The illustricus exile listened to the address
with greet attention, and then. in low tone Of
voice. and in the French language he spoke to the
following effect:
GENTLEMEN: am exceedingly sorry, that the
actual condition OF my health prevents me from
making my voice audible to this vast multitude
Should attempt it. it might render it impossible
for me to address men any more in the future
MY respiratory organs are suffering to such q
degree, an to ,ause blood to be elected from my
mouth. Nevertheless, may assure you, Mr.
Chairman, that If all demonstrations of sympathy
to the political cause of my country are dear ia
my heart, those must be and are doubly so
which come from the democrats Of the European
nations. II is democracy which Ia to stand IN
the field, in the next combat against despotism
1t is by our union, the union of all the friends
Of true liberty, that the hallowed cause of Euro.
pean nationalites will ultimately triumph.
In my opinion, gentlemen, democracy is q
principle, and socialism is a system. My unre.
served adhesion is for the former. As for the
latter, beg leave to state that the great ques
tons Of social philosophy are to be differently
resolved according to the peculiar conditions Of
the different nations. 1t is not for nue. to in,
quire or Judge what system may best suit the
political and social wants of other countries
but as far as mine own is concerned, and as fal
as the confidence with which my countrymer
honor me enable me to speak in their name,
am convinced that Hungary does not want nor
wish for the application OF any system of 80
cialism ] may add, on the authority of the
statements made to me by Mazzini, that Italy
too, in this respect, is quite in the same pred
cament! This analogy of the social state ano
wants of the two nations, strengthens the links
that naturally now connect together Hungary
and Italy, and according to which they mus
henceforward act with the greatest harmony in
their revolutionary career. But | fully acknow
ledge it with you, there is necessity, not fo
these only, but for all nations of Europe which
arc being trampled under the feet of despotism
Of joining in a common endeavor against
common enemy-the alliance of the European
tyrants.
Therefore, as an anticipated token of this
holy alliance of the nations, heartily accep
the banner which you offer to me. Receive
my thanks and hand to me that symbol of free
dom and national brotherhood. in order that
may hold it in my grasp. Here, TO make i
easier for him to hold the flag, it was PARTIAL
fured, and thus given to him. Then, termin
ating his speech with a happy allusion TO thi,
incident let it be folded, said he, for the present
We will unfurl it on the great approachin day
of the fnal struggle for the liberty of man
kind.
This admirable answer was delivered with
particularly grateful, although, as we bcfor,
said, low tone of voice, and with a remarkabl,
correctness and Auency of the French language
Kossuth asked that somebody should inform
the people of the reason which forbade him Il
make public harangne, and Of the conclusion
of his answer. AS no American happened tt
be among the few who had distinctly heard him
General Avezanna requested gentleman of the
committee to comply with the wish of the H.
lustrious Magyar When the vast assemblsgs
in front of the Irving House heard the repeti
ton of the last words of Kossuth's noble reply
that the banner would be unfurled on the Clio
rious day of ths great coming struggle, nigh
ty shout of applause greeted both the bold pro
mise and the hero who made it.