The southern press. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1850-1852, 1851-12-11
Kossuth and Congress.

In response to committee of the city council
of Philadelphia, who waited upon him in New
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 rejoiced at this de-
monstraticn on the part of Philadelphia, 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 go 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 o!
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. He had the highest respect and re.
gard for Congress-he recognized it as the ex
ponent of the national will, and in view of what
il had done, his own movements were necessa
rily 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 adverted
i b.c h., Lar he
have hestated about coming to this country at
ALL And as it was, with the utmost gratitude
to all who bestowed on him such marks of kind.
ness as the city of Philadelphia 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"
II 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 illustrious exile in the cause Of freedom.
But when il is proposed to transform a popular
tribute into an act OF State, ard when that one
act may involve Il reversal of our whole fore On
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 inSe. 4 1Od sense Of the American Peo-
pie, that an official reception of kossUIH by
Congress, viii he Justly construed hy the world
into the sanction Of any mission he may be en-
gagged upon among us, and must logically, If not
practically, commit US 10 an avowed intervcn-
ton in the affairs Of Europe, il to solicit such
be the svowed purpose Of bis visit. That such
appears to be his svowed and only purpose, we
now proceed 10 indicate from the materials
which he has thus far furnished.
KossUTH repeatedly declares that he has no.
come TO this country to enjoy rest nor demon.
STATIONS Of imperative sympathy but TO inter.
cede for practical protection and aid, TO be ex
tended TO Hungary by the United States. The
passages to this effect, in his various speeches,
are too numerous TO be cited. Their substantial
bearing must be obvious TO every reader.
For instance, he declares, after previous argu.
meut: al have the right to say, that il Is the
duty Of cou,isten:y and logic for the people OF
the United States to recognize the declaration
Of Hungary as the only existing law Of my poor
down-troddeu country" In the same connec.
ton, be observes significantly, Though he else.
where expresses himself pleased with the indi.
cations afforded by our government so farJ tina,
whatever may be the declaration Of your gov.
eminent in that respect, know ] have the honor
70 be in a county where the sovereign is not the
government, Se people,"
He hop@/that the people Of the United
States are &trmly decided TO be good in deeds
and 10 acts, as in words ard sympathy" lie in.
forms the people Of Staten Island, that when he
again addresses them his adieu, il will be, =" as ]
hope, 10 bear you public thanks FOR sets, as now
do for sentiments" lie reminds tho people Of
New York Of their reception Of La FAYEITE
and that IL was not mere tribute Of admiration,
but Of gratitude for aid furnished in men, arms
ships, and money; aud he informs them that he
expects 10 find in this people the LA FAYETTEs
Of Hungary.
With these significant indications Of what
KossUTH will expect, and what The world will
expect, in case Of a formal being superadded to
8 popular reception Of the patriot exile, our
senators will do Hisely not 10 commit them.
selves too broadly in this matter, in the midst Of
the noise and confusion" now prevailing. Out
sentiments and feelings towards KossuTH, and
vindicalion Of his character and course from oper
and covert assaults, are too familiar TO our read
ers 10 admit Of any doubt as to our motives il
throwing out these suggestions. lie has hi
duties 10 perform-our statesmen have theirs.
B- The Baltimore Clipper conveys the fol-
lowing information in relation 10 the President,
invitation 10 KossUTH to visit this city. We
had heard nothing Of that befOre-but presume
the facts must be as stated