Semi-weekly North-Carolina standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1852-1853, 1852-01-07
KossUTH-THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE.

kOSSUFH-THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE.
The members of Hebrew. Society waited upon
Kossuth in Baltimore the 9th, and presented him
with $75. and a banner which was painted three
full length figures of Moses, Washington. and Kos
suth-Moses representing Asia, w ashingtonAmerica,
and Kossuth Europe. Two other small banners ac-
comPanied this, one of which we're the words in
Hebrew and English, Thy enemies shall come a.
ganst thee way, and fee before thee ways.
In thee shall all the nations of the earth be blessed
deputaon of Protestant cergymen also called, and
the orator the deputaton having alluded to Kossus
knowledge of the English language, the great Hun
garian replied as follows:
" Gov. Kossuth, in reply to this alluson, related
the following curious fact: 1t is twelve years
ago, said he, that for my decided attachment to the
right of free Press, which had been oppress-
ed except by the arbitrary laws of my country. was
put in prison by the Austrian Government, where
laid three years; the first year they gave nothing
to read, and nothing write with in the second,
they came and told me it would be granted to me to
read something, but that l must not make my choice
OF any political books but only an Indifferent one
pondered little, and, knowing that a knowledge
of languages key of sciences, 1 concluded that
1t perhaps might be useful to get some little knowl-
edge of the English language; so told them would
name some books which would not partake in the re-
hottest way with politics. l asked for an English
Grammar, Shakspere and Walkers Dictionary. The
books were given and sat down. without knowing
single word. and began to read the IS Tempest the
frst play of Shapspere and worked for fortnight to
get through the first page. Laughter.l have a
ce rain rule never to go reading anything without
perfectly understanding what read. So went on,
| and by and bye became somewhat familiar with
your language. Now made that choice because
forced to choose book of any political char
acter. ] chose books which had not the remotest
connection with politics; bullock what an instrument
in the hands of Providence became my little knowl-
edge of the English language, which was obliged
to learn because forbidden meddle with politics.
If had come out of prison to England and America
without this knowledge of your language, l never
should have been able to my thanks for
your generous sympathies; but now l am permitted
not only to thank you, but to explain my humble
views-to explain the principles which, under the
protection of your Constitution afford freedom of
thought and conscience and the protection of that
freedom to every stranger in your country, and
if my humble, unpretending explanation can some
what contribute to conserve your generous sympathy
in republican hearts towards the oppressed nations OF
benefit of mankind, became, in the hands of Provl-
dence, that little knowledge which acquired, while
in prison, of your language. kossuth went on to
speak of the confidence he had in God from the fact
that every time he was crushed down to the earth,
when he got up again upon his feet. he was more
strong and powerful than before-more competent tor
the fulmenr of his duties to his country and for hu-
mainly. Ten or twelve times they endeavored to
crush him, and succeeded for the moment ; but he
despaired and subsequent events always proved
that what God does is well done. Again he enforced
the great principle OF Christanity-brotherly love in
respect nations as we'll to individuals. would &C.
knowledge that principle rule of conduct, and
this nation was the selected by Providence to
lead on this reformation. That glory was reserved
not single individual, but to the United States to
become the regeneators of international policy bas-
ing it upon the brotherly love. [Applause.] What
ever might be the decision ofths country now-wheth.
willing not willing to adopt that principle, il
would sooner later to that point, when i,
would feel itself to be the Executive power on earth
of the laws of nature and of natures God.
Kossuth apologized for his inability to speak the
English language we'll as he could wish. and said
that it hard work for him to do it, notwthstaRd
| ing the constant exercise he had-he was growing
old, and old did easily advance in the knowl
edge of anguage-grammar was for children, scarce
ly for In conclusion he thanked them for their
kind indulgence in listening to him so long with such
attention, and though he somewhat worn
out both in body and mind, would he be so
worn out not to remember with gratitude the gen.
erous manifestation of their appreciation and sympa
thy