Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1852-01-01
KossUTH's MISSION.

The Vernon, watchman, wbis j-urusi, H. edsc-
etc Of Kossuih's nj seton Northern inquirer.
Aye" warm" but not crazy "awarm advo.
cate of Kossuih's MISSION" but no, without dis
elimination as to the mode Of sustaining it. And
why should not one be warm in such n cause
We know of no country in continental Europe
more important by its position,--or better fitted
by the religious and political principles which
prevail among those who lead her people,-or
better deserving to be free. We know Of no
country where tyranny has been more iniolerablei
or more indefensible, than in Hungary. Is il
nothing that nation of thirteen millions Of peo-
pie uishes to enjoy civil and religious freedom
And when such nation is debarred that privi
lege by the interference of foreign despotic gov
ernmcnts is it not equally the right, and impora-
lively the duty, of every free people and govern
ment on the earth TO utter its voice, and give
substantial aid, If need be, against such interer-
ence? Have the American people forgotten
GREECE, in its contest with Turkey and the
sympathy and aid recommended by CLAY and
WEBSTER, and so generously accorded by the
people of the United States If our memory
serves us, not word was uttered by an Amcr-
can newspaper, or an American citizen, against
aiding Greece md we are really at a loss to
conceive the slightest reason why the same aid,
/ in ten fold greater degree, should not be accor
ded to Hungary. Is it because Austria is more
inhnman than Turkey? or Russia more unpar-
donable; or is it really because Turkey was
weak, and Russia is strong? We do not recog-
1
and assistance from Hungary. On the other
hand, by 50 much more as Austria is worse and
Russia stronger than was Turkey in her oppres-
sion, by just 50 much more should Hungary be
aided. But how? First, and Immediately, by
public expressions Of sympathy and voluntary
contributions of aid; and ultimately, by the high
est grounds which the Government can take, con
sIstent with recognized principles Of information
al law and sound policy. Kossuth asks the first
to be accorded with perfect respect to our laws
o.. neutrality. lie refuses all gifts which are in
consistent with those laws, in that respect setting
an example worthy Of the commentator even of
his opponents. Money he has right to receive
sympathy he has a right to receive and these
he ms receiving literally, and we are right glad
of it Now nobody in the world has the slight
est reason 10 complain of this. 1t violates no
law, international or otherwise and incurs no
responsibility, and no danger, except the very
imminent and agreeable danger of receiving the
heartfelt gratitude Of suffering nation, and the
admiration of every friend Of freedom through
out the vide world Now if any body is afraid
of getting entangled with European politics; if
any body is against any extension of the doctrine
Of non-lnteryention or If any body is afraid of
war with Russia-just let him remember that
the voluntary offering Of prayers, and sympalhet-
ic tears, and solid dollars for Hungary, cannot pro-
duce any Of these fearful consequences. Fear
not, gentlemen; bu if you are really the friends
Of freedom, and lovers Of your race, give LIBERAL
ly Of your sympathy and your money.
But kossuth asks more--.distnct and immediate
declarations of our Government in favor of max
ing Washngton's doctrine Of non-intervention
matter Of international law; in favor of American
commerce against blockades; and in favor of the
legitimacy of the declaration of Hungarian in.
dependence. Now we regret that kossuth has
asked this, in the mode which he has chosen,
because we are persuaded, in that mode he will /
fail of obtaining his ends, and the impression
may 60 out to the world that the American
Government has no sympathy for the cause of
Freedom. A wrong impression no doubt it viii .
be, and dishearening one. We do not doubt
that our Government wall take every prudent
step in favor of European Freedom in It's con-
test with Despotism. We have no doubt it will
advance in this direction just so fast as the
case will admit; and we trust that the time is
at hand when the constitutional governments Of
the world will unite with one mind to stay tho .
march OF Despotism Nor have we a doubt
that it is the duty Of our government to iead
in tins matter, But what may be practicable, in
the events which may occur, Is not clear enough
to be defined upon the moment by resolutions of
Congress. or necessity, this uatter must re-.
main in the hands Of the diplomltists, and to
them, and not to the public, it strikes Us, Kos
suth should have committed this part Of his
emission" There we are for leaving 1t, at
least until the necessity of instructions from
the people is demonstrated. In the meantime
the People can do good work by practical
s. aid and comfort" 7 here is no danger of do
ing too much-not whit Of danger.