The southern press. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1850-1852, 1852-06-28
From the Ne,c York Evening Post.


| The remarks of Kossuth to tho Germans, on
their duties as citizens, being the first that he
has made of political nature, will be read with
universal interest at this time. We, therefore,
translate his precise words:
FINALLY, regard it as my duty to utter few
modest words as to the mission of the German
citizens Of America in their position as citizens.
| do it, because the naturalized Germans Of
Newark have expressly asked me to do so. They
say that, since the origin of the Union, no Pres.
identia election has had higher or greater sig.
nificance than the present. That is true.
"They say that the condition of Europe, the
voice of the majority of the people, and particu.
larly the interests of tho United States render
it an imperative necessity that the course of pc.
litical isolation which has formerly prevailed,
must be relinquished, and the principle of active
sympathy in the international relations of Eu.
rope be established. Therein they are again
right.
"They say, moreover, that the platforms Of
the two great parties are deficient, and do not
correspond to the spirit of the times-which is
| also true.
"And they say, finally, that they are resolved
to support those politics only, which, while they
will emancipate Europe, will lead to the endur
| ing welfare of the United States. Now, this is
view which, if had the honor to be native
American citizen, bound by no special ties to
Europe, and only anxious to determine my pa
triotic duty, would take as my guide
| Even my enemies, who heap me with caum-
MES and stale jests, which defile them but not
me, and who indulge in the most malignant per.
version of my language, cannot deny that have
never spoken to the Germans in America, with.
out saying that their first and hottest duty in
America was to be Americans, and that they
should take the true interests of their adopted
land. without regard to their personal feelings,
as their guide.
| 81 say that, to-day. Virtue is the basis of
republican government, and there is no virtue
which is not patriotic. But as matters now
stand, philanthropy is the only true American
patriotism. Selfish isolation is either short
sighted mistake, or an illusion and treason of
the passions.
| ait is principle of mine never to mingle
with any internal question Of this country--and
shall not do it. But no one can regard it as
an offence to say that Europe is profoundly con-
cerned in the question, as to what course in re-
gard to the foreign policy Of the country the
future administration may pursue; for my own
country and Germany and all Europe are the OBJ
jects Of that policy.
at is proper, therefore, to express my views
"And since my views of that question en-
brace the whole future Of America, and it is that
question which is to give the main direction to
the next administration, | say that the way
which American patriots have to choose is
clearly indicated by events. They must not be
led by party names or party affinities, but by
principles
"Now, one party has already pronounced it.
self as openly hostile to that view of foreign
policy which the German citizens of New York
profess and which regard as the only salutary
view for America; the other party has passed il
over in silence.
"There is, then, nothing dubious here; the
hostile declaration has alienated support-bui
silence leaves the matter so far forth still open
Should the leading organs and leaders of the
victorious fraction of the party, which declares
itself unfriendly, retract the hostile program
then the question of principle again recurs--
which party will declare itself favorable! But
as the matter is left by the conventions, it is
clear that silence Is less favorable than declared
y opposition,