Polynesian., 1852-02-14
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF KossUTH

We give the following biographical sketch of
this celebrated man, from the New York Weekly
Times, of Dec. 18th. Our readers will doubtless
find it of interest," is every thing just at this
ment, that relates to him.
| LOUIS KOssUTH.-The arrival of the great
/ Hungarian upon shores has sent thrill OF
electrical excitement over the length and breadth
of the land and the few behind the age individuals,
who have yet to learn in what the electric influence
of the man consists, are looking about them for
means to redeem their unblissful ignorance. In
pity to this benghted few, we have prepared a re-
sumo, barren and brief to be sure but much as
we have space to furnish, to relieve to some ex-
tent their disgraceful obscurty.
Louis Kossuth was born in the small village of
Monok in the upper region OF Hungary, on the
9th day of April, l0S6. His family was highly
respectable, dating back to antique nobility but by
the slow and tear of time and suffering In the
cause of freedom, it had been reduced to poverty.
Seventeen of the name were attalnted for treason
| against the Hapsburgs, in the course of the six
teenth century. Louis had in childhood the pro-
mise of extraordinary genius and mental strength.
His mother, who still lives, impressed upon HIM the
stamp of her own powerful mind, and klnded those
glowing aspirations which have advanced him
since childhood to the front rank of humanity. Of
his early teachings which were received in charl-
table way from men, who had Judgment enough
to realize his future Abilities there Is little to tell
Sufficient Latin was mastered before he entered
the Protestant school of Sarostapak, to famharlZe
him with that primer book of youthful herolsm,
Plutarch's Lives and deeply and absorbingy did
the growing boy drink the intoxicating stories of
Grecisn glory and Roman worldwide victories.
From the school, the neophyte passed to the
study of law at Eperes: and from the study OF law
to the practise of il at Pesth There and then was
/ tho tcftb tba l. pu,nf in having
bled in the year previous 1926; and the young ad-
vocate not yet legal man. soon found opportunl-
ties of cultvating those parliamentary talents which
have since developed themselves in the perfect
orator. the resistless debater. Some of the liberal
mobiles, companions of WessGlenyi and Szechenyi
furnished him, during occasional absences, with
proxies to represent them in the Diet, and while
the past furnished no immediate opening to fame,
it schooled the future hero in the interests, and
rights, and needs of his country. The Diet ex-
tracted several important concessions from the
Austrian Emperor before it finally dissolved; and
when it did so, kossuth, discouraged with the
chances of legal success at the capital, turned his
face towards Zemplin, his native county, where his
practise rapidly grew and multiplied. The Diet,
which assembled in 1882, once more called the
young barriser to the capital. His talents at re-
porting debates attracted the notice OF the liberal
readers. He was employed to write out full records
of the public proceedings, and circulate them by
the aid of the press through every town and ham,
let of the country. The struggle of the Liberailsts
was glorious one, and kossuths history OF 1t
moved the popular mind of Hungary almost to tren-
w. The Austrian Government became seriously
alarmed. His press was stopped. He resorted to
lithography to obtain the requisite number OF trans
cripts of his reports. He again obstructed,
and an attempt to effect his object by employing
host of engrossing clerks, proved not whit more
fortunate But the efectwas of prodigious benefit.
The Hungarians of all races made personal mat
ter of the suppression. The name OF the lndefat-
gable reporter was on every lip, and never without
applause. He started a journal. For some time,
Government feared to molest him. The editorials
increased each day in boldness and spirit They
were far-off premonitions of the great convusionI
preparing the trumpet-blasts that were to resur-
rect the old times of Count Tekeli, and other now
almost fabulous heroes ofearller Hungarian history
The young reformer labored strenuously to main
tain his leadership of the national awaking He
studied and acquired the French and English lar
guages in his pursuit of French and Encciish pnn-
clples of Freedom. Day ard night, reserving, like
Bonapare, but two or three hours for rest he drew
into himself the elements of greatness and power;
and expended them in arguments and pleadings tor
popular rights and immunities. The burning words
of the writer were ntolerable to the cold temper
of the Austrian A walk on the ramparts of Bu9a,
to breathe momenariy the free air Of heaven after
arduous devotion to study. ended IN dungeon OF
the castle Kossuth entered into captivity on the
4th Of May, 1887. At once, the people clamored
fercely for his release. He was extclled as
martyr of liberty. His imprisonment was unendu
rable to the Magyar spirit his words had excited
His name was household word at every hearth,
and prayer for his release clause in every de-
votion. Every endeayor was made to cheer his
confinement. Among others who stroye to COM
fort him was Teresa Mezlenyi, young lady Of no
bic birth, who kept him supplied with reading from
time to time in the shape of the latest politi
cal ESSAY or pamphlet, now in letter full of news
and sympathy, and encouragement The interest
of the lady found its reward in his hand, upon his
release In 1910, this event occurred. The mobiles
the Viennese ministry, made the discharge of the
patriot sine qua non. He came out of his bond
age physically worn and enfeebled, though men
tally in far higher state OF preparation io1 ms
destined work. than when he had been hurried into
his walled solitude. :,
His name was now the index word of all the
volumed hopes of the Magyars for freedom and