Cincinnati daily press. [volume] (Cincinnati [Ohio]) 1860-1862, 1861-11-19
M, Denk, the HnnsarInn statesmab.


A letter from Presburg, in the Paris Rrssse,
gives the following sketch Of NJ. Deak, who
has played so important a part in the Hun
gsrian agitation, and Of whom we are likely
TO know good deal so long as the present
crisis lasts: .
Francsis Deak, who was born in 1906, is
the son of a country gentleman He dis
played II his early youth considerable natu-
raj talent. His conversation was animated;
Of rare purity of manners, he observed the
most delicate reserve when in the presence
of ladies, without, however, carrying Il to
the extent Of prudery. His corpulency, which
makes him appear shorter than he really is,
his rough black hair, his low butample brow,
a short, straight, pointed nose, a long chin, a
thick moustache almost covering the lip, and
large and ruddy cheeks, altogether give him
a vulgar appearance. But when he speaks
and is animated, his countenance becomes
lighted up with the spark Of intelligence
his eyes are bright, and his smile is ironical,
bat not bitter. .-...,,
AT five o'clock in the morning, NJ. Dssk is
sure to be seen commencing his long walk,
dressed with serupulous neatness, with O
black coat and white waistcoat, and carrying
large cane, He is declared enemy to all
unnecessary labor. A letter from him is as
rare as it is precious. But it is only at in
teTNhlb Judb ne luuulReb III bulS lOF6 VI re-
pose. In l84l and lS43 we have seen him at
work lying on his back for ten hours out of
twenty-four, drawing up the criminal code,
and that going on without rest from day to
day. His evenings are passed at the Circle,
smoking and delighting his friends by his
brilliant and animated conversation. In the
Chamber, where he keeps himself aloof from
party intrigues, he speaks little, but never
without producing a great sensation. II at
Tackled ha ranliaq with hittarnnau and uin-
lence. His arguments are overpowering he
does not amuse himself with flowers of rhet-
oric, and never quits the field until he has
overthrowp his enemy. His voice is not
pleasing, being harsh and somewhat husky.
On these occasions he is cruelty positive aud
irresistible. He is, however, afflicted with
real inirmity: to listen to platitudes, even
for very short timer gives him frightful
headache.
One of the most noble traits in his charac-
ter is his straightforwardness. Thus the pe0-
pie call him "the Just one NEITHER more
nor less than Aristides. In l943 the govern
ment determined to defeat his election at any
price; his friends thought it right to use the
same weapons, and combat unequaled in
parliamentary annals followed. He came off
with the honors of war, but soon afterward
resigned, as he would not sanction any cor
ruption by his example. In l949 he formed
part of the ministry of Count Batthyani for
the department of Justice, and the Diet de-
puted him, in company with the Count and
Bishop Souvasis, to 60 to the camp of Mar
shal Wipdischgratz, TO attempt last arrange
ment with Austria. The Prince did not re-
ceive them, as he would not treat with rebels.
Count Bstthyani was put under arrest and
the two other deputies of the Diet under the
surveillance of the police. Deak could not
therefore follow the Hungarian government
to Debreczin, and he remained at Pesth dur
ing the war of Independence.
At the time of the Bach ministry full
powers were offered to him for the organiza-
ton of justice. Great embarrassment ex-
listed between the abolished Hungarian laws
and the unpopular Austrian code. Deak
frankly refused to assist the foreign admins
tration, and continued to lead solitary and
retired life at Pesth, on an annuity which he
received from the Szechenyi family, in pay.
ment for estates which he had sold to them.
At the present Diet, some agents of the revo-
lutionary party, being jealous of an eloquence
capable of eclipsing even that of Kossuth,
endeavored to raise suspicion of his wish
for reconciliation with Austria at any price.
The majority remained firm for moment,
but his first address, disfgured by the Vivady
amendment, was unanimously re established,
and the second enthusiastically accepted, as
you are aware.