The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1894-03-21
and penurY.

Lajos Q.ouis) Kossuth was born at
Monok, Hungary, April 81. 1906 His
parents were poor. but OF noble rank. He
was educated at the Protestant college of
Sarospatak, where he qualified himself
for the practice of law. In 1880 he became
agent for the Countess Szcpary, position
which gave him a seat Ia the comital as
sembly. Two years later, when the peo-
pie of Hungary were groaning under the,
restrictions on their rights and privileges,
his active political career began in the
diet Of Presbur0.
Fearless Discussion of Liberal Ideas.
AS in other countries, about this critical
period, the authorities were opposed TO
the publication of debates or legislative
proceedings. Knowing the power of the
press in the cause of reform, Kossuth
founded a paper in which speeches were
published and governmental affairs fear
lessly discussed. The authorities took
alarm and tried in vain to stop the spread
of liberal ideas. kossuth was threatened
and his paper suppressed, but he found
means to keep the people informed of ma
tional affairs, and in 1887 he was impris-
oned for the publication of Autographed
newspaper.
His imprisonment, which lasted about
two years, increased his popularity, and
when he was released he continued his
work for Hungarian freedom. Year by
year, despite numerous attempts at CO.
ercion, Kossuth's influence spread. He
was the recognized leader of the opposi-
tion in the diet, striving for the complete
emancipation of the peasants. the elcva-.
tion of the citizen class and the freedom
of the press.
In le4s the French revolution, the great
stimulus of radical doctrines, spurred
Kossuth on TO broader objects. He de-
manded independent government for his
country and constitutional government
In the hereditary territories of Austria. 1t
was his burning eloquence more than
anything else that started the revolution
and insurrection in Vienna. The ministry
was dissolved in September, 1sts. and
Kossuth was placed at the head of the
committee of national defense. Events
followed thick and fast after this. Meas
ures Tor pushing the war against Austria
were prosecuted with great energy.
At Debreczin in April 1si9, the inde-
pendence OF Hungary was declared and
Kossuth made provisional governor. Then
came difficulties and dissensiOns in the
ranks of the patriots. Russia threw her.
SELF into the Austrian cause, and to end
the jealousy of Gorgei. his political rival
I'm the great struggle, kossuth resigned
the dictatorship. The patriots were de-
feated in August. 1910, and Kossuth fed
into Turkey. where he was held prisoner.
His visit to the United States.
Despite the pressure of Russia and Aus
tria the sultan refused to surrender the
patriot who through the intervention of
England and the United States was al
lowed to leave Turkey. In December,
1851, accompanied by his wife, he was
conveyed TO the United States as the ma
tion's guest by the warship Mississippi,
which had been dispatched for that pur-
pose What followed is we'll known. Kos
suth was received everywhere with great
enthusiasm. His eloquence was regarded
rs marvellous, but the coup d'etat of Ma
poleon III struck fatal blow to his agita-
ton, and In spite Of popular sympathy
with the great exile his mission fell fiat.
Kossuth returned to Europe in July,
1882. and Joined hands with Mazzini and
Iedro- Rollin. He delivered lectures in
Great Britain and became as popular
there as he was In the United States. In
1850 he proposed plan OF attack on Aus
tria to Louis Napoleon, but the peace Of
villafranca prevented its contamination.
The Hungarian legation was dissolved.
aud Kossuth returned TO England bit
terly disappointed. He removed 10 Turin
(where he dicd) in 1852. During the war
OF 1906 he tried again TO rouse the Hun
garians, but failed. His hopes fed with
this failure. and he remained in exile.
preparing his memoirs. studying scientific