New-York tribune., 1918-02-24
of
Austria Demand
Of Czechs Here
Teuton-Magyar Yoke Must
Be Thrown OF, Leaders
Declare

The mere federalzing of Austria
Hungary is not enough She must be
dismembered, and if the Allies don't
do it, we will"
AT this declaration from Charles
Perglcr, general director of the Slav
Press bureau. the 200 delegates, men
and women, to the Slovak League in
convention in Bohemian Hall, East Sev-
enty-third Street, yesterday afternoon
rose and checrcd.
MIR. Pergler had spoken of the strug-
gle of the 1O,0O0000 Czechoslovaks in
Bohemia and other parts of Austria
Hungary to throw off the Teuton-
Magyar yoke which they had borne
since 1926. He had reminded them of
their duty to the 10000 Czechoslovak
revolutionists who were training in
France to fight their ancient enemy
the Hapsburgs had threatened to exc
cute as traitors. he had spoken of
their national aspirations, which, il
accomplished, would drive wedge that
would split Mitteleuropa in two.
"While we are really one of the AL
lies, we have a distinct aim of our
own" he said, land we don't want to
rely entirely on the Allies to carry it
out for us. We rely on our own revo-
lutionary forces.
"But whatever we do it must be con-
sistent with the aims of America, the
land to which we owe our freedom" ~
At this the assembly rose and, facing
the Slovak national flag, in which the
golden lion of Bohemia is prominent
sang the Czechosovak national song
the stirring "Kto "a pravdu Hori" Gle
who for the truth is burning).
"That song. brings men across No
Mans Land" said Captain u. Fierlin-
ger, formerly Of the Russian General
Staff and now of the Czechoslovak ma
tional army in France.
"Whenever 'Czechoslovaks in the
ranks of the Entente wish to discover
whether there are any Of their COM
patriots as conscripts in the enemy
trenches .hey sing it at the top OF
their voices. If the song is echoed
from the enemy trenches, the first dark
night brings voluntary prisoners across
No Mans Land in droves.
"The French government has ar
ranged for the transference of these
prisoners from Italian camps to the
ranks Of the Czechoslovak army IN
France Of course enlistment in this
army is quite voluntary, and 1T Is
made dangerous by the Austrian proc
lamation that tney are traitors, but all
who are given the opportunity to join
do So"
The Czcchoslovak forces in France
he explained, are an autonomous army
subject to the French military com
mand, but governed politically by the
Czechoslovak National Council at
Paris, which is practically provisional
national government.
1t was announced that the United
States has given permission for Slovaks
to leave America to join this army, ant
hundreds have already gone.
The Czcchoslovak organization ir
this country includes hourishing re
lief branch. which is affiliated with tn,
American Red Cross. Mrs. Milan Get
ting reported for this branch. and an
nounced that large quantities of knitte(
sweaters, bandages and other supplies
had been sent abroad.
The convention sent n telegram t,
Washington, pledging loyalty to tn
United States, and cable greeting t,
the Czechoslovak army in France.
Albert Mametay, of Pittsburgh, wa
elected president of the Slovak League
the Rev. Paul Siska, of Bridgeport
Conn, vice president; John Jancek, o
Pittsburgh, corresponding secretary
Matthew Gazdk, of Pittsburgh. finan
cial secretary, and Frank Stas, of Peril
Amboy, treasurer.
New York Czechoslovaks. it was an
nounccd yesterday, are. preparing t.
hold bazaay in Bohemian Hall, Marcl
16 to "a, to raise a fund to help WOUNDED
4 soldiers and their families.