Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1918-10-19

and irresponsible dynasties. We VII!
not remain a part OF q state which has
no justification for existence and which.
ciples Of modern world organization, re-
mains to be an artificial and immoral
political structure. hindering every
movement toward characterization and
progress. The Hapsburg dynasty.
weighed down by a huge inheritance OF
terror and crime. is a hindrance to the
peace Of the world and We deem it our
duty toward humanity and civilization
to aid in bringing about its defeat and
destruction. We reject the sacriiigious
assertion that the power of the Haps-
burg and Hohenzollern dynasties is of
Divine origin; we refuse to recognize the
Divine rights Of kings Our nation eiect-
ed the Hapsburgs to the throne Of its
own free will. and this same right de-
poses them. We hereby declare the
Hapsburg dynasty unworthy Of leading
our nation and deny all Of their claims
to rule in the Szecho-Slovak land, which
We here and now declare shall hence
forth oe free and independent people
and nation. We accept and shall adhere
to the ideals Of modern democracy as
they have many ideals Of our nations
for centuries. We accept the American
principles as laid down BY President
Wifsor-the principles Of liberated man.
klnd-the actual equality Of nations
and Of governments deriving all thei.
just power from the consent Of the gov
erned. We, as the nation of Comenius.
cannot but accept these principles ex-
pressed in the American declaration Of
independence. the principles of Lincoln
ana OF the declaration of the rights of
men and of the nation. For these prin
cipies our nation shed its blood in the
memorable HUSTLE wars 500 wears ago.
Tor these same principles. beside her al
hed nation is shedding it's Blood TODAY
IN Russia. Italy and France. <
We shall outline onlv the mai,
principles Of the constitution II the
tzecho-Slorak nation. the final de
clslon as the constitution itself falls
TO the legally chosen representatives
OF the liberated and united people.
The Czecho- Slovak shall be a re-
PUBIC IN constant endeavor for pro-
gress; It will guarantee complete
freedom of conscience. religion and
science, literature and art. speech
the press and the right of assembly
ana petition. The churches shall be
separated from the state. Our de-
mocracy shall be placed on an equal
roofing with men, politically, socially
and cuiturally. The rights of the
minority shall be safeguarded bv
proportional representations in all
minorities and shall enjoy equal
rights. The government shall be
parliamentary in form and shall rec
osnize the principles Of initiative
and referendum. The standing army
{ will be replaced by militia.
f. The Czecho-Siovak nation will
carry out far-reaching social and
economic reforms: the large estates
: will be redeemed for home colonial
ton; patents of nobility will be
abolished. Our nation will assume its
part of the tro-Hungarian pre-
war public debt-the debts for this
war we leave to those who incurred
them. In its foreign policy the Czecho-
Slovak nation will accept its full
share Of responsibility in the re-or-
ganization OF eastern Europe. 1t ac-
cepts fully the democratic and social
principle Of nationality and sub
scribes to the doctrine that all COW
enants and treaties shall be entered
into openly and frankly without Sc.
cret diplomacy.
Our constitution shall provide an
efficient, national and just govern
ment which will exclude all special
privileges and prohibit class legisla-
ton.
Democracy has defeated theocrat-
&c autocracy. Militarism is overcome
democracy is Victorious-in the
basis Of democracy mankind will be
reorganized. The foes Of darkness has
severed the victory Of light-the
longed-for age Of humanity is dawn
ing.
I'VE believe in democracy-we be-
lieve in liberty and liberty ever
more.
Given in Paris on the 18th {. Oc-
tober. 1918.
(Signedl
PROF. THOMAS G. MASARYK,
Prime Minister and Minister Of1cio
Gen.
DIR. MILEN r. STEFANIK.
Minister of National Defense.
DIR. EDWARD BENES.
Minister Of Foreign Affairs and of