The news scimitar. (Memphis, Tenn.) 1907-1926, 1919-05-15
HUNGARY

Italy complained when the peace conference announced its
decision with regard to Fiume; Germany roared like a lion when
told what to do; Austria protested, and now 1t is Hungary's
turn.
Hungary is one of the oldest countries, and most compact
geographically and ethnologcally in Europe, In the Christian
year $3.50, nearly 1000 years ago, incursionS of Monaghan nomads
from the plains Of China poured into the country, drove the
Goths across the Danube, and took possession OF it. They were
aTuranan people, and related to the Firms and Laplanders; a
fierce, uncouth people. who, under Attila, made a name for
themselves not at all enyiable in Europe.
They were Magyars. and are still Magyars, proud of their
solidarity and unity. These fierce Scythians were great war
riors when physical strength and courage counted for every
thing, OF modern, scientific warfare they know little. Until
lately they had no literature of their own, the educated among
them using the Latin language for many years. Magyar literature
today contains much that is noble, but it is written by throwing
together an assortment Of consouants that, to an American, are
about as smooth as a poultce made from the filings of a brass
foundry. We know of Hungary chiefly through her music
Lists rhapsodes are very popular with those who are skilled
musicians, not because of their music or melody. but because
they are difficult to play-the musicians measure OF good music.
The musicians OF Hungary are chiefly gypsies-that is, the
actual players, but the rhapsodes are taken from ancient folk
songs. A good many other races have tumbled into Hungary,
but at present about 40 per cent Of the people are pure Magyars,
and many others speak the Magyar language.
Hungary has a constitution that was in force before the
Hapsbtrgs came to rule the country. 1t is not written as is
ours, but, like the English constitution, partly written and partly
built up on court decisions, customs and the habits OF the peo-
pie, and is adapted to their peculiar needs and requirements.
in creating the Czecho-Sovak republic great violence was
done to Hungary and the Magyar race, because Magyars are
intermingled with all n%eighboring peoples, and represent the
progressive civilization OF the countries they inhabit. The
Magyars have done much for education. and Eteracy with them
has reached a respectable position. OF the Rumanians in Hun
gary, only le per cent OF the men and 8 per cent Of the women
( could read or write in 1900, and wherever the Rumanan domi
mates there is found intellectual darkness. If the Iungarans
were given back their country and its ancient constitution the
Magyar dream would be realized, Unfortunately the Magyar is
still a Hun, and the smaller races within his gates would be
sacrificed and oppressed, as they seem to resist absorption.
Hungary is the only complete nation under the Austrian crown,
and has nobly batted for freedom under Louis Kossuth and
others. The partition and dismembement of Hungary will
create confusion and perhaps start a rumpus, but the peace CON
ference is in for it, and must go through. Every little camp
or clan cannot be erected into a nation and given autonomy
and in The recastng Of new lines some must suffer inconvenience
aud injury. The rules laid down must be definite and impera-
tive, and the language must be plain and unmistakable, even il
hard and cruel. No equiyogue, however obvious, will do when
plain, straightforward talk is demanded, No nation will get all
it wants, and no divisional part Of a nation can be metamor
phosed into greatness, but each will receive all that may be grver
it without too seriously injuring others The Magyars are max.
ing a strong fight for national and chronological integrity, ant
some way may be found to grant their desires and satisfy theu
demands, They have suffered much, and, under suffering, have
grown strong