Fáklyaláng, 1965. október (6. évfolyam, 1-10. szám)
1965-10-23 / 10. szám
6 FÁKLYALÁNG "SICUT PATRIBUS, SIT DEUS NOBIS’’ "GOD STAYED WITH OUR ANCESTORS, HE WILL REMAIN WITH US" It is curious how scarcely our historians during the last century made any mention of the help received from the Magyars in the Revolutionary and Civil Wars. The efficiency of Hungarian aid calls no more for proof. The truth will remain graven in history — malice and ignorance not withstanding. Hungary can assert the part she has played without fear or busting. Although enemies of Hungary attempted and still are attempting to influence public opinion through false statements and concocted ‘Historical7 facts against Hungary; still the American Nation at large, and their Leaders in general not only respect and love Hungary and her sons —- the wonderful “Reception given to Louis Kossuth in 1852 proves this sufficently — but also on every occasion express their admiration, because Hungarian valor is inscribed in glorious deeds on the everlasting pages of American Histor. In Washington’s army Michael de Kováts served as the Drill-master and Organizer of the light mounted forces, and has reported in some instances directly to the Commander in Chief, (see Calender of Correspondence of George Washington with officers ). Colonel de Kováts, later as Commandant of “The Pulaski Legion” was mortaly wounded on May 11th. 1779. In the defense of Charleston, S. C. (see Secretary W. Multrie’s “Memoirs of the American Revolution.” 1802. Vol. ii. pp. 413-423). There also a squadron of “ Hungarian Hussars ” fought under Duc De Lausun’s leadership. The virtues embodid in Col. de Kováts, were the signal factor in the ultimate triumph of the American Revolution. The time has come to render to Hungary the justice due to her, and no excuse exist for any person of Hungarian blood to cenceal or forget, or ognor his descent. The interest of the United States are paramount to us, in accordance with these fundamental ideas, we have resolved to review and keep alive the memory of the achievements of the pioneers of this country, and to enlighten the public on the important part played by the Hungarian element in the making of America. History proves that Hungary, as a nation played an important part through 1000 years in the evolution of European civilization, and was the only country, which had to fight the Tartars and Turks for over 500 years as a “buffer-state” defending Western Civilization and Christianity. Pope Pius II. wrote to Emperor Frideric the III. in 1459, that “Hungary is the protecting shield of Christiandom.” Similar to the English Magna Charta, the Hungarian Constitution, the “GOLDEN CHART”, was issued in the year of 1222. Out of all nations, Hungary was the only one, which treated her war prisoners as guests, as far back as the 15th century. It was Hungary who gave liberty to the Jews, when most of the “civilized countries” treated them as lepers and compelled them to live outside the City limits in “Ghettos.” The first Field-Hospitals, where friends and foes were treated alike, was organized in Hungary about 176 years ago, thus laying the foundation to the Red Cross. The Hungarian heroes of American History were always as every true Hungarian is, — very proud of their Hungarian origin and nationality and that our ancestors fought gallantly for “ Liberty’s Victory ” on the battlefields of Europe and the United States our adopted country. Summing up. we have to bear in mind, that the systematic and enforced colonization following the expulsion of the Turks is responsible for the fact that Hungary became, especially in the outlying districts, a country with more and more mixed population. Having to a great extent been brought in by the ruling dynasty, against Hungarian aspirations for liberty. Before discussing Hungary’s part in the first World War, it may be of interest to recuperate the stipulations of the Hungarian Constitution of 1867. concerning the various national minorities, so as to permit a comparison of their position with the conditions of the Hungarian minorities who have the misfortune of living under the rule of states created or aggrandized by the Treaty of Trianon. Though the Constitution naturally made the official language of the central administration, Hungarian: it enacted that local administration should use the language of the local nationality. In all districts, where a local minority amounted to one-fifth of the whole population, the use of its own language could be used in correspondence with the authorities. In 1914 there were 307 state supported schools, where the teaching was in Slovakian and 480 where it was in Rumanian. In Croatia the State language, according to an agreement between Hungary and the United Kingdom of Croatia. Slavonia and Dalmatia, was the Serbo-Croatian, and these kingdoms enjoyed perfect home rule. It is a recognized historical fact, established by Austrian documents hostile to Hungary, that the Hungarian leaders did their very best, to avert the outbreak of war. The Austrian, Czech, and Slavic leaders of Austria outvoted Hungary and forced her into the World War I. Nobody in Hungary had the least ambition of conquest. Hungary was fighting in the defense of her historical frontier, and the Hungarians know, that they were struggling for their existence as a nation. The rule’s of fair-play and the rule’s of humanity in warfare have never been violated; no American citizen living during the whole war on Hungarian territory had any reason to complain; and I dare to say that nothing has been uttered, written or even felt by Hungarians toward the United States of America during, or after the war. (see “The Note-Book of an Attache, Seven Months in the War Zone.” By Eric Fisher Wood. Chapter GI. Hungary: page 256 - 287. New York, 1915.) This we believe, greatly facilitates the understanding in a perfect friendliness and cordiality towards mutilated Hungary in our adopted country, in the home of “Fair-Play”. Almásy Balogh Dezső Voyage of the Hungarian Dead after Death The tangled knots Of bodies climb Up endless boarding nets. Mosquitoes bear The wounded to The Russian plains. There, high In the snows of Lenin, Their sighs are smoothed With tiny knives. Charles Reynolds
