The Eighth Hungarian Tribe, 1983 (10. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)
1983-03-01 / 3. szám
KOSSUTH IN BOSTON (We cannot give much of the history of this visit, but are unwilling to lose an opportunity of recording the beautiful and forcible address of the Governor of Massachusetts, delivered on the 27th of April, in front of the State House.) GOVERNOR BOUTWELL’S ADDRESS Governor Kossuth,—As the voice of the Legislature and the people of Massachusetts, I welcome you to its capitol today. Your presence brings before us our own past—bitter in its experience, but glorious in its history. We once had apostles of liberty, on whose heads a price was set, who were hunted by tyranny from their homes, and threatened with expulsion from civilized life. That day of oppression and anxiety with us is ended. It introduced a contest for human rights, whose results on this Continent you have seen in the extent, character, and power of the American Republic. The people of Massachusetts, inspired by their early history and animated by the impulses of their hearts, greet you as one who has nobly served and suffered in the cause of individual freedom and the rights of states. Nor will their admiration be limited by any consideration arising from the fate of your country or the failure of the patriotic hopes with which it was inspired. Liberty can never die. The generations of men appear and pass away— but the principles and aspirations of their nature are immortal. Despotism is of time. It contains within itself the elements and the necessity of decay and death. Fifty years of your eventful life are past; but take courage, sir, in the belief, that, in the Providence of God, the moment is near when the light of freedom shall penetrate the darkness of European despotism. Then shall your own Hungary welcome you to her fields and mountains, to her homes and heart—and we will welcome Hungary to the family of republican, constitutional, sovereign states. In the name of the people, I tender to you the hospitalities of a Commonwealth founded by exiles and pilgrims. Living Age. Vol. 33, (Apr., May, June, 1852) p. 376.
