The Eighth Hungarian Tribe, 1984 (11. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)
1984-03-01 / 3. szám
BOOK REVIEW GALÉRIA HUNGARICA LOUIS KOSSUTH IN AMERICA (1851-1852) — by — John H. Komlos Published 1973 by The East European Institute of the State University College at Buffalo (N.Y.) March is the month of each year when American-Hungarians everywhere take time out from their daily activities to gather together to remember Louis Kossuth and the Hungarian War of Independence. Here is a book, written in English rather than in Hungarian, which can provide the new generation of American-Hungarians with an insight into the life and times of this great Hungarian “Champion of Liberty’’and. in particular, his visit to and tour of the United States. Forwarded by Dr. C.A. Macartney, the famous historian of Oxford University and expert on Hungarian history, this book’s Introduction presents highlights in Kossuth’s personal life and political career. This “backgrounder” is followed by a review of his Turkish exile and of his stops in Italy, France, Gibraltar, and England while enroute to the United States. The Author makes the point that Kossuth came to America hoping to obtain money and arms with which to renew the Hungarian struggle for freedom from Austrian rule, to secure governmental recognition of the Hungarian Declaration of Independence, and to create an Anglo-American Alliance on the basis of his “principles of intervention for non-intervention”. While Kossuth was welcomed with great enthusiasm by the American people, entertained at the White House by President Millard Fillmore, and received by Congress, he failed in his mission. Mr. Komlos, in his carefully researched book, reveals why. For those who know little, if anything, about Louis Kossuth and the Hungarian War of Independence, but would like to learn more, this book is highly recommended. For the Author’s “portrait” of Kossuth in Hungary, in exile, and in the U nited States is one that will be framed forever in their minds. March, 1984 THE MARTYRS OF ARAD On April 19, 1849, Louis Kossuth convened the Diet at Debrecen. There the Hapsburgs were dethroned and he became the Governor of the Republic of Hungary. In the days that followed, the Hungarian Army, under the command of General Arthur Gorgei, won many battles, including the recapture of Buda and Pest. However, these victories convinced the Austrians that they needed help, and such an appeal was made to Czar Nicholas I of Russia, who felt a holy zeal to crush any revolution against royal rule. Thus the Russians joined the Austrians to form a superiority of more than 2 to 1 over the Hungarians. Although the outmanned Hungarians fought with great bravery, they were poorly armed and were soon crushed under the weight of Austro-Russian arms. The last decisive battle was fought at Világos, a small town near Arad and, on August 13, 1849, Marshal Ivan Fedorovich Paskevich declared: “Hungary lies at your majesty’s feet!” The Hungarian War of Independence was over. The victorious Hapsburgs were not inclined to be merciful towards the defeated. Retaliation was swift and brutal. Many Hungarians were tried and either executed or sentenced to long prison terms. Of all the acts of retribution, none was more shocking than the bloody events of October 6, 1849, at Arad. On that day, the Austrians executed 13 of the rebel generals in an infamous act of revenge that has never been forgotten, even up to the present time. It was condemned all over the world and, to this very day, October 6 is observed by special programs and services. Early that morning, four of the Hungarian generals were granted the “favor” of being shot, while their comrades looked on. Three of the generals, Vilmos Lazar, Aristide Dessewffy, and Joseph Schweidel died in the first volley, but Erno Kiss remained alive and bravely called out the orderfor the second fatal volley. Then the remaining generals were hanged one-byone: György Lahner, Karoly Knézich, Erno Poltenberg, Lajos Aulich. Jozsef- Sandor Nagy, Ignacz Torok. Count Leiningen Westerburg, Joseph Damjanich, and Karoly Vecsey. General Damjanich had requested to be first, because he was the ranking (continued on page 15) Page 11
