Amerikai Magyar Szó, 1990. január-június (44. évfolyam, 1-26. szám)
1990-04-05 / 14. szám
Thursday, April 5. 1990. AMERIKAI MAGYAR SZO ÁmÉmcAh HuncARiflns _ After being redesigned on several occasions, the Széchenyi Bath in Budapest was opened in 1912, using the still up-to-date plans of Győző Czigler, a professor of architecture at the University of Technical Sciences. The facilities consisted of separate public baths for men and women, thermal, steam and tub baths and even then a decision was taken that a spa hotel should be built alongside the bath to serve tourism. Because of the shortage of funds, the plan was not carried out. In 1927, the Czigler-wing, ornamented with various art works, was supplemented with open-air swimming pools, designed by the architect Imre Francsek. In 1936, the boring of a new well was decided on; with its abundant thermal water of 75 degree Celsius is still feeding the bath. The idea of building a spa hotel came up again, but the lack of money prevented it. Since its restoration after the II. World War, the Széchenyi Bath became a site of pilgrimage for Hungarian and foreign The grave and violent atrocities committed by extremist nationalist and chauvinist Romanian groups against the Hungarian ethnic minority living in Transylvania have deeply shocked the public opinion of the Republic of Hungary and Hungarians living outside the borders of the country. The violent pogroms in Tirgu Mures, a center of Hungarian culture and population in Romania, were among the worst in years in Transylvania, comparable only to the crimes committed by the infamous Iron Guard, the well-known Romanian fascist organization. The bloodshed demanding deaths and numerous serious casualties evoked deep anxiety and concern in the Hungarian Governvisitors. Mudpack therapy has been introduced as well as electro-therapy, together with saline and tangentor tub baths,' in place of the old public baths, a mixed medicinal bath department and sauna can be found. In 1980, a new drinking hall replaced the old one. In one wing of the bath, a day care clinic receives 80 patients every day for physico- therapy, medicinal gymnastics in its warm water pool, traction baths, and gym hall. Even with all this, it is still regrettable that the initial hotel plans have never been realized. Two items from the technical plans: the bath's indoor climate will be perfected with wall and floor heating and the entire groundfloor will be used for medicinal purposes. It is hoped that during the reconstruction somebody's attention will be drawn to the spa hotel, which was first planned so long ago. interested parties from abroad are also welcome! H.K. (From the Hungarian Travel Magazine) ment while the tense situation in Transylvania could endanger the peace and stabi-. lity not only in Romania but in the whole Eastern and Central European region. A deep concern and commitment to peace, security and stability in the region led the Hungarian Prime Minister, Miklós Nemeth when he sent a personal message to the Romanian Prime Minister, Petre Roman urging immediate and effective measures to put an end to the bloody atrocities, pogroms and harassments against ethnic Hungarians in Romania. The Hungarian Prime Minister pointed out that the passivity of the Romanian authorities, the police and the army, further encouraged the intolerable vandalism and violence of the Book Review Parting with Illusions, by Vladimir Pozner Atlantic Monthly Press 324 pages, $ 19.95 People who are experts on the cultures of the socialist and non-socialist worlds are important assets to their country. When they can speak the language of both systems they are particularly valuable. Such is the case with Vladimir Pozner. A Soviet citizen born in France. He grew up in New York until his parents moved to the Soviet Union in 1952. Readers of this book will find out how little we know of life in the Soviet Union from 1953 until Gorbachev came on the scene. For example when Stalin died he lay in state in the House of Trade Unions for 3 days. They couldn't count those who came to pay their respects, but the estimate was 3 million. The crush of people in a restricted area went out of control. Dozens of people were crushed to death by the crowd. Thanks to his appearance on the Donahue program and Ted Koppels' "Nightline" Pozner has recognition second to the Gorbachevs. Chances are the average American does not know what to make of this Russian who speaks English like a new yorker, and admits his government was wrong to invade Afghanistan and that anti- Semitism was endemic in the system. He is equally forthcoming about the American way of life. Perhaps you can get an idea of his style from the following quotations: "I no longer have any illusions about any one society having a lock on the truth, having all the answers." "I no longer believe revolutions are short cuts to a brighter future even though revolutions cannot be denied. " Ready to have your ideas tossed around? Buy or borrow this bock. Bernard Kay extremist elements. He expressed deep regret that in certain parts of Romania the relationship between Romanians and the Hungarian minority have turned into confrontation instead of reconciliation after the December upheaval. The promotion of the individual and collective rights of minorities is more and more opposed by Romanians instigated by aggressive and chauvinist forces. The Hungarian Government called on the Romanian leadership several times to do its utmost to prevent the aggravation of the utterly unfavorable tendencies. Unfortunately, it seems that in spite of its official statements the Romanian leadership subordinates the rights of the Hungarian minority to internal power struggles and gives unacceptable concessions to forces openly advocating racial discrimination. From a Statement of the Hungarian Government __________U________________ 11.
