Page:Reminiscences of Sixty Years in Public Affairs (Volume One).djvu/221

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LOUIS KOSSUTH
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guished exile, and for the cause of European liberty, which he so truly represents. The common sentiment of America is on the side of constitutional governments.”

The resolutions of the Legislature and the letter of the Governor were presented to Kossuth at Pittsburg, Pa., January 26, by Hon. Erastus Hopkins, then a member of the House of Representatives.

Kossuth’s first speech in New England was made at New Haven, Thursday, April 22. From what he there said some inferences may be drawn as to his religious opinions and the basis on which, to him, the principles of freedom seemed to rest:

“I know that there is one God in Heaven, the Father of all humanity, and Heaven is therefore one. I know that there is one sun in the sky, which gives light to all the world. As there is unity in God, and unity in the light, so is there unity in the principles of freedom.”

Upon his arrival in Boston, April 27, 1852, I met him on the steps of the State House, greeting him with the following speech:


“Governor Kossuth: As the voice of the Legislature and people of Massachusetts, I welcome you to this capitol to-day.

“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 in-