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Northern Star (1837-1852), 18th August 1849, Edition 2 of 3, Page 5, INDEPENDENCE. OF HUNGARY

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      Grand Metropolitan Demfj^.. Stration In ...

      by asking , "How long does 5 Ir . Cobden really think he could keep company on the great question of Labour with \ Mx . Feabgus Q'Goxxor ? " "Wc presume tlie answer of both these gentlemen to this question would be , that " Ihe great question of Labour" is not raised between them on this occasion . The sole point is , whether they can agree to cooperate for the attainment of a given reform

      in the composition or the electoral body and of the House of Commons . They have agreed that they can do this without , fn the slightest degree , committing themselves as to the use to which either would apply the newly-gained addition of popular power . But the leading journal in this case has had recourse to au old trick , and confounds two totally distinct things , in the hope of excitim ? alarm and producing division .

      Very different is the spirit in which the organ of the ex-ministerial party speaks ofthe demonstration of Monday and the movement itself . How far the Peelites may be influenced in the tone they hare adopted , b y the fact that they are "the outs , " it is difficult to say , hut this , at least , must be confessed , that it is perfectly in accordance with the progressive Conservatism , which is the essential philosophy embodied in the career and policy of the ex-Premier ..

      Wo cannot do better than transcribe one or two paragraphs of this significant and instructive article . Such statements are an ample compensation for the jjoco cwrante style in which the writer tries to exhibit his own superior wisdom , and the air of lofty condescension with which he looks down upon some of the sayings and doings at the great meeting of Mondav . Tor our own part fsays tlie Morning Chronicle ) , we have no difficulty In at once saying that we regard the present jnovementas being-, to a not inconsiderable extent , a genuine one . Without fora momentimaginiug that any large portion of the classes whose opinion constitutes " public opinion" are prepared for the wholesale and sweeping changes

      indicated hi the programme of the new League , we quite Oelieve that a conviction both of tlie safety aud the desirableness of further electoral reforms is entertained by a numerous and increasing class ; and we are not at all sure That , if Ministers much longer refuse or neglect to take measures for satisfying this very legitimate popular wish , it-will not eventually assume a shape at once embarrassing and formidable . For , say what we wiU , there is no denying that even the Drury-lane agitators are truer , practically speaking , to Hie spirit of the age and to the genius of the constitution , than an impassive and immobile Administration ^ The progressive adaptation and re-adaptation of our political institutions to new circumstances , new feelings , and new wants ; the correction of mischievous anomalies ,

      and the removal , a ; opportunity serves , of gross aud ikiIjkibleinequalities ; the gradual extension of political franc-hiseio classes ofthe people mentally qualified for their exercise , and eagerly solicitous for their enjoyment—in a word , the theory and practice of progress—are conformable to the spirit oftheBritish people , to the precedents of our constitutional history , and to the temper ofthe times . Xo British . Minister , therefore , however skilful and conscientious in the discharge of ordinary orestraordinary administrative responsibilities , can he said to he fit for his office if he knows not when and how , by " measures from time to time suited to the occasion , " to realise tlib natural and healthy i » pular demand for the extension and improvement of iKipular institutions . If , at a period when arcnjnstances have given an unusual stimulus to these progressive and reforming tendencies of the national mind , and when likewise events have . smoothed ihe rror to

      moderate and rational change by impressing all prudent men with tlie Conservative efficacy of timely concessions to popular feeling—i ^ at such a period , a . Minister is to contenthimself , year after year , with mere verbal disclaimers , oftlic "mttuity" tvhidihe obstinately practises—andif any League or Association , avowing ultra principles and extravagant objects , is le t to be the on ' . g risible representative and organ ofthe nation's favourite policy of Progress—itis buttooprolsiWe that -we shall one day do . in haste , not only mauytiiings that ought to have been done at leisure , but some things that ought not to be done at all . It needs 110 particular . sagacity to predict , the only two powers hi the political arena , are , on tlie one hand , a tolerably numerous andenei ^ etic body of agitators who know tfieir own minds , and , on the other , a mere "Party of Order" without any policy bnt that of holding office on { he easiestpossible terms—that itis not the latter that will eventually carrv the day .

      The writer proceeds to say : " We earnestly trust that the author of the Beform Act will spend a considerable portion of tlie present recess , not in preparing philosophical ] iarliaintntary replies to Mr . Hume , Hr . Cobden , aud ilr . Feargus O'Connor , but in devising some rational and practical way of meeting an extremely natural and perfectly legitimate popular demand . And , after adverting to certain moderate and immediately practicable changes , concludes thus : — The grand desideratum is , to make a beginning of some sort—to break the ice of Finality—to give the country some practical proof that Progress is possible without knocking the constitution all to pieces , and that Conservatism does not mean st . vr . ding siul with folded liav . dswlulevmveformDa aliases , unredressed grievancesV and unappeased discontents are growing at comjKm . id interest

      The appearance of such sentiments in a paper sell 3 cuov » _ to represent a , powerful party of able men , possessing practised administrative habits , affords a much more correct indication ofthe future iuilucnceand results of the new agitation for Parliamentary Heform , than the coarse and unreasoning abuse and oppositionofthe "Times . " Itisthe vocation aud the habit of that unprincipled journal to calumniate and obstruct every popular movement in its early stages , and Avhcu it is foiled in the effort , to turn round and become the heartiest eulogist and advocate of the very principles it has done its best to crush . 2 < o doubt , as in the

      case of the _ inti-Corn-Law League , we shall have it some morning , not far distant , prodaiming to the world , "theParliamentary and financial Reform Association is a great fact ; " and commencing to defend its principles and objects with as great a command of words , and as great a lack of principles , as it now opposes both . During the agitation for the Reform 35111 , when the middle and working classes were formerly united , the " Times " exceeded ail oilier journals in the violence of its language , and tlie intensity of its abuse of the opponents of "the bill , the whole bill , and nothin'r bnt tlie bill . " Time and the

      increased strength ofthe movement are all that is necessary to convert it once more into the advocate of a decidedly popular cause . It Ikes by swimming with the stream , and the perception of that -fact makes its thunder harmless , aud its abuse aud opposition ridiculous . As to the course which the Ministry are likely to take with reference to the movement , there can be no doubt that , rather than be turned out of office , Lord Jons aud his colleagues will readil y try their hands again upon

      a re-constitution of the elements of popular representation . The extent to which they will go will mainly depend upon the attitude assumed by the leaders ofthe movement , and the nature of the proposals they insist upon the adoption of . In this respect , the tone of tiie meeting of Monday last was excellent . Almost every one of the speakers clearly intimated their preference ibr the principle of Universal Sam-age , and their opinion that tlie plan of the Association was based upon the ^ supposed expediency of conciliating the more itimid class of Reformers . The enthusiastic

      = recepiJon of 3 £ r . O'Oo-VA'OE—ihe represenia-_ xe of the Chartists—was an unmistakeable proof of the feeling of the immense assemblage . Lord 3 %£ EST — whose speech was , as so argument , diction , breadth of view , and boldness in the enunciation of principles , ihe gem of the nig ht—distinctly asserted and uaheld the great and fundamental pr incip ieofManhood Saffrage . Mi-. Charles T . TiciTT ! c .-w , nv in nn p ^ iuallv frank and un-JLusHEsexoxin an equally frank and

      un-I , 1 reserved * njanucr , proclaimed his adhesion to $ that psnesple ; and , on the authority of the I great Lt ^ rd Camden , denounced taxation with-1 out repre . < ienteaon as a " robbery !" i It is for the - " robbers" to say whether Ifeey I will reject the nwdified proposals now made io I them . Let tl > eni yemember that each succes-I sive refusal will' ** followedJ >> ' augmented ^ de-1 mauds , and it flfijoewto on themselves whether I the full and campfe * ^ T ^ T ^ ttl or I people shall proceed ^ ually and quietly , or m £ r " r - j a manner winch M be accomplished at oi ^ t ™ ** *" , ,, I may possibly injure paJcMar classes by tiie rapidity of an extensive change . One thing ife iertin , they will find tiuunselves utterly m unable to resist the demands" oi the people ioi # enfranchisement . The batfle whichihas now ^ commenced can have but one *«« W _ atio _ - lltYlCIORT !

      - Atotor,18, 1849. The Nqrthern, Star. 5...

      - ATOTOr , 18 , 1849 . THE NQRTHERN , STAR . 5 — = ; " i ¦ ' W ^ ¦ " ¦¦ — - ¦¦—"" - * ' -- ** ¦ . . J 1 .-L—i— - ^ i . ill _ " ¦'' "" . UU . MI | E «| TWM , M ___ lp ,, [ , j ^ l , _ WelMUI ^ III 1 MBIIII ¦¦¦ MMIIIMIIII Mill | _^

      § Latest Toreign News. *Ar The Taau Aw»,...

      § LATEST TOREIGN NEWS . * ar The Taau aw » , "A letter received in Paris , from Mri £ m % ^ \ h \ tthe oyemment h ^ vm \^ ^ Ifi egotiai ? with the Hungarians .

      Receipts Of The Katioha .L Land Com Pan/...

      RECEIPTS OF THE KATIOHA . L LAND COM PAN / Fob the " Week Exdixg Thursday . August 16 , 1 S 49 . SHARES . £ s . d . £ s . d . Xewbury .. 1 19 8 R . T . IIaIlam .. 10 0 Xotfingliam .. 0 7 10 J . Collinson .. 0 12 0 Helper .. 0 10 0 J . G . .. ,, 0 *> 0 Sheffield .. 1 Six w . Clarridge .. 0 5 0 Peterborough .. 119 8 B , Moss .. 0 In fl T . llodge .. 040 3 . Greenwood .. 0 2 0 C . Monl .. 010 £ a * i T . Rouge .. 0 3 0 «____ i EXPENSE FUND , Vfalsoken .. 0 2 0 B . Riclies 0 2 0

      .. 9 10 MONIES RECEIVED FOR THE PURCHASE OF MATH 0 N . G . H . Leeds .. 10 0 0 J . B ., Devonport 62 0 0 J . B ., Farnngton 30 0 0 ______ J . S ., Sowerby .. 19 10 0 £ 12110 0

      TOTALS . £ anuFund 9 5 1 Expense ditto ... 0 4 0 Mathon 121 10 0 Bonus ditto 0 2 0 Loan ditto 0 1 0 New Land Society ... ... ... 10 8 G ^ £ 141 10 7

      w . Dixon , C . Doyle , T . Clare , Cor . Sec . . P . IH'Gkath , Fin . Sec . 2 J . B . —The digest ofthe proceedings of the Con ference shall appear next week .

      For Costs Of Macnamara S Action. Receive...

      FOR COSTS OF MACNAMARA S ACTION . Received by W . Hideb . —T . A . C , Gd . ; Leicester , per W . Bradshaiv , lis , ; Mr . Haddun , Wimesironld , Cd . ; Norwich , Messrs R . and J . Palmer , and W . and W . Roberts , Gs . 3 d . j IS . Sandifurd , JBuIhoIt , Is . ; Messrs . King and Flanders Melbourne , Is . ' -, ' -.-FOR WIVES AND FAMILIES OF VICTIMS . ' * - Received by W . Rises . —A few Friends , Swansea , per J . Phillips , IDs . ; Nottingham , per J . Sweet Is . ; T . Ken-, Ashby-de-la-Zouch , Gd . ; A . Smith , Ashby-de-la-Zoueh , Gd . ; T . Stone , Xewlmry , Cd . ; Richmond and Twickenham Shoemakers , per Smith andLound , 19 s . Gd . ; Norwich , Messrs . It . aud J . Palmer , and W . and W . Roberts , Gs . 3 d . FOR W . CUFFAY . Received by J . Geassb .. —Glasgow , per Duncan Sherrington , as . ; Mr . Munday , and Friend , Is . ; Mr . Foshill , Is . CUFFAY AND OTHERS ' Received by J- G & issbv . — Land Office , per Boonham , is . Gd .

      To Those Who Earnestly Desire The Triump...

      TO THOSE WHO EARNESTLY DESIRE THE TRIUMPHANT ESTABLISHMENT OF HUNGARIAN FREEDOM . Friends , Should confirmation arrive of the glad tidings which have just reached this country , of the glorious victory gained by the heroes , led by Georgey , over the combined Russian and Austrian army commanded by Paskiewrrscii , there will be reason for entertaining the hope that the Hungarians may of themselves succeed in winning their independence

      without the aid of England ' s arms , and in spite of the wordy nonsense of English '' moral force" sympathisers . Nevertheless , be sure that that victory will not terminate the war . The semi-savage hordes at the command of NICHOLAS arc almost innumerable , and although tliey should be " mowed down in masses" by the heroic Hungarians and Poles , still in renewed masses they will ' be precipitated against the champions of Freedom ,

      until either the Polish tragedy shall be repeated or the Russian empire itself shall perish . The Austrian empire has perished . Even the final subjugation of the Hungarians could not restore the power and pride of Austria . From the day that the Kaiser called in the Russians he ceased to be the wearer of an independent crown ; and is henceforth , at best , but a satrap ofthe Tsar ' s . If the Muscovites conquer , their empire will extend from the Baltic Sea to the

      Mediterranean , and from Siberia to Switzerland . If beaten , not onl y will the Austrian empire be dismembered , and the actual rule of that empire be lost to . the Tsar : that tyrant's own empire— 'torn by internal insurrection , and assailed b y foreign force—will crumble and perish ; " a consummation devoutly to he wished . " To win immensely much , or lose all , is the pre-ordained issue of this Avar for Nicholas . Judge you , then , whether he will uot play his last Cossack rather than be beaten in the mighty game to which he has committed himself . He must conquer , or he must fall— "Never to rise again . "

      As long , therefore , as a chance remains of the Autocrat ' s triumph , I shall never cease to cry to my countrymen to follow up their lip-sympathy by deeds ; I shall never cease to call upon the people to compel the Government by the power of public opinion , to take the proper , the honest , the dignified coursethe course prescribed both by national duty and sound policy—of launching the bolts of British might on the side of Hungarian right . That there may he no mistake as to my meaning , I will here set forth my programme of " British sympathy . " 1 st . —The recognition ( by the British Government ) of Hungary as a free and independent nation .

      2 nd . —An intimation ( on the part of the British Government ) to the Russian and Austrian despots , to withdraw then' armies from Hungary by a stated tune , accompanied by a further intimation that non-compliance on the part of those despots will be immediately followed by a declaration of war on the part of England . 3 rd . —A solemn declaration b y the British

      Government , that m acknowledging the independence of Hungary , and , if necessary , affording armed aid to the Hungarians , it has onl y in view the preservation of the interests of Humanity , and the guarding of Europe , against Cossack aggression ; and has no intention of dictating any particular form of government to the Hungarians , or at all interfering with the formation of then- laws and institutions .

      If Public Opinion has the power to influence the Government to acknowledge the independence of Hungary , Public Opinion could force the Government to make , and act up , to the " solemn declaration" I have suggestcd . The parties who pass resolutions , calling on the Government to immediately acknowledge the independence of Hungary , and who , at the same time , set their faces against Avar , exhibit remarkable inconsistency . If , indeed , this country gives no aid to the Hungarians during their struggle for independence , but merely acknowledges that independence when

      rut fait accompli , there will be but little danger of that acknowledgment bringing Avar in its train ; but tbat will be a very different affair to the immediate recognition of Hungary as a free and independent nation . Lord Palaierston « ill not dare to open diplomatic relations with Hungary as an indedendent power , without at the same time preparing for instant war . The immediate acknowledgment of Hungarian independence means war . The difference between myself and the anti-war " sympathisers" is , that while I would prepare the people for the natural and necessary consequence of "immediate recognition , " those precious politicians would lead the people

      blindfold into a state of war . To put this question in a proper li ght , let me ask you to imagine that an Irish insurrection had been so far successful that the insurgents had beaten the Queen's troops in several battles , and that , although the final issue was still doubtful , there was every prospect of the war continuing for some months ,: perhaps a year or two . You know that in those circumstances , meetings would be held throughout the United States , calling on the Government to immediately recognise the independence of Ireland . Ifthe PBBSiDEXT and his advisers desired to avoid war , they would refuse to acknowledge Ireland aa an independent state , until such

      To Those Who Earnestly Desire The Triump...

      time as the Irish had completely vanquished the British troops , taken possession of the entire country , and were permitted to hold possession without , further molestation on the p art of England ; but that would not be "immediate recognition . " Suppose , on the other hand , that the war was still raging in Ireland , and that public opinion forced the American Government to an immediate recognition of Irish independence , ask yourselves what Avould bo the course

      ofthe British Government ? Every man of you must be persuaded that the Government oftliis country could , and would , do no other than declare Avar against the United States . Now for the application : —If Lord Palmerston and his colleagues obey the wishes expressed by the people , for the immediate recognition of Hungary as an independent state , Russia and Austria will declare Avar against this country . Be not too sure that in those circumstances France would be on our side .

      The chances are more in favour of the French Government joining Russia and Austria against England and Hungary . Remember the assassination of the Roman Republic . Bear in mind that the infamous Buonaparte and his crew are capable of any perfidy—ofany crime . The organsof the French Government eagerl y announce every reported defeat of the Hungarians , and every fabulous victory of the Austro-Russians . Some eighty members of the " Mountain" having drawn up a resolution affirming the recognition of Hungarian Independence , a committee appointed by the Ministerial majority have reported ,

      unanimously , against taking the resolution intd consideration . Every allusion to the " Hungarian Republic" is received with shouts of derisive laughter by the "Right . " These facts show that the majority of the . French Assembly would much rather go to Avar against , than in favour of , Hungary . The fleets of France , Russia , and Austria combined would be no contemptible match for the naval force of England ; and such a triple , alliance of hostile forces might , and not improbably would , be one ofthe fruits of England ' s immediate recognition of Hungarian independence .

      In the name of common sense , then , let the " sympathisers" be consistent ; let them either vote for Hungarian independence , and war ( if necessary ) , or let them cease to demand the former , if they have no stomach for the latter . By their present course they are deceiving either the Hungarians , or their own countrymen . If they really mean to eschew war under all circumstances , then they are deceiving

      the Hungarians , for to so mean , and at the same time talk about Hungarian independence is deception and folly . If , on the other hand , they really desire the immediate recognition of Hungary as an independent state , at the same time that they pretend that such recognition may take place without any danger of Avar , they tire deceiving their own countiymen .

      Amongst other critics of my proceedings in relation to the Hungarian question , I have now to include my old friend Thomas Cooper , who , both on tho platform and through the press , has done me the honour to criticise my doings at the Marylcbonc meeting . As I know only by hearsay Mr . Cooper's remarks at the John-street Institution on Sunday last , I will not comment upon information Avhich has reached me in a necessarily imperfect form . I shall confine myself to the article in No . 31 ofthe Plain Speaker . The article is headed " Shall England go to War to help Hungary ? " and is put in the form of a dialogue between a Youth and a Septuagenarian . The " Youth" taking my side ofthe question , aud the Septuagenarian doing duty for my critic .

      Here I must observe that the tone of the article differs widely from those precious concoctions of Fox and Miall , on Avhich I commented in my last letter . Not questioning my sincerity , Mr . Cooper imputes to me a " want of reflection , " and the advocacy of a mistaken policy . Of course in the Plain Speaker , the " Septuagenarian" has the best of the argument ; hut the parties to the argument . are not fairly matched . I admit that Thomas Cooper may

      be as Avise a man as any "Septuagenarian " that ever existed ; I know him to be much wiser than most of the Septuagenarians I have known in the course of my time ; I know , too , that I am very considerably Mr . Cooper ' s junior ; still I am not so juvenile , nor so void of " reflection , " but that I can give my " Septuagenarian'' friend certain answers the unfortunate " Youth ' seems never to have thought of . The following I understand to be the substance of Mr .

      Cooper's arguments : —• 1 st . —That the Hungarians are in arms , not merely for national independence , but for the establishment of a republic also—that if England intervened , her soldiers and officers would not be sent to fight for a Republic . That if an English army were sent to Hungary , it Avould be tvith the understanding that tho Magyars' should re-accept the House of IJapsburg ' with a constitution—or some Coburg for a king ; or if a Protectionist Ministry wore in power , a Avar , if undertaken by England , would be for the restoration of legitimacy .

      2 nd . —Home Reform is the proper and instant work of the English Democrats . When that is secured , the Government and the army Avill then become fit instruments to help 011 the freedom of Europe ; till then they cannot and ought not to be trusted with that great

      mission . I invite the reader to examine the dialogue himself , and he Avill find that I have faithfull y rendered the substance of Mr . Cooper's arguments . I answer : —• 1 st . If English soldiers were sent to Hungary they might aid , but they could not -overawe the Hungarians ; they would be too few for that ; moreover , those , soldiers might return ( as the French troops returned from America ) , imbued Avith sentiments to which , at present , they are strangers . It is not likely , however , that English soldiers Avould be sent to Hungary , wherever else they might be sent to ; the grand blow for Hungary Avould

      be struck by England on the seas . It would he optional Avith the Magyars whether they would accept English aid , on "the understanding " imagined by Mi-. Cooper ; if they arc fighting for a Republic , they would not . If public op inion can compel the British Government to go to Avar in behalf of Hungary , it could prevent that Government going to Avar avowedly for the restoration of Legitimacy . Public opinion being omnipotent—a s tve are daily assured is the case by Parliamentary and non-Parliamentary orators—could compel the Government to couple with intervention , the declaration contained in the . third tu-ticlc ofthe programme already put forth 111

      this Letter . , But declaration , or no declaration , ana whatever mig ht be the motives or wishes ol the English Government , the kind of government established for Hungary would be—and will be—determined on by the Hungarians themselves . If victors , Avhether with or without English aid , they are fools enongh to submit their necks to a renewal of ' the A ustrian yoke , or any other royal yoke , it Avill be their oavu Avork . Redetermined on . establishing Republican institutions they will do so , , no lish

      matter the ill-will or otherwise of the Eng Government . France sent a monarchical army to America , but could not establish _ a Monarchy iu that country ; and no more could England ' s intervent . bn establish Monarchy m Hungary . It Avould be nonsensical to compare Hungary with , such states as Greece ^ nd Portugal ; both in her geographical position and the number and character of her people , she possesses that strength and power Avhich are altogether Avauting in the countries ruled over by Oxno and Donxa . MarJA . Powerful for good , England may be courted z § & / Wend

      To Those Who Earnestly Desire The Triump...

      by Hungary ; but powerless for mischief , the Hungarians have nothing to fear from her as an enemy . If tliey re-establish the follies and crimes of Royalty , the act will be their own . It will bo for- Kossuth and his glorious compatriots to see that 110 such degradation shall dim the lustre of that triumph , Avhich I fervently pray may be the issue of their mighty struggle . 2 nd . — . To postpone giving aid to the Hungarians until we have secured " Home Reform" constitutes no part of my political belief . I should be most happy to postpone intervention in favour of Hungary for a month to come , if 1 thought that within that time

      there was any prospect of our obtaining Home Reform . ; but is there any such prospect ? Is there a prospect of obtaining Reform this year , or next ? Mr . Cobden tells Sir Joshua Walmsley and his friends that they hare " many years' good work before them . " When the Poles rose in insurrection in 1830-31 , those who demanded that England should take up .-the-cause of that cruelly-wronged people were told to " first secure Home Reform , " and the Poles Avere allowed to perish in their unaided struggle . When Cracow was annexed" we were seeking the Charter , and so could do nothing for the victims of that Imperial crime . Now , wo are told bhigh

      auy thority , that there are many years of good work before us ero the newly-projected instalment of Reform is likel y to bo secured ; and until that Reform , or something more sweeping , is secured , we are to do nothing for the Hungarians , Romans , oranyotherAvronged ' people—at least , so argues my friend Thomas Cooper . I beg his pardon , we may do something for our brethren—we may talk for them . " 0 ! most lame and impotent conclusion . " I , too , say that " Home lleform is the propcrand instant work ofthe English Democrats ; " but I say , also , that to assist the struggling , suffering Democrats of other lands , is also " the proper , " ana should be the " instant work" of the people of this country .

      From the " weak , washy , everlasting flood" of pacific sympathy , which has deluged so many of the meetings ' called to sympathise with the Hungarians , it affords me real pleasure to turn to the plain , bold sentiments given utterance to , this week , at Derby and Birmingham . At the Derby meeting , Mr . Bass , M . P . for that borough , almost went the length ofthe Marylcbonc demonstration , and Mi * . Councillor Madeley said : " Ee would ask any reasonable man , whether , having to deal with the savage hordes of- ltussia , the moral force of this country would have any weight , but for the knowledge that it is backed by a gallant fleet and a brave army . ( Cheers . ) " He ad £ ed that Englishmen should demonstrate , "that we can , If we wish ,

      unsheathe the sword in the cause of liberty , and arc prepared to defend the oppressed , not only with our purses , but with our arms . ( Several rounds of cheering . ) " At the Birmingham meeting , that pacific twaddler , Mr . Joseph Stvkge , having entered his " protest against all fighting , " and even ( according to the report ) condemned the Hungarians lor taking up arms , Mr . Muntz , M . P ., delivered n speech which I earnestly commend to your attention—by far the best speech yet delivered in support ofthe Hungarians . Mr . Momz observed , that "If the world at large desired to be free , it must " not only acknowledge the indspondenco of Hun" gary , but be ready to go to war to secure it . " * * * Ho hoped that they

      " might get the government to acknowledge the in-11 dependence of Hungary , but lie feared they would " do no such thing ; and supposing they would do " so , of-what use would it bo unless they were pro" pared to buck it up ? What was the use of moral '' force if p hysical force was not close upon it ? It " was the fear of physical force that gained for the " people tho Reform Bill . So , in the absence of this " physical force , he feared they were looking for " something that they would not obtain—a recognition of the independence of Hungary by the government of this country . . * * * " The fact was , we had not the pluck to interfere . " Ours was an emasculated government . There " wasno such thing as heroism left amongst us .

      " Wc were all talk now . A nation of shopkeepers , " money-getters , and spiritless . * * " * The truth was that there was no high " feeling left in England . We might talk of the "heroism of the Hungarians ; it was a thing only " known in name to us ; everything was lost in the " beggarly pounds , shillings , and penco . feeling . A " declaration of sympathy in this matter might be " all very well ; but , in his opinion , tho proper " thing to do would bo to call upon our government " to declare war against Russia , if she did not leave '' -Austria and Hungary to settle the quarrel " amongst themselves . ( Cheers . ) " Of course Parson iis wroth with Muntz

      Miaj ., very - Mr , , It may be so , but he takes very good care to keep his wrath to himself . The Nonconformist ot Wednesday contained not a word denunciatory of Birmingham , or its member . Why does not Miali . denounce the Birmingham people as "demented ? " Why does he not denounce Mr . Muxtz ' s . speech . as - " sheer contemptible brag , " " as complete a piece of folly , as downright and stupid a blunder , as physical-force Chartism , " or LedruRolltn Republicanism ? " Will the Dispatch of Sunday next denounce Messrs . Bass and Mmiis-ey ? Will " Publicola " insinuate that Mr .-Muntz is a Russian spy , or denounce his speech as " bluster and brnggadocia ?"

      In one of his recent addresses Kossuth thus apostrophises this country : —" Thou haughty English " nation ! Hast thou forgotten that thou hast de" creed the principle of non-intervention , that thou " now suffercst an intervention directed against " constitutional liberty ? A ot only dost thou not " defend the holy cause of constitutional liberty , " but thou loudest aid to the banner of tyranny by " suffering this coalition of tyrants . The proud " pennon of the British mast is threatened with " disgrace . God will withdraw tho blessing he has " lent it , if it prove untrue to tho cause to which it " owes its fame , " And he adds : — " Awake , 0 , People of Europe " On Hungarian ground the battle for' the freedom " of Europe is lighting . With this country the free " world will lose a powerful member . In this

      na" tion a true and heroic champion will perish . For " wo shall fight until wo spill the last drop of our " blood , that our country either may become a " chosen sanctuary of freedom , , consecrated with " our blood ; or shall form a damning monument " to all eternity in token of the manner in which " tyrants can league to destroy free peoples and free '' nations , and of the shameful manner in which free " countries abandon one another !" Reason and reflection , as well as feeling and zeal , bid perseverance in the course I have adopted . Again I cry unto my Countiymen to do their duty ; to take the side of Humanity and JVecdom , 110 matter at what cost , and strike for Justice , all hazards notwithstanding . Let not History confirm the terrible accusation launched against us by Kossuth that we " but lent to the banner of tyranny by suffering this coalition of tyrants . "

      Ct . JULIAN HARNEY . August lGth , 1849 . P . S . —Thursday night , Twelve o ' clock . —I have just returned from a magnificent meeting in the aristocratic Assembly Rooms , Hanover Square . Mr . LusnixaTos , M . P . for Westminster , presided , and the meeting was addressed by Lord Kugknt , Lord , Dudley Stuakt , and a host of other speakers , including two Americans : one an Episcopalian Clergyman , and the other a Military Officer on his way to Hungary . My reception was ample compensation for the abuse and sneers of the Nonconformist and the Dispatch , The meeting was , and in every sense of the word , " up to the m .-irk . " G . J . H .

      Independence. Of Hungary

      INDEPENDENCE . OF HUNGARY

      GREAT MEETING AT BIRMINGHAM . On Monday afternoon a public meeting , convened in consequence of a requisition to the mayor , was held at the Corn Exchange , Birmingham , for the purpose of adopting a memorial to the Queen urging the recognition by the British government of the national independence of the Hungarian people , and to take such other steps upon the subject as might be deemed advisable . ' The Mayor ( Samuel Thornton , Esq . ) presided ; amongst the gentlemen on the platform were G . F . Muntz , Esq ., M . P ., Mr . Scholefield , M . P ., Mr . G . Dawson , M . A ., the Rev . Dr . Raphall , Mr . Bray , t » c town clerk , Mr . Edmonds , clerk ofthe peace , Mr . Alderman Palmer , Mr . Councillor Barnett , Mr . Councillor Baldwin , Mr . Alderman Martineau , Mr . Alderman Weston , & c , & c . The attendance was very numerous , the building being crowded in every

      part . ~ " . _ Mr . Scholefield , M . P ., moved the first resolution . Thohon ; gentleman said tbat this was the third meeting he had attended on this important subject , and great as had been his pleasure in doing SO , he confessed that it was with even more infinite satisfaction that he witnessed such a demonstration m Birmingham in favour of those great principles of liberty which were being now asserted in the persons of the brave Hungarians . The principle of right and wrong was never more strongly marked than in this dispute between Austria and Hungary —lor , time out of mind , the Hungarians had had a constitution of their own , their own ministers , their own King ; and it wag because the Emperor . of Auitm refused to swear to the Hungarian constitution , the Hungarian people had determined to de-VOWm House of Hapsburg , and for his part , he

      Independence. Of Hungary

      said , " God grant they may be successful . " Some said that the Hungarian constitution was too democratic ; others thought it savoured too much of the old feudal aristocratic principle ; he was disposed to believe that it was little understood in this country ; but ono thing was quite certain , ¦ ( hat the Hungarians had risen as one man , and declared in favour of a constitution ; and whatever the sovereign people willed , he knew of no human arbiter whatever who had a right to dispute it . ( Cheers . ) Tliovo wore two features in tins contest deserving of especial notice : ono of these was the cruelty with which Austria was carrying on the war , and the other the intervention of Russia . He was sure that any man who read the proclamation of the savage Haynau could scarcely find it in soul not to

      denounce the man and the government who employed him . No one who had anv regard for the law of nations , so flagrantly violated bv Russia , could say that the time had not arrived when England should interfere . ( Cheers . ) Ho hoped that tho news of the recent victories by the Hungarians would be fully confirmed ; and that thereby the fate and the triumph of Hungary would he decided . Let England take her stand in time . He hoped that a strong protest would at once be made by our government against the intervention of Russia , and ia acknowledgment of the independence of Hungary . He behoved that in a few days a memorial sigue ' d by members of all parties in tlie House of Commons would bo presented to the government pressing upon it the necessity of acknowledging immediately the independence of Hungary .

      Beyond the highest considerations there were others , though of minor importance , which made the result oAhis struggle a matter oi' considerable interest to the people of this country . In a commercial point of view it was impossible to over estimate the advantages that would accrue to England if the Hungarians were successful in their struggle for liberty . Therefore did ho call upon them , in tho name of humanity , to speak out in this great cause ; in the name of those noble Hungarians who were struggling for their independence ; in the name of the suffering but undying cause of liberty . The Rev . Dr . ' Uafualii seconded the resolution . He strongly denounced the interference of Russia in this quarrel between Austria and Hungary . Russia was ( he said ) tho incarnation of despotism ; the knout , the axe , and Siberia , these were the instruments other government .

      Mr . T . H . G ill said , that however enthusiastic and full of sympathy Ave mig ht be , it often happened that between conflicting Individuals and conflicting causes we hardly knew how to dispose of our sympathy , and where to bestow our enthusiasm , as in the best causes there was generally something bad , and in the worst something good . But here , happily , we were in no such dilemma . Austria was so wholly in the wrong , and Hungary so entirely in tho right ; the Austrian government so monstrously aggressive and wantonly oppressive , and the Hungarian people so calm and forbearing ; the Austrian mode of warfare so horribly savage , and the Hungarian so gloriously merciful and wonderfully magnanimous ; the Austrian generals were so delightfully stupid , and charmingly unsuccessful , and the

      Hungarian leaders so wonderfully successful and victorious , that we are under no necessity of splitting our admiration and dividing our enthusiasm by giving a huge slice to Hungary and a little bit to Austria . It was all given to Hungary , and given by all classes and parties here—Conservatives , Whigs , Radicals . Our approval is earnest , entire , and unreserved . On either side of the Hungarians tricolour hangs our own national flag . May the heart of England be ever as close to the heart of Hungary as their fianncrs now arc ; may our whole strength be put forth in behalf of that dear and glorious Hungary—that Hungary , our younger sister in freedom , our imitator in much , and our superior and mistress in how much move—in heroism , in self-sacrifice , in transcendent national virtue , and supreme national wisdom .

      Mr . Joseph Sturob next came forward , and said that he concurred in denouncing the conduct of the Russians and Austrians towards the Hungarians ; he concurred , too , in the prayer of tho memorial to recognise tho independence of Hungavy , and in denouncing the oppressive conduct ofthe Austrians towards the Jews . But as a Christian , he felt called upon to enter his protest against all fighting ; he believed that passive resistance was the best : neither could he concur in recognising all that the Hungarians did in the way of taking up arms . Mr . Muntz , M . P ., in moving the second resolution , said , that lie regarded this as ono of the most important questions that had ever been brought under the notice ofthe people of this country . It was not because of the thousands of our fellow-men

      who had been slaughtered , although that was bad enough ; it was not because of the commercial consideration , although that was important enough ; but the great question was—has a nation that quarrels with its own people a right to call to its aid another nation to assist it the moment it finds itself in difficulties ? If that principle is to be recognised as a j ust one , tnen there is an end to all the liberties of tlie people ; because a bad government—and there are a good many of them—may slay and rob its people to any extent , it has nothing to do but call in its nearest tyrannical neighbour , and the people over whom it lias tyrannisotlhas no alternative bnt to succumb ; such a principle would be in fact to perpetuate the despotism of bad governments in every corner of the globe . ( Cheers . ) It * tho world

      at large desired to be free , it must not only acknowledge the independence of Hungary , but bo ready to go to war to secure it . ( Cheers . ) Ho was not disposed to throw cold water on the principles Mr . Sturgc advocated ; he had as great a horror of war as any man , hut if a man wanted to kill him—jf a man broke into his house , and wanted to kill him to prevent a discovery , he would as soon kill that man as he would kill a dog . That was tho position of the Hungarians just now : their lives , and their properties , and their liberties were assailed , and they stood up in their own defence accordingly ; and a noble stand they had made . <( Cheers . ) He hoped that they mi » ht get the government to acknowledge the independence of Hungary , but ho feared they would do no such thins ; and supposing thoy would do so ,

      of what use would it be unless they were prepared to back it up ? What was the use of moral force if physical force was not close upon it ? It was the foar of physical force that gained for tho people the Reform . Bill . So in the absence of this physical force , he feared they were looking for something that they wpuld not obtain—a recognition of the independence of Hungary by the government of this country . What had been done in other cases ? England had only ventured to interfere with some beggarly country , that was utterly powerless . Looli : at Portugal — what had been done there ? Why , as soon as the people got an advantage over the government of that infamous ( Jueen the British fleet interfered to protect the sovereign , and the consequence was that the

      government remained as despotic and tyrannical as ever . Hero the question was the principle of one nation being permitted to interfere with the other . ; was England prepared to support any recognition of the independence of the Hungarians by means c . f arms ? No . The fact was , ' wo had not the pluck to interfere . Ours was an emasculated government . There was no such thing as heroism left amongst us . We wore all talk now . A nation of shopkeepers , money-getters , and spiritless . ( Cry of " No . " ) The time would come when they would regret that this country had not interfered to assist the Hungarians in this struggle ; that would be when the barrier against an " incursion from the Russian barbarians would be loss than it was just now , and when it might bo of vital importance to this country that the tide of these incursions should bo turned . ( Hear . ) And unon them wore wo to

      tlepond ? Was it the French ? No . What did we do with respect to tlie recent exploits of tho French at Rome ? . Why we stood by and looked on whilst those cowards , who had just obtained their own rights , wore trampling down the people of that small state who were so nobly struggling for theirs . ( Hear . ) The truth was , that there was no high feeling left in England . We might well talk of the heroism of the Hungarians ; it was a thing only known in name to us ; cvortbing was lost in the beggarly pounds , shillings , and pence fooling . A declaration of sympathy in this matter might be all very well ; but , in his opinion , the proper thing to do would be to call upon our government to declare war against ltussia , if she did not leave Austria and Hungary to settle the quarrel amongst themselves .

      ( Cheers . ) This was what it would come to ultimately , and something worse . ( Hear . ) Why where was this sort of thing to end ? Suppose that next year Russia wanted some slice of territory or other , of course Austria would be bound to assist in obtaining it . In fact they would allow this sort of thing to go on until they would be obliged to go to war to defend their own interest . It was Utopian at present to talk about doing without soldiers if they wanted to preserve their own liberty . He would go any length to carry out tho principle of economy ; but he would never leave the country to be pounced upon by the despots of the world ; He went the full length ofthe resolution he had moved , and he only wished it had gone agreat deal further . Mr . Dawson . 31 . A ., next rose and said : Some vcars ago , Hungary had a party who did for it

      what tho Whigs did . for England m their palmy days , before that party became but a sexton , guarding the ashes of mighty ancestors , or an Old Mortality keeping fresh the annals of olden time , but adding nought thereto . Hungary , too , had its radical party , and when the French revolution of 1848 shook Europe , Kossuth and his party pushed on the greatest reform . Such was the character of these reforms , that none need fear that in now supporting the Hungarians ho is aiding the cause of feudalism , religious persecution , or peasant oppression . The question is , what are we to do f In answering it , I shall differ from Mr . Sturge and from Mr ^ Muntz . I loathe , war , but I cannot yet flay , that it must never be undertaken . Many of us feel hi a strait , and in all difficulties it is best to stato the difficulties plainly . We hate war , and we

      Independence. Of Hungary

      hate oppression : wc could not go to war , and vet we cannot , say that a case mav not - arise when tho protection ofthe hel pless , the defence of the weak , may not call for it . God forgive , if I am wrong , but I cannot say th-. it in no . case must the sword be drawn . It is said that we should be careful not to weaken Austria , that wc want a strong kingdom so placed , as a hairier against CossacTdsm ° We do want such a barrier—we want a free state there but Austria is not that barrier , and now sold to Russia , can never serve as such . Let the sceptre depart from Austria , she has boon an unfaithful servant , let her power be given to another . Make Hungary our bulwark—in days of old the crescent was checked W Hungarian heroism , let the Russian

      bear be muzzled by it too , I need not dwell upon the mode in which this war lias been carried on ; the cries of scourged women , tortured children , and harmless priests have pierced our ears . A Haynau exists to show the 19 th century what were the barbarities of olden times . Our present duty is to i-nable Kossuth to say : Hungarians , the English nation has pronounced your cause to bo just , the men of Milton ' s isle cheer you on ; and then I know each arm will strike with double force , each heart will beat with quickened glow . Tho praise of the English people is no light matter , this then wo emphatically give , and with equal energy we loathe and condemn Russian tyranny and Austrian cruelty . The of Russia is defied

      emperor , he dreams as he will of his " mission "—if he is to bo the saviour of tho west it must bo by annihilating us . ( Cheers . ) The remaining speakers were Mr . Langford ( who was much applauded ) , Mr . Mason , Mr . Councillor Baldwin , Mr . Partridge , Mr . Councillor Barnett , and Mr , Alderman Weston . The meeting called upon the worthy alderman to read from tlie Daily News the latest accounts from Hungary . He at once complied , and the intelligence therein contained was received with much applause . The proceedings terminated with a vote of thanks to tho mayor , who sympathises warmly with tho Hungarians in their struggle for independence

      Great Meeting At Derby. One Ofthe Larges...

      GREAT MEETING AT DERBY . One ofthe largest and most enthusiastic meetings ever held in the town of Derby took place in tho Town-hall , on Monday evening . The hall and corridors were crowded in every' part , and hundreds went away unable to get within hearing . The meeting was convened by the mayor , in compliance with a requisition signed by men of all parties—clergymen and dissenting ministers , Radicals and Tories . The object was to unite with the citizens of London , and other towns , in an expression of sympathy

      with the Hungarians , and to consider tho propriety of addressing a memorial to government . The Mayor presided , and the speakers included Mr . Bass , M . l > . for the borough , tho Rov . 0 . P . Shopherd , the Rev . Mr . Stevenson , Mr . Alderman Moss , Mr . Alderman Mozley , Mr . Councillor Madeley , and Mr . Councillor Pegg . Mr . Bass ' s speech excited great enthusiasm , which was much increased bv the speech of Mr . Madeley , who advocated direct armed intervention in favour of Hungary . The resolutions and the memorial to the Queen were unanimously adopted .

      ¦ *» Carlisle. We Have Received A Letter...

      ¦ *» CARLISLE . We have received a letter from Mr . Kydd , which we are sorry wo cannot find room for . * Mr . Kydd informs us that a crowded meeting of the inhabitants of Carlisle , convened to sympathise witli the Hungarians , was held in tho Athcmcum , on Monday last . Joseph Ferguson , Esq ., in tho chair . Several excellent resolutions were unanimousl y adopted , and the proceedings were altogether of a most enthusiastic character .

      Great Meeting In Westminster. A Meeting ...

      GREAT MEETING IN WESTMINSTER . A meeting of the inhabitants of Westminster who are friends to the cause of Hungary took place on Thursday evening at the Hanovcr-sqUaro Rooms , which wore filled to overflowing . There were several ladies present . In front of the platform were hung four small banners , bearing the following in largo characters : "Bern the Invincible ;" " Kossuth " and Independences "_ " Batthyany and Freedom ; " "Dcmbinski and Victory ; " while two others were suspended from the chandelier at either side , bearing the names " Paskiewitch" and " Jcllachich" inverted .

      Mr . LusiuxoTOJf , M . P ., having been called to tho chair , said it was impossible to read tho public prints without having the mind raised and delighted by tho narrative of the noble struggle in which the Hungarians were now engaged . ( Cheers . ) Ho saw it mentioned in one ofthe newspapers that amongst 200 Hungarian prisoners taken by the Russians , there were 130 grey-headed old men , and eight boys under twelve years of age . ( Loud cheers . ) There was ono point on which they might possibly not be unanimous . According to his conviction , it was impossible to carry their sympathy for the Hungarians too far ; but he observed that , in a meeting of this description , some who attended ic had been carried away by enthusiasm , ho might

      say by delirium , to express a wish to go to war . ( Tremendous cheering for some minutes , followed by " one cheer more . " ) Did that moan that they would go to war ? ( The question was answered affirmatively by renewed and still more vigorous cheering . ) Then they would make allowances for him if he differed from them . They should recollect that they were calling for a reduction of the national expenditure , and that their peace establishment already amounted to J £ 5 G , 000 , 000 a year . ( A voice : " We ' should not have any more to pay if wc went to war . " ) He would say that if they urged the government to go to war ( hey would rue it for centuries to come . ( Hear . ) Lord Nugent rose , amidst much cheering , to move

      tlie following resolution : —" That this meeting watches with intense interest the progress of the present struggle of the Hungarian people for the right of self-government , which they have long and wisely exercised , a right to which thoy are entitled by the constitution of their country , and which they have proved themselves eminently qualified to enjoy b y tho possession of moral , social , and political virtues , unexcelled by any other country in continental Europe . " Ho then gave a brief history of Hungary , and vividly depicted the enormous atrocities perpetrated by tho Austrian army , which drew forth bursts of indignation . Till very lately ,

      said Lord Nugent , this cause had not been fairly laid before the mind of the English people . ( Hear , hoar . ) ' Tho English mind on this subject had been abused and evil dealt with . ( A voice : ' " The Times , " groans and hisses . ) It has been abused and evil dealt with by a calumnious and prostitute press . ( Groans , ) The most enthusiastic cheers were given on naming the victories gained by tho Hungarians under their gallant leaders , and cheers were also given to the managers and chairman ofthe Peninsular and Oriental Steam-packet Company , who had conveyed the Hungarian refugees at Polkstone , to their country at a charge involving a decided loss to the company .

      Mr . Wvi . d M . P ., in seconding the resolution said : He thought tho time for mere sympathy and speaking in reference to Hungary was past . ( Cheers . ) It was a great question not merely between Hungary , Austria , and Russia , but it was a question of European civilisation . ( Cheers . ) Great and noble and daring as were the efforts of the Hungarian people , thoy were not fighting for themselves alone , but for the independence ef Europe . The Russian emperor had thrown down the gauntlet as the advocate of despotic principles , and ho was convinced it was the dutv of the English people in conjunction with America , to take it up . As was said by Hudibras : ; : ; " Sympathy without relief '

      Is like to mustard without beef . ( Loud cheers . ) He wanted the English people to speak iu intelligible language to tho Austrian and Russian cabinets . He wanted them to call upon the English government to act'towards Hungary as they had done towards the Queen of Spain , and then they would be able to see whether there -were not many Englishmen ready to join in establishing a powerful kingdom . ( Cheers ' . ) He hoped some strong representation would be made to the government , showing that there were many of our fellowcountrymen passing away their existence in indolence , who would gladly take up arms to assist in the noble struggle ofthe Hungarians against Russian intervention and Austrian tyranny . ( Cheers . ) Mr . Roland Alston , and the Rev . J . Richmond , ef tho Episcopal Church , in America , also spoke to the resolution , which was carried with enthusiasm . An address was then read to the Hungarian people . Lord Dudley Stuart moved the next resolution :

      — " lhat this meeting looks with unmitigated abhorrence on the joint efforts of the Austrian and Russian monarclis ' to extinguish the freedom of a gallant nation in the blood of its brave inhabitants . That . the infamy ofthe invasion is only equalled by the atrocious cruelties marking the progress ofthe invaders , and that the address just read , expressive of our admiration and sympathy be forwarded to tho brave men of Hungary with the least possible delay . " —lie showed the advantages that would arise to England by her trading with Hungary , stated the produce of that ceuntry , and . called upon the people generally to assist in getting up a subscription on behalf o ' f that gallant nation . He was warmly applauded .: Air . PnouT seconded the resolution .

      Mr . Harney took exception'to a passage in the address , which spoke of the revolution of 1688 ag " glorious , " and denied that it was so for persons of his order , however it might have been for others . He condemned the government for holding friendly relations w jth thobombarder of Home , and ° said that as regarded Hungary it would he quite sufficient to prohibit the march of Russians into Hungary . The resolution was then passed . Resolutions approbatory of that portion of the press which had honestly advocated the Hungarian cause , and also of the Directors of the Peninsular Company , were carried . A vote of thanks waa passed to the chairman , and the meeting separated .

  • Citation
    • Northern Star (1837-1852), Aug. 18, 1849, page 5, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse-os.kdl.kcl.ac.uk/periodicals/ns/issues/ns2_18081849/page/5/