History of the city of Columbus, capital of Ohio, Volume II, Part 6

Author: Lee, Alfred Emory, 1838-; W. W. Munsell & Co
Publication date: 1892
Publisher: New York and Chicago : Munsell & Co.
Number of Pages: 1196

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At Columbus, the Hungarian party was met at the railway station by officers of State, members of the General Assembly, the military and fire companies and beneficial and industrial associations of the capital, and a vast throng of citizens, including many delegations from the country for fifty miles around .? Crowds began to assemble, both at the station and in front of the Neil House, long before the time for the arrival of the train, the approach of which was announced at six P. M., by the boom of cannon and the ringing of bells. Under the direction of General T. Stockton, an escorting procession was formed at the station, and moved up High Street to the Neil House, amid the enthusiastic shouts of the people. The buildings along the street, and throughout the city, were profusely decorated with flags, including those of Hungary and other nations. At the Neil House, into which Kossuth made his way with difficulty, owing to the density of the crowd, he shortly appeared on the portico, in front of the main entrance and was presented to the people by Hon. David A. Cox, of the State Senate, but gracefully excused himself with a very few sentences, as he expected to speak at length on the next day following. After the reception was over, the fire companies paraded the streets with torchlights and banners. In the course of the evening, Kossuth was serenaded by one of the German bands of the city, and responded briefly in the German language.

The Ohio Statesman of the next day said, enthusiastically : " The reception of Kossuth at this place on last night was one of the most splendid and enthusias- tic outbursts of popular feeling ever witnessed in this part of creation." In the procession, the Columbus Artillery (German), Captain Buhl; Captain Snyder's Grenadiers, and the fire companies bore the colors of the United States and Hun- gary. The fire companies also bore the Turkish flag, and carried torches. The City Butchers' Association, on horseback, wore regalia in the Hungarian colors. Kossuth's carriage was drawn by four white horses. The only ladies in the Hun- garian party were Madame Kossuth and Madame Pulszky. Kossuth's children were in England.

On the evening of February 4 a meeting of workingmen was held at the City Hall to arrange for receiving an address from the Hungarian leader, and to aid him in the liberation of his country. Charles B. Flood was chairman, and Milton M. Powers secretary of this meeting, which packed the hall as full as it would

[PHOTOGRAPHED BY BAKER

Residence of B. N. Huntington, 620 East Broad Street, built in 1872.

PHOTOGRAPHED BY BAKER.

Residence of F. W. Prentiss, 706 East Broad Street, built in 1890.

RECEPTION AND VISIT OF LOUIS KOSSUTHI.

hold. A committee was appointed which waited upon Kossuth next day, and requested him to deliver the desired address, but owing to his weariness and the condition of his lungs he was obliged to decline.

February 5 was so clear and mild as to be quite favorable to an outdoor meet- ing. Directly in front of the Old Court House on High Street, a platform for speaking was erected, conducted to which, about eleven o'clock, by Governor Wood, Kossuth was presented by Hon. William Dennison to a dense mass of peo- ple, crowding the street, the windows, the awnings, and all available space within seeing or hearing distance. Prayer was offered by Rev. H. L. Hitchcock, after which Hon. Samuel Galloway welcomed Kossuth in a glowing speech to the capi -* /Gasseth was tal of Ohio. Kossuth then rose, and excusing himself for keeping his hat on spoke as follows :

Sir, I most humbly thank you for the information of what I owe to Ohio for my liberation. I stood upon the ruins of vanquished greatness in Asia, where the mount do- tidings from young America are so seldom heard that indeed I was not acquainted quent thude be war head, with the fact. Still, I loved Ohio with affection and with admiration before I knew what I had yet to hear. Now I will love her with the affection and tender- ness of a child, knowing what part she took in my restoration to life - because to liberty.

Sir, permit me humbly to decline those praises which you have been pleased to bestow upon me personally. I know of no merit - I know only the word duty, and you are acquainted with the beautiful lines of the Irish poet :

Far dearer the grave or the prison, Illumed by a patriot's name, Than the glories of all who have risen On liberty's ruins to fame.

I was glad to hear that you are familiar with the history of our struggles and of our achievements, and of our aims. This dispenses me from speaking much, and that is a great benefit to me, because, indeed, I have spoken very much.

Sir, entering the young State of Ohio - that giant in its very youth - though my mind be constantly filled with homeward thoughts and homeward sorrows, still so wonderful is what I see, looking at it through the glass of your short history, that even my sorrows relax for a moment in their torturing pangs while I look around me in astonishment and rub my eyes to ascertain that it is not the magic of a dream which makes your bold, mighty and flourishing commonwealth rich with all the marks of civilization and of life here, where almost yesterday was yet nothing but a vast wilderness, silent and dumb like the elements of the world on creation's eye. And here I stand in Columbus, which, though ten years younger than I am, is still the capital of that mighty commonwealth which again, in its turn, ten years before I was born, nursed but three thousand daring men, seat- tered over the vast wilderness, fighting for their lives with scalping Indians, and now numbers two millions of free, happy men, who, generous because free, are conscious of their power, and weigh heavily in the scale of mankind's destiny.

Ilow wonderful that the exiled chief of a distant European nation of Asiatic origin, which, amidst the raging waves of centuries sweeping away empires by its flood, stood for a thousand years like a rock and protected Christendom, and was the bulwark for civilization against barbarism -how wonderful that the exiled chief of that nation has to come to this land, where a mighty nation grows up as it were over night out of the very earth, and found this nation protecting the rights of humanity when offered in his own humble self, and found that useful nation ready to stretch its powerful gigantic arm over the Atlantic to protect all Hungary against oppression, and found her pouring the balm of her sympathy

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HISTORY OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS.

into the bleeding wounds of Hungary, that, regenerated by the faithful spirit of America, it may yet rise once more independent and free, a breakwater to the flood of Russian ambition, oppressing Europe and threatening the world.

Citizens of Columbus, the namesake of your city, when he discovered America little thought that he would liberate, by his discovery, the Old World [cheers]; and those exiles of the Old World who, sixtyfour years ago, first settled within the limits of Ohio at Marietta, little thought that the first generation which would leap into their steps would make despots tremble and oppressed nations rise. [Great cheering.] And yet thus it will be. The mighty outburst of popular feeling which it is my lot to witness is a revelation of that future too elear not to be understood. The Eagle of America beats its mighty wings; the Stars of America illumine Europe's night ; and the Starspangled Banner, taking under its protection the Hungarian flag, fluttering loftily and proudly in an imposing atti- tude, tells the tyrants of the world that the right of freedom must sway, and not the whim of despots but the law of nations rule. [Cheers.]

Go on, go on, young Eagle of America! Thy place is not more upon the top of the low hills where thou restest till now, growing in proud security. Thy place is above the mountains -above the hills. Thy place is high up near the sun, that with the powerful sweep of thy mighty wings thou mayest dispel the clouds of despotism which prevent the sun of freedom over all Europe to rise. [Cheers. ] There is thy glorious place. Thither calls thee the thundering voice of thy people ; thither cails thee Ohio, that wonderful jewel of the wonderful West. [Cheers.] Oh! I will not, indeed, speak longer. [Cries of " go on, go on."] Yes, gentlemen, I thank you very much. Give me your breath and then I will go on. [Great laughter.]

Citizens, your young and thriving city is conspicuous by its character of benevolence. There is scarcely a natural human affliction for which your young city has not an asylum of benevolence. Today you have risen in that benevolence from the ground of alleviating private affliction to the high level of consoling oppressed nations. Be blessed for it. I came to the shores of your country plead - ing the restoration of the law of nations to its due sway, cruelly violated in my downtrodden fatherland ; and as I went on pleading I met flowers of sympathy. Since I am in Ohio I meet fruits [great cheering]; and as I go on thankfully gathering the fruits new flowers arise still promising more and more beautiful fruits. [Renewed cheering.] That is the character of Ohio, and you are the capital of Ohio.

If I am not mistaken the birth of your city was the year of the trial of war by which your nation proved to the world that there is no power on earth that can dare more to touch that lofty building of independence which, by a glorious struggle, was achieved when this vast region was yet a desert unexplored and unknown. Ohio is a youthful son of this independence, grown up to a giant in a short time. What I saw yesterday and what I see today proves that you are conscious of owing something -of owing your national existence to that word " independence." The glory of your eastern sister states is to have conquered that independence to you. Let it be your glory to have put your mighty weight into the scale, that the law of nations, guarded and protected by you, may afford to every oppressed nation that fair play which America had when it struggled for independence. [Cheers.] .

Sir, rememberance of received benefit is congenial to highminded men; and that " Golden Rule" to which you so eloquently alluded is the source of great benefit to mankind when practiced by a nation powerful like you. But I am not surprised to hear invoked that Golden Rule here. It is Franklin County to which Columbus belongs [laughter and cheers], and it is Franklin who brought not only mere support but material aid from Europe when America rose to assert its

RECEPTION AND VISIT OF LOUIS KOSSUTHI.

natural right to a national independence on earth. [Cheers.] The very name of your county is a pledge of sueeess to me. [Cheers.] There is a touching advice in it - " Do to others as you would that others should do to you." The acknowl- edgment of that eternal justice - of that principle of Christian brotherly love - I have seen it in the generous reception you honor me with, equally conspicuous by its spontaneity and its warmth, as also powerful in its character. I have seen it in the generous welcome which the eloquent interpreter of the sentiments of the people of Ohio proclaimed to my consolation, to my country's hope. I thank you most kindly for it.

Last night, having laid down my head upon the pillow of your hospitalities, I dreamed of what Franklin had brought from Europe to struggling America, and I have seen enough of your public spirit to be quite sure that now, when I wake, I will find that the citizens of Franklin County will prove to be those who claim what once Franklin claimed; that in the city of Columbus reality is more delight- ful than even the most delightful historical dream.

Gentlemen, I am tired out. You must generously excuse me when I conclude by humbly recommending my poor country's future to your generosity. [Great cheering.]

In the course of his tour Kossuth had, up to this time, delivered over two hundred speeches ; the weariness and physical exhaustion for which he apologized were therefore quite to be expected. After the meeting, which concluded with a short address by Hon. William Dennison, he withdrew to his apartments and there received various deputations, one of which, from Mount Gilead, presented him a contribution of fifty dollars. A Kossuth ball took place the following even- ing at the American Honse.

During the same evening-February 5-a large meeting was held at the City Hall, at which both a State and a Franklin County Hungarian Association were organized. Judge William R. Rankin presided at this meeting. For the State Association a constitution was adopted and the following officers were elected : President, Governor Reuben Wood; Vice Presidents, Lieutenant-Governor William Medill, Samuel Galloway, William Corry, of Hamilton County ; Peter Ambos, of Columbus; and John Woods, of Butler County ; Treasurer, William, Dennison ; Secretaries, II. B. Carrington and Joseph H. Smith ; Central Commit- tee, Doctor Robert Thompson, Samuel Medary, Doctor William Ide, Charles B. Flood, C. T. Solis; Finance Committee, William Dennison, Peter Ambos, L. Donaldson, M. P. Howlett, Edward Lilly, William F. Wheeler, L. Hoster, HI. B. Carrington ; and an Executive Committee of thirtyfive members.

The officers chosen by the Franklin County Association were: President, Judge William R. Rankin ; Vice President, G. Lewis; Treasurer, L. Donaldson ; Secretary, Milton M. Powers; Executive Committee, L. Hoster, C. F. Schenck, James Lennox, Charles Klie and William F. Wheeler.

On Saturday, February 7, Kossuth was received by the two houses of the General Assembly jointly convened in the chamber of the House of Representa- tives in the Odeon Building. At precisely eleven o'clock A. M. the great Hunga- rian, attended by his suite and conducted by Governor Wood, entered the hall and was presented by Senator Ransom A. Gillet, of the Reception Committee. Lieutenant-Governor Medill then addressed him, first reading the resolutions wel- coming him in eulogistic terms to the capital of Ohio, denouncing Russian inter-

HISTORY OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS.

vention in Hungarian affairs, and tendering him a public reception by the General Assembly in behalf of the people of Ohio. Governor Medill's welcome was expressed in eloquent words. Standing in the aisle facing the Speaker's desk Kossuth read the following reply : "

The spirit of our age is democracy ; all for the people, and all by the people ; nothing about the people without the people. That is democracy, and that is the ruling tendency of the spirit of our age. To this spirit is opposed the principle of despotism claiming sovereignty over mankind and degrading nations from a posi- tion of self-conscious, self-consistent aim, to the condition of tools subservient to the authority of ambition.

One of these principles will and must prevail, so far as our civilization pre- vails. The destiny of mankind is linked to a common source of principles and within the boundaries of a common civilization community of destinies exists. Hence the warm interest which the condition of distant nations awakes nowadays in a manner not yet recorded in history, because humanity never was yet aware of that common tie as it now is. With this consciousness thus developed, two opposite principles eannot rule within the same boundaries - democracy or despotism - there is no transaction between Heaven and Hell. [Applause.]

In the conflict of these two hostile principles, until now it was not justice but only success which was met with applause. Unsuccessful patriotism was stigma- tized as crime. Revolution not crowned by success was styled anarchy and revolt, and the vanquished patriot, being dragged to the gallows by victorious despotism, it was not the consideration why a man died upon the gallows but the fact itself that there he died which imparted a stain to his name. And although impartial history now and then casts the halo of a martyr over an unsuccessful patriot's grave, yet even that was not always sure. Tyrants often perverted history sullied by adulation or by fear; but whatever the late verdict might have been for him who dared to struggle against despotism, when he struggled in vain there was no honor on earth ; victorious tyranny marked the front of virtue with the brand of a criminal.

The view has changed. A bright lustre is spreading over the dark sky of humanity. The glorious galaxy of the United States rises with imposing bright ness over the horizon of oppressed nations and the bloody star of despotism, by your declaration fading in its flame, will soon vanish in the sky like a meteor. [Applause. ]

Legislators of Ohio, it may be flattering to ambitious vanity to act the part of an execrated conqueror, but it is a glory unparalleled in history to protect right and freedom on earth. The time draws near when, by virtue of such a declaration like yours, shared by your sister States, Europe's liberated nations will unite in a mighty choir of hallelujahs thanking God that Ilis paternal cares have raised the United States to the glorious position of a first born son of freedom on earth. [Applause. ]

Washington prophesied that within twenty years the Republic of the United States would be strong enough to defy any power on earth in a just cause. The State of Ohio was not yet born when the wisest of men and purest of patriots told that prophesy, and God Almighty has made the prophesy trne by annexing in a prodigiously short period more stars to the proud constellation of your Republic, and increasing the lustre of every star more powerfully than Washington could have anticipated in the brightest moments of his patriotic hopes. [Applause. ] . . .

The State of Ohio and myself are the same age. The very year your consti- tution was framed I was born. [Applause.] My breast has always heaved with intense interest at the name of Ohio. It was like as if something of supreme importance lay hidden for me in that name to which my future was bound by the

RECEPTION AND VISIT OF LOUIS KOSSUTH.

very year of my nativity. This day my anticipations are realized, and the second coincidence is that the tidings of the present day will just reach Washington City when the Senators of the United States sit down in judgment upon the question of international law, and pronounce upon your country's foreign policy. Ohio has given its vote by the resolutions I had the honor to hear, and Ohio is one of the brightest stars in the Union. Ohio's vote is the vote of two millions, and it will have its constitutional weight in the councils where the delegates of the people's sovereignty find their glory in doing the people's will. [Applause. ]

Sir, it will be a day of consolation and joy in Hungary when my bleeding nation reads these resolutions which I will send to her. [ Applause. ] They will spread like lightning over the gloomy land and my nation, unbroken in conrage, steady in resolution, firm in confidence, will draw still more courage, more reso- lution from them, because it is well aware that the Legislature of Ohio would never pledge a word of which it were not sure that the people of Ohio will be, in ease of need, as good as that word. [Applanse.]

Sir, I regret that my sickness disabled me to express my firmest thanks in a manner more becoming to this assembly of dignity. I beg to be excused for it, and humbly beg you to believe that my nation forever, and I for all my lite, cherish the memory of this benefit with everlasting gratitude. [Tremendous applause. ]

At the conclusion of this address a recess was taken and Governor Medill presented to Kossuth the sum of $211 as the contribution of the officers and mem- bers of the Senate to the canse of Hungary. In the evening of the same day - February 7 - the first regular meeting of the "Ohio State Association of the Friends of Hungary " was held at the City Hall, which was crowded to its utmost capacity. Kossuth was conducted to the Hall by Governor Reuben Wood and Doctor Robert Thompson. Governor Wood presided, and on taking the chair made a brief address, in the course of which he said :

Louis Napoleon never would have taken the step he has taken if he did not believe that he would be backed by the power of Russia, Austria, Prussia and other monarchies. Thus it appears that there is a combined effort in Continental Europe to overthrow all free and liberal institutions. This accomplished, what next? The efforts of tyrants will be directed to our institutions. It will be their aim to break us down. Must we not prevent this event, peaccably if we can, forcibly if we must? [Applause.] No power will prevail with tyrants and usurpers but the power of gunpowder and steel.

Kossuth was then introduced, and delivered an address of considerable length, going into the merits of the Hungarian cause. The following extracts, explaining what the speaker expected of the United States and disparaging the counsels of Washington as to our foreign policy, is important :

But I am told, " suppose the word of America shall not be respected, then America has to go to war." I have very often answered that question, but now I will give another answer to it. Well, if the people of America fear war, let them pronounce in such a way for the maintenance of the great principle of international law, and let them add such a sanction to it as will in itself secure to America that it will have no war. [Applause.] You have an act of Congress, passed in 1818, by which the people of the United States are forbidden by law to take any hostile steps against a power with which the United States are in amity. Well, suppose that Congress pronounces such a resolution, that in respect to any power which violates the laws of nations we recall the neutrality of the law and give full liberty to the people to follow its will. [Applause.]

But again and again meeting the doubt that your protest, even with such a

HISTORY OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS.

sanction, will not be respected. I again answer in respect to the doubt of success, let me entreat you to try. It costs nothing. You are not bound to go further than your will ; try : perhaps it will be respected, and if it be, humanity is rescued and freedom on earth reigns where now despotism rules. It is worth the trial. My humble prayer in that respect is often answered by the traditional policy of the father of your country, the great Washington. I have already had the oppor- tunity to explain what I have found in the documents of America-that such was never a principle of Washington's. If it was anything, it was a recommendation of policy for twenty years. Here, I that consideration particularly repeat. Why ? Because Ohio did not yet exist when Washington pronounced that policy. [ Laughter and great applause.] And I am sure that Washington was too wise a man to frame laws for those who did not exist. [Great laughter.] This country is now in quite a different condition. A world of power rises up. States which did not exist among the old thirteen who achieved your republican existence are now added.

But, sir, certain newspapers charge me with impertinence in having come to this country, a stranger, with the arrogant intention to teach here the true sense of the Farewell Address of Washington. Now, indeed, if ever came a man unpretend - ingly to America I may say I came so. But I believe the people of America have not written its history for being shut up in a trunk, but for giving and imparting instruction by it to humanity. I have not written the documents ; I have read them, and perhaps it is no arrogance to take that construction ont of your history which I found there ready expressed, and so taking that ground, I today say that very soon (and I believe this not upon my own anthority, but upon the authority of one of your very distinguished fellowcitizens, an American in a high position), you will have to read a historical work from a classical American author, where you will find the truth stated that the principle of not entangling America in Euro- pean alliances, even as I have interpreted it out of American documents, was not the will of Washington ; it was forced upon him by peculiar circumstances-by peculiar considerations. It was a principle of General Hamilton. Washington resisted all suggestions for a very long time, and only when he saw what the French nation had executed, who sent help to America in your War of Independence and banished that Lafayette who fought for your independence-only then did Wash- ington, by that impulse congenial to such a man as he, declare that with a nation which had so acted towards the benefactors of his country, he would not mix in entangling alliances. That is a historical fact. You will see it proved very soon by an American historian.

Kossuth concluded his address with the following apologetic words :

Ladies and gentlemen, I can speak no more; you will kindly exeuse me. I am entirely exhausted, so much so that every word I speak is like a dagger into my wounded breast. I humbly recommend, not to your sympathy - that you have [given] - but to your energy the cause I plead, and I take leave of you by humbly entreating you [to] think not less favorably of me because you have seen today a sick man, and have heard a very bad speech."

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History of the city of Columbus, capital of Ohio, Volume II, Part 6

Author: Lee, Alfred Emory, 1838-; W. W. Munsell & Co Publication date: 1892 Publisher: New York and Chicago : Munsell & Co. Number of Pages: 1196

Author: Lee, Alfred Emory, 1838-; W. W. Munsell & Co
Publication date: 1892
Publisher: New York and Chicago : Munsell & Co.
Number of Pages: 1196