We have declared the law, that man is capable of self government, and possesses the inherent and indestructible right of altering, amending, and changing his form of government at his pleasure, and in furtherance of his happiness.  We have sworn hostility against every form of tyranny over the mind of man.  These truths we have made a part of the laws of nations.  Despots combine and interfere by force and fraud, to prevent the erection of republican institutions by a nation struggling successfully against its local usurping oppressor, for independence.  Fidelity to our principles and institutions demands that we PREVENT such interference by solemnly proclaiming that the laws of nations and humanity SHALL BE PRESERVED inviolate and sacred.  In the performance of this duty the faint-hearted may falter; the domestic despot and cold diplomatist may linger behind; the man of world-extended and fearful traffic may hesitate; but the warm and great heart of the American masses will feel no moment of hesitation and doubt in defence of truth.  The great Author of nations will find the means to carry out His wise designs.  How glorious our destiny, if to us is given the solemn charge of carrying into effect the beneficent purpose of Heaven in the establishment upon earth of universal liberty, universal education, universal happiness, and peace.

When Governor Johnston had concluded with a very cordial welcome, Kossuth replied as follows:—­

Senators and representatives of Pennsylvania.—­I came with confidence, I came with hope to the United States—­with the confidence of a man who trusts to the certainty of principles, knowing that where freedom is sown, there generosity grows—­with the hope of a man who knows that there is life in his cause, and that where there is life there must be a future yet.  Still hope is only an instinctive throb with which Nature’s motherly care comforts adversity.  We often hope without knowing why, and like a lonely wanderer on a stormy night, direct our weary steps towards the first glimmering window light, uncertain whether we are about to knock at the door of a philanthropist or of a heartless egotist.  But the hope and confidence with which I came to the United States was not such.  There was a knowledge of fact in it.  I did not know what persons it might be my fate to meet, but I knew that meet I should with two living principles—­with that of FREEDOM and that of NATIONAL HOSPITALITY.

Both are political principles here.  Freedom is expansive like the light:  it loves to spread itself:  and hospitality here in this happy land, is raised out of the narrow circle of private virtue into political wisdom.  As you, gentlemen, are the representatives of your people, so the people of the United States at large are representative of European humanity—­a congregation of nations assembled in the hospitable Hall of American liberty.  Your people is linked to Europe, not only by the common