The contest will involve the civilized world, and the blow will be struck which must decide the fate of men for centuries to come.  Then will the hour have arrived, when, uniting with herself the friends of Freedom throughout the world, this country must breast herself to the shock of congregated nations.  Then will she need the wealth of her merchants, the powers of her warriors, and the sagacity of her statesmen.  Then on the altar of our God, let each one devote himself to the cause of the human race, and in the name of the Lord of Hosts go forth unto the battle!  If need be, let our choicest blood flow freely, for life itself is valueless when such interests are at stake.  Then, when a world in arms is assembling to the conflict, may this country be found fighting in the vanguard for the liberties of man!  God himself has summoned her to the contest, and she may not shrink back.  For this hour may He by His grace prepare her!”

Thus wrote a learned American Patriot as early as 1825; and he stands high even to-day in the estimation of his fellow-citizens; and no man ever charged him with being presumptuously arrogant for having shown such a perspective of coming necessities to America.  His profound sagacity, pondering the logical issue of America’s position, has penetrated into the hidden mystery of future events; and he has seen his country summoned, by God himself, to fight in the vanguard for mankind’s civil and religious liberty.

* * * * *

XLVIII.—­SOUND AND UNSOUND COMMERCE.

Speech at Buffalo.]

On the 27th of May thirty thousand persons assembled in the Park at Buffalo, where Kossuth had a magnificently enthusiastic reception.  In the evening he was escorted to American Hall by the mayor and others.  For a portion only of his Speech, in reply to the address of the Hon. Thomas Love, can we here find room.

The Austrian minister (said he) has left the United States.  Proud Austria has no longer a representative here, but down-trodden Hungary has.  The Chevalier Hulsemann has at last taken his departure, without even a chivalrous farewell; the Secretary of State let him depart, without either alarm or regret.

“All right!” gentlemen.  Two years ago there was much alarm in certain quarters, when the idea of such a rupture was first suggested.  Five months ago, when in one of my public addresses I wished a good journey to Mr. Hulsemann, some thought it rather presumptuous.  But now that he has left, no man cares about it, scarcely any man takes notice of it.  The time may yet come, when Mr. Hulsemann’s masters will be fully aware, that what he is pleased to call the Kossuth episode is a serious drama—­a drama in which, I trust, America will so act its part, that in the catastrophe justice and freedom shall triumph, violence and oppression shall fall.