The balance of power, and thereby the independence of the world, has been overthrown by the connivance of the great powers at the overthrow of Hungary; and it can only be restored by the restoration of Hungary.  As for Austria, she never more can be restored—­she is not only doomed, she is dead.  No skill, no tending can revive her.  Having previously broken every tie of affection and of allegiance, she cannot maintain even a vegetable life, but by Russian aid.  Let the reliance upon that aid relax, and there is no power on earth which could prevent the nations who groan under her oppressive and degrading tyranny from shattering to pieces the rotten building of her criminal existence.  And as to my nation, I declare solemnly, that should we be left forsaken and alone to fight once more the battle of deliverance for the world, and should we in consequence of it fail in that honourable strife, we will rather choose to be Russians than subject to the house of Austria—­rather submit to open, manly force of the Czar, than to the heart-revolting perjury of the Hapsburg—­rather be ruled directly by the master, than submit to the shame of being ruled by his underlings.  The fetters of force may be broken once, but the affection of a morally offended people to a perjurious dynasty can never be restored.  Russia we hate with inconceivable hatred, but the House of Hapsburg we hate and we despise.

I have been often asked, what may be, amidst the present conjunctures, an opportunity to renew our struggle for liberty? and I have answered that the very oppression of our country, the heroism of my people, our resolute will, and the intolerable condition of the European Continent, is an opportunity in itself; but if too cautious men, having too little faith in the destiny of mankind, desire yet another opportunity, there is the prospect of a war between Turkey and Russia.  This is a fatality, pointed out by the situation of Russia, and by the pressing motives, heaped up since the time of Peter the Great:  and Russia will hasten to try the decisive blow, since she knows that Turkey becomes more powerful every day.  Now, gentlemen, that will be an imperious opportunity to raise once more the standard of freedom in Hungary; and, so may God bless us, we are prepared for it.  We cannot allow that our natural ally, Turkey, be flanked from the frontiers of Hungary at the order of the Czar.  Turkey, by curious change of circumstances, having become necessary to European freedom and civilization, will find the kindred race of the Magyars to aid her, and by aiding her, to save the world.

The only question is, will the United States remain indifferent at the overthrow of the balance of power on earth?  No, they will not, they cannot remain indifferent.  Their position on the coast of the Pacific answers “No.”  Their Republican principle answers “No.”  The voice of the people, clustering in thundering manifestations around my own humble self, answer “No.”  You yourself, Sir, in the name of the people of Syracuse, which is but one tone in the mighty harmony of all the people’s voice, have told me “No.”