standing armies must cease.  But they can cease, only then, when the nations are free; for great standing armies are not national institutions, they are the instruments of dynastic violence or foreign despotism.  The existence of tyranny imposes on Europe great standing armies.  When the nations once become free, they will not want them, because they will not war with each other.  Freedom will become a friendly link among nations.  But as far as they may want them, your example shows that a popular militia, like yours, is the mightiest national Defence.  Thirty-seven years ago a great battle was fought at New Orleans, which showed what a defence your country has in its militia.  Nay more, your history proves that this institution affords the most powerful means of Offensive war, should war become indispensable.  I am aware, gentlemen, that your war with Mexico was chiefly carried on by volunteers.  I know what a distinguished part the volunteers of New York took in that war.  And who were these volunteers?  Who were those from New York city, and of other regiments?  They were of your militia, the source of that military spirit which is the glory of your country, and its safety when needed in time of war or social disorder.  I learned all this from the United States, and it was my firm intention to carry out this militia organization in Hungary.  My idea was and still is to do so, and I will endeavour, with the help of God, to carry it out.

My idea is, there are duties towards one native land common to every citizen, and public instruction and education must have such a direction as to enable every citizen to perform them.  One of these duties is to defend it in time of danger, to take up arms for its freedom and independence and security.  My idea is to lay such a foundation for public instruction, in the schools, that every boy in Hungary shall be educated in military skill, so much as is necessary for the defence of his native land, and those who feel inclined to adopt the profession of arms, might complete their education in higher public schools and universities, as is the case in the professions of the bar, and physic, and the pulpit.  But I would have no distinction among the citizens.  To defend our country is a common duty, and every one must know how to perform it.  Taking the basis of your organization as an example for Hungary, Hungary would have at least one million of men ready to defend it against the oppression of any power whatever.  That the militia of Hungary, thus developed, would be the most solid guardian of my country’s freedom and independence, we have shown in our past struggles.  The glorious deeds which the unnamed heroes of the people achieved, proves what with previous preparation they could do in defence of their native land.  Often they have gone into battle without knowing how to fire or cock a musket; but they took batteries by their bayonets, and they achieved glorious deeds like those that are classed among the deeds of immortality.  We have