He regarded the intervention of Russia in the affairs of Hungary as a palpable violation of the laws of nations, that would authorize the United States to interfere.  If Russia, or Austria, or any other power, should interfere again, then he would determine whether or not we should act, his action depending upon the circumstances as they should then be presented.  In the mean time, however, he would proclaim the principle of the laws of nations:  he would instruct our ministers abroad to protest the moment there was the first symptom of the violation of these laws.  He would show to Europe that we had as much right to sympathize in a system of government similar to our own, as they had in similar circumstances.  In his opinion, Hungary was better adapted for a liberal movement than any other nation in Europe.

In conclusion, Mr. Douglas begged leave to offer the following sentiment:—­

“Hungary:  When she shall make her next struggle for liberty, may the friends of freedom throughout the world proclaim to the ears of all European despots, Hands off, a clear field and a fair fight, and God will protect the right.”

The toast was received with the greatest applause.

Colonel Florence submitted the following sentiment:—­

“The American Minister to France, whose intervention defeated the quintuple treaty.”

General Cass replied in a very energetic speech, in which he stated that he was approaching the age of three score years and ten.  Turning to Kossuth, he said:—­

Leader of your country’s revolution—­asserter of the rights of man—­martyr of the principles of national independence—­welcome to our shores!  Sir, the ocean, more merciful than the wrath of tyrants, has brought you to a country of freedom and of safety.  That was a proud day for you, but it was a prouder day for us, when you left the shores of old Hellespont and put your foot upon an American deck.  Protected by American cannon, with the stars of our country floating over you, you could defy the world in arms!  And, sir, here in the land of Washington, it is not a barren welcome that I desire to give you; but much further than that I am willing to go.  I am willing to lay down the great principles of national rights, and adhere to them.  The sun of heaven never shone on such a government as this.  And shall we sit blindfolded, with our arms crossed, and say to tyranny, “Prevail in every other region of the world?” [Cries of “No, no!”] I thank you for the response.  Every independent nation under Heaven has a right to establish just such a government as it pleases.  And if the oppressed of any nation wish to throw off their shackles, they have the right, without the interference of any other; and, with the first and greatest of our Presidents—­the father of his country—­I trust we are prepared to say, that “we sympathize with every oppressed nation which unfurls the banner of freedom.”  And I am willing, as a member of Congress, to pass a declaration to-morrow, in the name of the American people, maintaining that sentiment.