Page:Bohemia's claim to independence.djvu/5

 GENTLEMEN OF THE COMMITTEE

ON FOREIGN AFFAIRS OF THE HOUSE

OF REPRESENTATIVES:

In dealing with the question of the liberation of oppressed nationalities, and in preparing to take the initiative to achieve their liberation, the Congress of the United States is following the best American traditions and precedents.

In 1849, while the Hungarian Revolution was still in progress, Mr. Clayton sent an emissary, Dudley A. Mann, with instructions to recognize the Hungarian republic in case it appeared to be firmly established. The Austrian government protested, and it became the lot of Daniel Webster to respond, and in December, 1850, this great American wrote a spirited reply, denying that the visit was an unfriendly act, and asserting the right of the American people to sympathize with the efforts of any nation to acquire liberty. “Certainly the United States may be pardoned”, said Daniel Webster, “even by those who profess adherence to the principles of absolute governments, if they entertain an