Page:The Bohemian Review, vol2, 1918.djvu/214



Dear Sir:—

On this day when the glad news of the Declaration of Bohemian Independence is published in every civilized land on earth, and President Wilson has firmly declared himself the defender of Czech Independence, may I not be permitted to congratulatcongratulate [sic] you and through you the brave, tireless workers, who like you have overcome numberless obstacles and now are in sight of the grand reward, a free Bohemia.

During many years I have been heart and soul in sympathy with the uphill, heartbreaking struggle of the heroic sons of their heroic mother, Bohemia, those men whose wives and daughters have never for a moment forgotten their nation’s rights, and have been dragged to Austrian prisons, as a result. Imagine then with what joy I read the news that the old honored colors of Bohemia, are floating from the Hradčany! In a few days the Anniversary of the White Mountain will have arrived, and may that day see a free Cech people, decorate with, flags and flowers the sacred ground near the “Hvězda” Pavilion, where ancestors of worthy sons fought their last bitter fight.

How the world has been amazed at the feats of courage performed by the Čechs in Siberia, we all know. Likewise with what anxiety the friends of these wondrously brave Knights of St. Václav, are watching the fate of the sadly thin “forlorn hope,” which is holding the Volga front, with unsurpassed bravery and fortitude. To those warriors, who are indeed fighting for Liberty or certain death, the news from Golden Praha, will be like the rays of the sun piercing the dark storm clouds and lighting at last the way to Liberty and Home.

It may please you to read what an Italian friend from Turin wrote to me, September 13, 1918.

“ The Czecho-slovaks are highly esteemed and greatly liked in Italy. There are in several of our cities, regiments of these brave young people, all volunteers who are drilling in the handling of arms and in the art of making war. They have already fought on the Piave, where they have given great proofs of valor and courage. They have been praised and rewarded. It is an unhappy nation and the Čechs are fighting for liberty and independence of their country, and for that reason we love them and it is for that they are helping us in this great war for justice and liberty. It seems that in Russia the Čechs are performing actual miracles. (Font les vrais miracles.)” Accept then, Mr. Editor, the heartfelt good wishes of an unknown Swedish subscriber to the Review, who deems it an honor to possess many dear friends among the Čech people.

For those that like the Czechoslovak Review and want to see it grow we have two suggestions. Send us names and addresses of people who in your opinion would be interested in the Review, and we will mail them a sample copy. Or bettrebetter [sic] still, send 25 cents in stamps for a three month’s trial subscription for your friends.

Send the Czechoslovak Review for one year, commencing with issue, to