Page:The Bohemian Review, vol2, 1918.djvu/218

 Early in the day of October 28th, the situation in Prague still appeared normal. But as soon as the news came that Vienna threw up the sponge and Andrassy submitted to Wilson, the whole Prague rose up. Streets became crowded, soldiers and officers tore off the Austrian cockades from their caps and tread on them or threw them into the Vltava. Everybody was cheering for Masaryk, Wilson and the Allies.

In the midst of this excitement placards appeared containing the following proclamation:

Your independence has become a reality. The Czechoslovak State entered today into the ranks of independent cultured states of the world. The National Committee|, which enjoys the confidence of all the Czechoslovak people, took over into its hands the administration of the state as the only authorized and responsible factor.

Czechoslovak people, whatever you do, you do it from this moment as a new, free member of the great forum of independent free states. In these moments new acts introduce a new chapter in your history which promises to be a glorious one.

You will not disappoint the expectations of the whole world, which remembers your glorious history that has now culminated in the immortal exploits of the Czechoslovak Legions on the Western battlefields and in Siberia. The whole world watches your first steps into the new life, your entrance into the promised land. Let your shield remain unspotted, as i [sic] the shield of your national army, the Czechoslovak LeginsLegions [sic]. Do not forget national discipline, but remember always that you are citizens of a new state and that you have not merely rights, but also duties.

At the opening of the great undertaking your National Committee, from now on your government, lays the charge upon you that your conduct and your behavior be worthy of this great moment. Our liberators, Masaryk and Wilson, must not be disappointed in their belief that they won liberty for a people that knows how to rule itself. These great days must not be marred by a single ugly act, not one of you shall commit any deed that would throw a shadow on the pure name of your nation. All of you must unconditionally be regardful of what is sacred to another. Personal liberty and private property must not be touched.

Obey unconditionally the order of the National Committee.

Prague, October 28, 1918.

For the Czechoslovak Council.

At the same time the first law, published by authority of the new Government, appeared on the streets. Its text follows:

. In order to maintain continuity of the existing legal order with the new order, so that confusion may be avoided and transition provided to the new public life, the National Committee in the name of the Czechoslovak Nation, as the holder of state sovereignty, orders:

Sec. 1. The form of government of the Czechoslovak state will be determined by the National Assembly together with the Czechoslovak National Council of Paris, as the organs of the unanimous will of the nation. Until this is done, the state sovereignty within the state is exercised by the National Committee.

Sec. 2. All existing provincial and imperial laws and decrees remain provisionally in force.

Sec. 3. All autonomous, state and district governmental offices, all state, provincial, district, county and municipal institutions are subordinate to the National Council. They shall go on for the time being with their work and transact their business in accordance with existing laws and decrees.

Sec. 4. These laws go into effect immediately.

Sec. 5. The executive of the National Committee is charged with carrying out these laws.

Prague, October 28, 1918.