Washington in Hungary

WASHINGTON IN HUNGARY, BY J. HAMILTON GARDNER. Who would think that the erecting in Buda-Pesth of a monument to the memory of George Washington has anything to do with the spread of "Mormonism" in Hungary? At first thought the connection between the two seems very slight, but closer examination reveals an actual relationship, and at the same time illustrates a beautiful principle of the gospel as believed in by the Latter-day Saints. The Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants, in oftrepeated statements, teach that America is the land of Zion. It is an especially blessed land; in fact, from the beginning "it became a choice land above all other lands, a chosen land of the Lord." Probably the greatest blessing that has been bestowed upon it is liberty. The Nephite scriptures, in particular, repeatedly state that America is "a land of liberty unto the inhabitants," that "there shall be no kings upon this land," and that God will protect its people "from all other nations under heaven." To insure this liberty the Lord through inspired men gave the constitution to the American colonists; for it is expressly stated by him: "And for this purpose [that of liberty to all] have I established the Constitution of this land, by the hands of wise men whom I raised up for this very purpose." No other land can boast of liberty such as it possesses. To the people of other countries, down- trodden by injustice and tyranny, it has shone forth as a beacon light of freedom, and stood a haven from oppression. That they have found it such is amply proved by the patriotism and love shown by thou- . sands^of immigrants". for their adopted country. The freedom enjoyed in America has not been with-

386 IMPROVEMENT ERA. out its influence upon the rest of the world. Liberty gained in one land kindles a desire for it in another. Success in the struggle for freedom among one people always incites others to obtain the same rights. Thus the liberty gained in America has had a tremendous influence, both directly and indirectly on the fight for human rights in other countries. The benefits and advantages obtained by American independence have incessantly spurred other patriots on to greater endeavors, and have done much in helping them gain even the amount of liberty which at present exists. Thus it can be seen how at least part of the law has "gone forth out of Zion," as foretold by the Washington Monument in Buda-Pesth. prophets Isaiah and Micah. The gospel of human liberty — surely an essential part of Christ's teaching — has been spreading among the nations long before the gospel in its fulness was restored. But what has all this to do with the spread of "Mormonism?" Simply this: we may well claim that since the beginning, every reform that has been effected; every betterment of human condition brought about; any advancement made in any line whatever, whether it be in science, art, religion, invention or human liberty, has brought the world nearer to that stage where it could accept the fulness of the gospel, or "Mormonism." Thus any of these movements would be connected with and included in this restored gospel. Therefore, the advocates of liberty have been indirectly spreading "Mormonism." And now the connection between the erection of a monument

WA SHING TON IN H UNGAK Y. 387 to Washington and the spread of this work in Hungary is made plain. Of all the inspired men whom God raised up to gain freedom for America, Washington was undoubtedly the greatest. And so his monument stands as a striking emblem of liberty, and where liberty spreads, one of the principles of the gospel is being promulgated. This monument was erected by the Hungarians of America, in 1906. It stands in a conspicuous place in the "Varos-Liget," Buda-Pesth's City Park. Nothing more significant and suggestive of freedom could have been built, because if any man's name stands for liberty it is that of Washington. And the American Hungarians were shrewd enough to use this silent, but nevertheless effective, way of advocating freedom in their fatherland, Washington's name is also used in another way in Hungary. The Magyars speak of their most highly honored countryman as the ' 'Washington of Hungary." This is Louis Kossuth, the principal instigator of the revolution of 1848-9, and the foremost champion of Hungarian liberties. But he was not as successful as his American predecessor, although he made a determined and valiant fight; the Hungarian patriots were defeated by the Austrians, and Kossuth was compelled to seek safety in exile. In 1851-2 he visited America, and as he had previously used the time of two years' imprisonment to learn born Louis Kossuth, Hungarian Patriot, 1802, died 1894. English, he was able to address the people in their own language. His speeches were forceful and eloquent, and met with much symathy. A monument has since been erected to his memory in Luna

388 IMPROVEMENT. ERA. Park, Cleveland, Ohio — also by the Hungarians of America. The Washington monument in Buda-Pesth shows, to some extent, at least, the gratitude felt by the American Hungarians toward their adopted countrymen who had treated their beloved Kossuth so kindly. And so the "father of his country," besides valiantly and successfully fighting for liberty in America, is indirectly aiding the same cause — and therefore "Mormonism" — in Hungary. Truly "God moves in a mysterious way his wonders to perform." Buda-Pesth, Hungary.