Chapter 115 Welcome to Kossuth (excerpt)

Imagine this scene: America's declaration of independence from Great Britain has failed, our military has been disintegrated by rebellion or tyranny over our enemies, the great men who lead them and control our Congress - our Washington, Franklin and the United States The venerable president of Congress was driven out like an outcast.And if there ever came a day, anywhere in the civilized world, there should be a mighty republic with institutions also founded on the liberty our fellow citizens seek to establish.In such a republic would these famous fugitives have been greeted with warmth, deep sympathy, and devotion to their honorable but difficult cause?Gentlemen, what I have assumed is happening before you.Washington, Franklin, and Hancock had been driven away by dictatorships worse than they endured here, and then wandered in foreign lands.Some of them have sought asylum in our country.Assuming we had these guests tonight, we must receive them with the same degree of responsibility, because perhaps our ancestors met their fate.