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1-1-1894 The Bohemian Voice, Vol.2, No.5

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VOL. II. OMAHA, NEB., JAMJARY 1, 1894. No. 5.

KARLtJV TYN —KARLSTEIN.

This ancient castle, situated on the left bank of it entered a golden age. Its boundaries were ex­ the stream Mze (Miess), about an hour's ride from tended ; its agricultural and commercial prosperity Prague, was built by Charles IV., son and suc­ was furthered ; and its capital enlarged to a metro­ cessor of King John of Luxemburg, who perished in polis which rivaled Paris. Besides founding the the battle of Crecy. However unequal Charles IV. university of Prague in 1348, Charles built many may have been to the duties of this position, and memorable bridges, castles, etc., in Bohemia. however little he may have understood the times in Karluv Tyn is one of the structures which have which he lived, Bohemia was the object of his love come down to us from the "golden age" of and the end of his. ambition. Under his guidance Charles IV. 2 THE BOHEMIAN VOICE.

schools for the Germans there is not a single school for THE B OHEMIAN VOICE. the Slavonians. In other words, there is one middle school to 35,000 Germans in Silesia and not one to 307,000 A MONTHLY JOURNAL. Slavonians- Bushels of petitions have already been sent

PUBLISHED BY THE to Vienna to rectify this crying injustice by erecting at least one school for Bohemians and Poles but to no pur­ BOHEMIAN-AMERICAN NATIONAL COMMITTEE^ pose. Article 19 of the constitution provides that all Publication Office, 1211 South 13th Street, Omaha. Neb. nationalities in Austria shall stand on a footing of equal­ THOMAS 6APEK, EDITOR. ity as far as their respective languages are concerned, and this is the way in which the government understands the Address Editorial Correspondence to THOMAS CAPER, 10 Creighton term "equality." Block, Omaha, Neb. * * * Subscription, $1.00 a year in advance; 10 cts. a copy. All Business The coalition ministry of Windischgratz has a good Letters and Remittances to be addressed: working majority in parliament. The strongest of the "THE BOHEMIAN VOICE," 1444 South 16th St., Omaha, Neb. coalition clubs is the united left, numbering 108 members; Entered at the Post Office, Omaha, as Second Class Matter. next ill strength comes the Polish club with 58 members; third, Hohenwart's "conservative club" of 66 members. Executive of the Bohemian-American National Committee: The composition of the last named club was, until re­ JOHN ROSICKY, Prest., P. V. ROVNIANEK, Vice-Pres., Omaha, Nebraska. P. O. Box 124, Pittsburg, Pa cently, as follows: 18 Bohemian lauded proprietors, 14 R. V. MISKOVSKY, Secretary, 1444 South 16th Street, Omaha, Neb. Slovenes, four Croatians from Dalmatia, 24 conservative ANTON KLOBASA, Treas., F. B. ZDRUBEK, Librarian, 2716 Russel Ave., St. Louis, Mo. 150 w. 12th St., Chicago 111. Germans and four Roumenians. Soon after the opening of the Reichsrath Hohenwart's club dwindled to 55 mem­ The editor is not responsible for the opinions expressed by contributors. bers. Hence the coalition numbers 221 deputies, on whose fidelity the government can rely. Affilitated with this coali­ TABLE OF CONTENTS. tion is Count Coronini'a club, with 10 members. This would ILLUSTRATION, (Karluv Tyn—Karlstein) 1 NOTES 2 give the government 231 votes of a total of 353 in the Reichs­ CONSTITUTIONAL STRUGGLE IN BOHEMIA 2 rath. The strength of the opposition is: Bohemian deputies' BOHEMIAN ARISTOCRACY 6 CATHOLIC REFORMATION IN BOHEMIA 7 independent club from Bohemia 35 members and three AUSTRIAS BATTLE WITH NAPOLEON M0 from Moravia. Closely related to Bohemians is the Mor- THE TRIUMPH OF DR ANTONIN DVORAK ii 12 THE SLAVONIC GROUP 13 ^aviau club of eight members. The South-Slavonian club, LETTER BOX 14 which is an off-shoot of Hohenwart's club, consists of ADVERTISEMENTS 15-16 MISCELLANEOUS 15 10 members and there are hopes that its membership will be increased soon by new converts from the same source. The Ruthenian club with its seven members is va­ Motes. cillating and the independent Croatian's club counts five The state of siege in Prague has been approved by a deputies. This would make the number of opposition parliamentary committee, by 12 v otes against six. But Slavonians 63 and including the Ruthenians, 70. Besides the committee recommends at the same time that it be the Slavonians there are, in the ranks of the opposition, removed as soon as practicable. IIow severely the state German nationalists, anti-Semites, democrats and a few of siege affects the rights of the citizens of Prague may opportunists, so that the strength of the opposition can be inferred from the circumstance, that, while juries in be safely computed at one-third of the entire Reichsrath. other parts of the country acquit almost unanimously On two motions, which may fairly be taken as a test, the political offenders, for lack of evidence, the martial au­ opposition displayed this strength: 48 Bohemians, nine thorities at Prague inflict the harshest penalties on every Croatians and Servians, six Slovenes, seven Ruthenians, unfortunate, who is tried before them- One can see 18 national Germans, 12 anti-Semites, with deputy Zallin- plainly that the decision of the committee w as influenced ger from Tyrol—over 100 deputies. by Windischgratz. In having the state of siege approved, Windischgratz will satisfy the emperor; and by recom­ CONSTITUTIONAL! STRUGGLE IN BOHEMIA. mending its early suspension, he wants to please the Bohemians. The Bohemian state right suffered an irreparable * * * loss by the terrible defeat at White Mountain. Al­ Fresh instances of the so-called "equality of national­ though Ferdinand II. did not abolish all the rights ities," as understood in Austria, could be cited every day. of the kingdom, he nevertheless curtailed them in The last census that was taken in Austrian Silesia shows his "renewed code," which he published in 1627, a that that country has 281,000 Germans and 807,000 Slavon­ few years after the defeat of the rebels. In the ians—that is, 129,000 Bohemians and 198,000 Poles. In beginning the estates, being in most cases for­ this province, then, the Slavonic people are in a majority. But it is curious to note that, while the government is eigners, freshly settled in the country, and stout maintaining there eight middle schools (gymnasia and real partisans of the king, bore the curtailment of theii THE BOHEMIAN VOICE. 3

privleges and the ancient rights of the kingdom able" diplom gave the land diets a supreme control without any objection. Soon thereafter, however, of their home affairs. The powers of the parlia­ they presented to his successor, Ferdinand III., a ment which were specified, were limited by it to an long list of their grievances. They were partially unusual degree. But, before a year had elapsed— successful, for in 1640 Ferdinand III. suspended on February 26, 1861—minister Schmerling issued the harshest of the laws, the so-called "declaration." his famous constitution, known as "February" or This concession gave encouragement to succeeding "Schmerling" constitution. Remarkable as it may estates, who demanded the restoration of all their seem to our readers, this new constitution, while former privileges, but nothing ever came of it. On pretending to supplement the first, actually defeated the contrary, when in 1720 Charles I. asked the the guiding feature of the irrevocable diplom of estates to vote the pragmatic sanction, or the right October 20. It cut down the powers of the land of succession to the throne, they yielded readily, diets to a minimum, while the powers of the parlia­ binding themselves, at the same time, to defend the ment of Vienna were correspondingly extended. In unity of the Austrian empire, although formerly this manner, a two-fold parliament was created: this duty attached only to. the Bohemian crown. the "augmented parliament," as it became known, Under Leopold II. it seemed that many of the an­ wherein representatives from every province in cient privileges of the Bohemian kingdom would be Austria, including Hungary, were to meet and, restored. However, the short reign of this ruler, "limited parliament," the latter without the Hun­ coupled with the fact, that the estates, opposing the garians. It is needless to say that the "augmented abolition of serfdom, made enemies of the common parliament" had never met, for the simple reason people^ caused that the privileges of the land were that the sagacious Hungarians would not enter it. not extended. During the reign of Francis I., it The "limited parliament" alone survived. was out of question to think of any change of gov­ The election to this parliament was done b}^ the ernment owing to constant wars. The nobility did land diets, according to certain electoral groups or not know how to profit from the military commo­ curiae. Schmerling's constitution raised a violent tions of those days, making fresh concessions every opposition in Bohemia. Rightly divining, that to year. The diets of that time were nicknamed enter this "limited parliament," would either mean "postulate diets," because they conceded every a surrender or, at any event, a serious injury to the postulate or demand of the king. ancient home rule of the countrv, establishing a The revolutionary movement of 1848, with its dangerous precedent besides, shrewder politic­ train of new and absorbing idea, was also unfavor­ ians in Bohemia warned the diet not to elect depu­ able to the restoration of Bohemian home rule. ties to Vienna. Why did Hungarians remain at Fearing annexation to Germany, as contemplated home, behind the ramparts of their ancient rights O ") by the Frankfort Diet, Bohemian politicians have they argued? Unfortunately, however, the vener­ early perceived that it was first necessary to able historian Palacky, then at the height of his strengthen Austria herself before attempting any- power, was in favor of sending deputies to Vienna. internal changes. They believed then, that a liberal Palacky was seconded by such men as Rieger and constitution, allowing a reasonable measure of au­ Cardinal Schwarzenberg, and this party finally pre­ tonomy to the various lands of the monarchy would vailed. That this act was a great political blunder best subserve the interests of the nation. Actuated goes without saying. The fact that Bohemians en­ by this latter motive, they went to the parliament tered the parliament "under protest" will hardly at Vienna and later on at Kromerfz (Kremsier), palliate the error in the estimation of posterity. Moravia, intending to draft a constitution. Con­ The Bohemians did not remain long in Vienna. trary to expectations, both of these parliaments Owing to the partisan ruling of the president of the were dissolved without accomplishing anything. An reichsrath and the boisterous conduct of the German era of absolutism was introduced instead, the ruler deputies, our people soon withdrew. In 1863 ignoring the diets entirely. This condition of Moravians followed their example and henceforth things continued till 1860 when, after the disaster Bohemians pursued what is knowui i n political par­ of the Italian campaign, Austria perceived at last, lance, "passive opposition," that is, they have re­ that absolutism was her ruin. On October 20, 1860, fused to participate in the works of the parliament. the emperor issued the so-called irrevocable c 'October At the session of the land diet following this po­ diplom," which was intended to serve as a founda­ litical move (1861), a delegation was appointed to tion to the constitution of Austria. This "irrevoc­ demand from the emperor to coronate himself as 4 THE BOHEMIAN VOICE.

king of Bohemia and restore to that country its an­ tion we mean the adoption of an electoral law which cient rights. To this demand the emperor replied: ''I would, the means and their application being every­ shall get crowned as king of Bohemia in Prague where equal, assure, in practice, the equal right of both and I am convinced, that this sacred act will cement races in our fatherland; and we are ready to agree anew the indissoluble tie of confidence and Royalty with our German countrymen on such measures, between my throne and my Bohemian kingdom." as would prevent any and all encroachments of The year 1866 brought new changes in the em­ one nationality upon the rights of the other." pire. By the treaty of Prague the attitude of Aus­ Later on the historic nobility also signed the decla­ tria toward Germany was definitely settled, Austria ration. Similar action was taken in the sister-land, relinquishing her position of supremacy in the Ger­ Moravia. There, too, the national deputies issued a man confederation. One year later, in 1867, a declaration and left the diet. This passive opposi­ settlement was effected with Hungary, in virtue of tion in the parliament and the diets continued till which Austria was divided, administratively, in 1870. In the meantime a radical change of front two parts : Transleithanian or Hungarian part, was made in Vienna. beyond the river Leitha; and Western Austria or Cis- Ministers Taaffe, Potocki and Berger were in leithania—lands this side of the river Leitha. This favor of some sort of a compromise with the Bo­ settlement is generally known as dualism and by it hemians. This attitude was the cause of their dis­ the rights of Hungary were restored. missal from the ministry. The remaining members All that our Bohemian statesmen had done in of the cabinet were, however, also inclined to a reference to the Hungarian settlement was to send a conciliatory policy. As a result minister Giskra, written protest to Vienna. Personally they would one of the fiercest opponents of our cause, sent an not appear in parliament. On December 21, 1867, invitation to Rieger and Sladkovsky through the some changes were made in the constitution. And, lieutenant-governor of Bohemia, Koller, to come to because it seemed that these ' December constitution ") were and Sladkovsky did not constitute the whole oppo­ calculated to augment the powers of the land diets, sition and, reminding Giskra of the existence of like the diplom of October 20, already mentioned, Bohemia's sister-land, Moravia, which had never many people thought that Austria would at last ceased to belong to the crown, he expressly stipu­ proceed to solve the burning question of autonomy. lated that neither he nor Sladkovsky would attend, But the December constitution proved itself to be unless the Moravians too were invited. To add to as much of a delusion as the " irrevocable" diplom. the already complicated affairs of the monarchy, the It provided, in substance, that all powers, not spec­ Poles and Slovenes threatened to leave the parlia­ ially belonging to parliament shall vest in the land ment as the Bohemians had done. Giskra anticipa­ diets. This was a meaningless concession, because ting this movement, withdrew from the ministry. by previous arrangement, the parliament had ac­ Week after his retirement the Poles put their quired such unlimited powers, that nothing was threat into execution. Now the situation was de­ left for the diets. cidedly favorable to Bohemians, because the parlia­ Having first made a "declaration of rights," the ment, representing but a fraction of the people, was Bohemian deputies were finally coaxed to enter the in no position to transact business. For this reason parliament. This occured on August 22, 1868. In the new prime minister, Potocki, made friendly the declaration the complaint is made that the Bo­ overtures to Rieger and Count Clam Martinic. The hemian nation has been constantly ill-treated and negotiations were conducted in Vienna and after- oppressed both by the government and by the ma­ wards in Prague. At the Prague conference were jority of the legislative. "The legal relation be­ present dr. Prazak, as representative of Moravians, tween the kingdom of Bohemia and the other lands and dr. Smolka, representative of the Poles. From and the exalted dynasty," concludes this declara­ the beginning it was manifest that the conference tion, "and, in fact the entire state right of the Bo­ would lead to nothing, owing to Potocki's inde­ hemian crown can be adjusted permanently, both cision, and negotiations were soon abandoned. for the prosperity of the land and the advantage of Then the Franco-Prussian war broke out. This the dynasty, only by a mutual agreement between event alarmed Austria and she sought to conciliate his majesty, the king, on the one part and the politico- the Bohemians. The Bohemian diet was dissolved historic Bohemian nation, justly and equitable rep­ and at the next elections the Bohemian national resented, on the other side. By just representa­ party was everywhere victorioos. From now on THE BOHEMIAN VOICE. 5

Bohemians had a majority in the diet. Of course When the diet, in accordance with the request of there was no need, at least in the land diet, of a the sovereign, proceeded to define the future relation "passive opposition," and our deputies re-entered of Bohemia to the other lands, the Germans, having it, re-affirming however the position which they first entered a protest, left the diet. had taken in the "declaration." The Moravians Subsequently a committee of the diet agreed on a were not as successful and they persisted in the number of 1' fundamental articles.'' In substance "abstinence policy." these articles provided : The year 1871 marks a new era in Bohemian Foreign, military and financial questions shall be politics. Count Hohenwart was charged with the regarded as common to the whole monarchy. A formation of new ministry into which he called two legislative body, called the delegations, shall, at cer­ Bohemians, Habetfnek and Jirecek. The belief tain times and places, adjust these matters. Bo­ was then general that this ministry would at last hemians shall send 15 members to these delegations. settle the Bohemian question. Dualism shall remain undisturbed. Bohemia shall Hohenwart's intentions with our nation were contribute a certain quota for common expenses. honorable. But right from the start that statesman All legislative rights, not coming within the powers had terrible odds against him. To begin with he of the delegations, shall vest in the diet and the ex­ could not secure a working majority in the Reichs- ecutive shall vest in the home government. rath. Owing to this shortcoming, Hohenwart was Contemporaneously with this the ministry agreed unable to pass his bill, giving to land diets greater upon a new electoral law and a law guaranteeing powers than they had heretofore enjoyed. Then the rights of nationalities. The Germans and other the Reichsrath voted a lack of confidence in the opponents of this settlement were making, mean­ ministry. Hohenwart's position under these cir­ while, every effort to frustrate it. Their efforts cumstances was very embarassing. Urged by the were successful in the end. At a session of a spec - emperor—who, by the way retained him in power ial crown council, (wherein participated the Hun­ despite the action of the Reichsrath—to proceed garians, the delegations and the Cisleithanian parlia­ with his program of conciliation, Hohenwart entered ment) the fundamental articles of Rieger and Clam into negotations with Rieger and Clam Martinic. Martinic were voted as dangerous to the monarchy On September 14, 1871, the Bohemian diet was and Bohemians were commanded by a rescript, convoked. These negotiations between Hohenwart dated October 30, 1871, to re-enter, unconditional­ and Rieger and Clam Martinic were to be sanction­ ly, the parliament at Vienna. ed by the diet first and then be voted on by the To this command the Bohemian diet replied parliament. Never before were Bohemians so near negatively, refusing to elect deputies to the parlia­ the fulfillment of their legitimate demands as on ment. After this new declaration the deputies had that memorable day in the diet. An imperial re­ left it. script dated in Vienna, September 12, 1871, was Since the rejection of the fundamental articles, read on this, occasion, wherein the emperor said: the following new moves were made: Unable to "Considering the political status of the Bohemian overcome the opposition of the Bohemian diet, the crown, and well knowing that that crown has lent government passed a law making deputies to parlia­ us and our ancestors glory and power, and, bearing ment elective by a direct vote of the people. Up in mind that the Bohemian people have always sup­ to that time they were elected by the diet. In 1874 ported our throne with staunch fidelity, we do seven Young Chekhs entered the land diet and they gladly recognize the rights of this kingdom and are were followed, in 1878, by the rest of the obstruc­ willing to renew this recognition by our coronation tionists. oath." The rescript concluded: "We, therefore, After the downfall of the Auersperg ministry, in ask the diet to commence its work with this in 1879, Bohemians, yielding to the persuasions of the mind ; to consider, in a peaceable and conciliatory new prime minister, Count Taaffe, who had renewed manner, how the state rights of our kingdom of Bo­ negotiations with Rieger and Clam Martinic, with hemia should be adjusted so as to be in accord with that view, have decided to re-enter the parliament. the demands of the times, and to enable us, without To their declaration, that they enter under a pro­ violating the rights of our other kingdoms and test, the emperor replied in his speech from the provinces, to put an end to the constitutional strife, throne, that their presence in the parliament shall which, if continued, might seriously endanger the not be regarded in any way as injuring their home welfare of our faithful nations.'' rule principles. 6 THE BOHEMIAN VOICE.

Under Taaffe the Bohemian delegation " put aside hemian "historic nobility." For the enlightenment the state right idea," as an author pithyly expresses of those who might not know, we should say that it. the appellation "historic nobility" is claimed by Toward the close of Taaffe's administration the those nobles who were in Bohemia before the Pro­ Bohemian deputies, consisting almost entirely of testant rebellion had occured. Of this stock are the Young Chekh element, inaugurated a fresh op­ the Lobkovic', Schwarzenbergs, Thuns, Kinskys, position, fiercer and more uncompromising than Harrachs, etc. The "historic nobility" of course before. regards itself as superior to the "latter day" nobil­ It has been said that Bohemians have overthrown ity, whose ancestors became rich by the memorable every ministry in Austria within the last quarter of imperial robbery in the seventeenth century, but a century. They have certainly downed Taaffe and in the estimation of the people both sets—the they will dig a political grave to the present in­ "historic" and the "latter day" are foreigners in cumbent, Prince Windischgratz, as they will to Bohemia. every prime minister who ignores or tramples upon This newspaper, "Vaterland," printed a remark­ the inviolable rights of our nation. able article recently, wherein the Bohemian nobility was arraigned in a masterful manner. THE BOHEMIAN ARISTOCRACY. "Man cannot subsist on animal food entirely," The German historian, Struve, has remarked with says the article, "he needs, besides, intellectual justice that, of all the nobles in the world, those of nourishment. The Bohemian historic nobility re­ the empire of Austria have the least right to be fuses to take notice of this. The higher life and proud of their origin; and this is especially the case the loftier aspirations of the Bohemian nation are in Bohemia. totally foreign to the nobility. With indifference With but a few exceptions the present nobility of they observe the intellectual struggle of that nation, Bohemia—holding almost 50 per cent, of the land— its soul is an unknown quantity to them. How is of foreign origin. The Colloredos, Piccolominis, many Bohemian nobles could be found to-day who Wallis, Gallas, Millesimos, Lichtensteins, Goltz know of the existence of some Vrchlicky? Who Trautmansdorffs, Villanis, Defours, Buquois, Mar- dare say, that there is one among them who pos­ adas, Huertas, Yasquez and a number of other sesses the works of that author in his library or "Bohemian nobles" are the descendants of military reads them? Where in God's world could we find adventurers from Spain, Italy, Germany and Hol­ anything like it? Is there a country in the wide land, who had acquired landed property in Bohemia world, where people, occupying such high position during the turmoils of the Thirty Years' War. Our would so utterly ignore all the intellectual aims and readers will remember, that after the suppression of aspirations of the people among whom they live?" the Bohemian rebellion in the seventeenth century "As if the culture of the Bohemian nation," in­ tens of thousands of brave patriots were banished veighs the author of the article, "were beyond their from the country and their property confiscated. notice. As if it would not bear comparison, in According to Slavata no less than 85 noble houses, every respect, with the culture of the Poles or of which many counted 20 or even 50 male repre­ Magyars?" Having alluded to the worth of Vrch­ sentatives alone, were compelled to leave their na­ licky and Julius Zeyer and a number of scientific tive land forever. Their vast estates were divided men who had sprung from the Bohemian people, the among the emperor's favorites—the Colloredos, writer asks : "Do you not think it is your duty to Lichtensteins and others, named above. watch the intellectual progress of the people in the These intruders, enriched by the royal munificence midst of which you live, to follow this progress at the expense of the Bohemian nation, showed little with more than ordinary interest? Or, is it that solicitude for the rights of the people. Even now, you are unwilling to be regarded as a component after the lapse of centuries, the descendants of part of the people ? If the latter should be true, these worthy "nobles" have no love for the com­ then the Young Chekhs were right in picturing you mon people, among whom they live, and from as a foreign element, hostile to the people, an ele­ whose blood and sweat they fatten. They are ment which cares for nothing but its own interests." strangers in a strange country. "Speaking of the women of this precious aristoc­ "Vaterland" is the name of a journal published racy, the writer remarks : ' 'These women possess in Vienna, in the German language, which claims all the graces of mind. They are pious without be­ the looubtful distinction of being the organ of Bo­ ing hypocritical, benevolent, judicious, bright and THE BOHEMIAN VOICE. 7 witty, they have good education, are well read in and after being imprisoned four months, and tried German and French literature, in some cases even before an imperial committee of inquiry, 23 were in Italian and Spanish, but Bohemian literature . . ! publicly executed, their property confiscated, and Dear reader, how truly simple-minded you are! the remainder either banished or condemned to per­ What an idea ! Permit me to doubt that you are petual imprisonment." in your right senses. No, you must not expect The execution, commonly known as the "day of that much from a Bohemian aristocratic woman. blood," took place on the 21st of June 1621, before Bohemian literature—is there such a thing in the the Town Hall of the Old Town (Stare Mesto). Some world ! Possibly there might be translations, imi­ of the insurgents had their heads cut off, some were tations, compilations . . . ? In their love for na­ hanged; all died heroically, confessing their faith. tive letters the women do not differ from the sterner Their heads were exposed on a tower on the bridge sex. They have, in addition, another peculiarity, at Prague. which is particularly observed in ladies of the high­ During the entire execution drums beat and est rank. It is this, that the majority of them are trumpets sounded, so that the people should not born and raised in the Viennese circles and here hear the last words of the defenders of their liber­ they have been imbued with all the despicable ties. prejudices, which the people of Vienna nourish The first victim was Count Joachim Andrew against Bohemians. To these ladies of Bohemian Schlick. During the interregnum he had been a aristocracy Bohemian language is a matter of very Director, under Frederick, Chief Judge and Govern­ little consideration. The study of it might even be or of Upper Lusatia. His head and right hand harmful, interfering with a correct pronunciation of were cut off. German in the mouths of their princesses and The next victim was Vaclav Budovec of Budova. countesses. In the imperial circle you might oc­ "He belonged" says Pelzl, "to that old cast of casionally hear fluent Polish conversation by ladies, serious, thoughtful, inflexible Bohemians, by which whose ancestors could aspire for the crown of Piasts the nation was characterized in the fifteenth and and Jagellons; but woe to you if you should try to sixteenth centuries. During the interregnum he address a lady of the Bohemian aristocracy in your had been a Director and under Frederick, President mother tongue ! She would blush with shame.'' of the court of appeals. He was 71 years of age. So much for the "Vaterland." Instead of com­ When, before the execution, he was told that a re­ menting on the article, we simply ask: Are these port had spread that he had died of grief, he re­ the leaders, who, as Rieger expected, would one plied: "No one, I hope, will see the day on which it day secure to Bohemia her independence ? can be said, Budova died of grief." Pelzl, already quoted, in these striking words characterizes this THE CATHOLIC REFORMATION IN BOHEMIA. sturdy patriot: "Budova was the last Bohemian, as I. Brutus was the last Roman." "It is now agreed, that there is only one means The third one to suffer was Baron Christopher of enlightening the Bohemians and of bringing them Harant, a learned man, distinguished writer and back into the right way, and that is persecution." noted traveler. He too, had been a Director. These were the words uttered by the Jesuit Caraffa, The next on the death list was Caspar Kaplir of who was one of a body, entrusted with the organi­ Sulevic, a venerable sire of 86 years. On the day zation of the Catholic reformation in Bohemia. of execution he directed his servants to draw a Three months elapsed, since the defeat of the white shirt of the finest texture over his ordinary Protestant army at White Mountain,^and the em­ dress, remarking, that it was < 'his wedding gar­ peror did not make the slightest move against the ment. '' At the stairs leading down to the scaffold rebels. "Many lulled jpnto security by this doubt­ he stopped and begged one of the attending clergy­ ful calm," remarks Cox in his history of Austria, men to help him, so that he might not fall and give '' emerged from their hiding places, and the greater his enemies occasion to mock. part remained quiet in Prague, though secretly The fifth victim was Procop Dvorecky. warned of their danger even by Tilly himself, who The next to die was Baron Frederick of Bile, a was no pattern of lenity or forbearance. But in an learned man and one of the Directors. evil hour all the fury of the tempest burst upon their The seventh victim was another Director, Henry heads. Forty of the principal insurgents were ar­ Otto of Los. He was sentenced to be quartered, rested in the night of the 21st of January, 1621, but he was only beheaded. 8 THE BOHEMIAN VOICE.

He was followed by Dionysius Cernin, the Cath­ was the youngest, but the bravest of all that suffered. olic, who died as courageously as the rest. With pinioned hands he was made to ascend a ladder The ninth victim was William Konechlumsky, reaching to a beam which projected from a window aged 70 years. of the city council. "I am neither guilty of treason After him came Bohuslav of Michalovic, a man of nor of murder, nor of any crime punishable with splendid talents, deserving well of his country. He death. I die because I have been true to my coun­ denied the justness of the sentence, and maintained try and the Gospel.'' These were his last words. that the resort to arms on the part of the Protes­ Kutnaur was followed by his father-in-law Simon tants had been the necessary result of a premedi­ Susicky. He went singing to the scaffold and was tated plot on the part of the Catholics. Prior to hanged beside Kutnaur on the same beam. decapitation his right hand was cut off. The last to suffer were Nathaniel Vodnansky, The name of John Theodore Sixtus, an influen­ Vaclav Jizbicky, Henry Kozel, Andrew Kocour, tial citizen of the Old Town was called next; but George Recicky, Michael Wittman, Simon Vokac, when he reached the scaffold he was pardoned. Leancler Riippel and George Hauenschild. Valentine Kochan, a citizen of the New Town and "From five until ten o'clock did this spectacle a learned master of arts was now summoned. He continue," says Schweinitz. "One and the same often, in his imprisonment, bewailed the unhappy executioner, himself a Protestant, who showed as differences among Bohemian Protestants, which had much consideration as possible, performed the helped to bring about their overthrow- The thir­ bloody work, hanging with his own hands three of teenth victim was Tobias Stefek, a citizen of the the victims and decapitating the remaining 24. The New Town. During the interregnum he had been bodies of those beheaded, excepting Jessen"s, were a Director. delivered to their families and buried the same The illustrious Doctor John Jessen followed—a day. On the ancient Watch Tower, at the end of scholar, a scientist and an orator, whose name and the Charles Bridge, 12 heads were set up in small writings shed lustre upon the university. Prior to iron cages, six on one side and six on the other. To decapitation his tongue was to be cut out and after­ the same tower were fastened the hands of Schlick ward his body to be quartered. "Shamefully and and Michalovic, as also the tongue of Jessen. Riip­ barbarously do you treat us,'' he said, hearing the pel's head and hand were nailed to the Council sentence, ' 'but know there will come those who will House." take the heads which you set up for a spectacle and Soon after a mandate was issued, commanding all give them honorable burial." The executioner land-holders who had participated in the insurrec­ came forward, in one hand a knife, in the other a tion to confess their delinquencies, and threatening pair of pincers, and told him to put out his tongue. the severest vengeance if they were afterwards con­ Jessen calmly obeyed. Seizing it with the pincers victed. This dreadful order spread general con­ the man cut it off at the roots. Jessen fell on his sternation; not only those who had shared in the knees, a stream of blood pouring from his mouth. insurrection acknowledged their guilt, but even the His body was thrust in a sack, quartered later in innocent were driven by terror to self-accusation, the day and its four portions were fastened to four and about 700-nobles and knights, almost the whole posts. body of land-owners, placed their names on the Christopher Kober, a citizen of the Littleside list of proscription. By a mockery of the very was the fifteenth victim. In prison, ho spoke of name of mercy, the emperor granted to these un­ the glorious example set by the prophets, apostles fortunate victims their lives and honors, which they and martys, and particularly by Hus and Jerome of were declared to have forfeited by their own con­ Prague and encouraged his companions to stand fast fession, but gratified his vengeance and rapacity and rejoice that they were deemed worthy of a place by confiscating the whole or part of their property, in that noble army. and thus reduced many of the most loyal ancient Two burgomasters suffered next; the one John families to ruin, or drove them to seek a refuge Sultys of Kutna Hora; the other Maximilian Hos- from their misfortunes in exile or death. t'alek of Janovice, both Directors during the inter­ The first decree of banishment was issued Decem­ regnum. The head of Sultys was fastened to a post ber 13, 1621, and it was aimed against Protestant without the gate of his town; the head of Host'alek ministers. According to it they were to leave made a spectacle of in the market place of Janovice. the country in three days. In Prague this man­ John Kutnaur, a councilman of the Old Town date was enforced to a letter but in the country THE BOHEMIAN VOICE. 9 towns many delays were occasioned. In 1623 dangers of all sorts, Protestant peasants, desirous another mandate, more severe than the first, banish­ of marrying, sought out clergymen of their own ing* Protestant ministers of all denominations en church, who were hiding in woods or rocks, and masse was issued. At the same time Protestant wor­ not infrequently they traveled to Silesia and Lusa- ship, in every form, was forbidden under heavy pen­ tia, in order to have the marriage solemnized. alties; in royal and free towns Catholics only were Where neither was practicable, they preferred to permitted to enjoy the rights of citizenship and carry live in a state of concubinage. In this connection on business; none but Catholics were allowed to it is curious to note, that in the circle of Jicin, marry; Protestants were not to be hurried in con­ concubinageO flourished till the beginningO o of this secrated ground; the last will and testament of a century. Protestant was to be invalid; Protestant inmates of On February 4, 1639, the emperor issued a last hospitals were to be expelled unless they promised and final decree of banishment. By its provision to become Catholics; refusal to attend mass was to every inhabitant was to embrace the Catholic relig­ be severely punished. ion or leave the country within 20 days. Recalci­ The Protestant clergy banished, spiritual instruc­ trants were threatened with the confiscation of their tion became very insufficient. True, Catholic wor­ property and corporal punishment as the case might ship was reintroduced, but priests were lacking to fill be. At the same time an old mandate was revived the vacant churches. This was particularly the case providing that informers should receive one-fourth in the country. In a few years the number of of the culprit's confiscated property. parishes had sunk from 2,303 to 1,000, half of that number being without priests. The services were AUSTRIA'S BATTUES WITH NAPOLEON. conducted quite irregularly, owing to the war times In the many European coalitions against Napoleon, and it is said that 20 and even 30 parishes were "the ogre of Corsica," Austria played an important part. sometime unable to support one priest. "Every In fact, she was his arch enemy, missing no opportunity neighboring country was ransacked for Catholic to combine with his many foes, the principal of whom clergy," remarks Antonin Rezek, "and priests on the continent were Prussia and Russia. For her per­ who were disliked at home or got in trouble with fidious course Austria received several terrible chastise­ their superiors were sent to Bohemia, regardless of ments by the emperor of the French. That in the wars which Austria waged against Napoleon the corpses of their qualifications, knowledge of language, or thousands of Bohemian soldiers strewed the bloody bat­ moral standing. Cardinal Harrach often complained tlefields, goes without saying. of this state of things, but he could not rectify it Battle of Austerlitz. because bad priests were better than none." Probably the most sanguine battle that was fought The zeal of the various religious orders that were between the two, took place at Austerlitz (in Bohemian brought in the country to effect its reconversion to Slavkov) a small town in Moravia, about 12 miles south Catholicism was such that Protestant peasants re­ east of Brno. In December 1805, the combined forces of belled openly. In 1625 an insurrection of peasants Austria and Russia, numbering about 84,000 men, were broke out in the circle of Kourim. It is said that defeated near this place by about 80,000 French. 8,000 people were involved in it. Organizing Napoleon said to his soldiers in the bulletion before several bands, the peasants would march from one that great day: "Soldiers I will keep myself away from the firing, if, with your accustomed bravery, you carry dis­ estate to the other, plundering their masters. They order and confusion into the enemy's ranks. But if the carried, as an emblem of their faith, white flags, victory were for a moment uncertain, you would see your ornamented with golden chalices. emperor expose himself to the brunt of the attack; for Left without proper religious guidance, the mor­ this victory will finish the campaign and we shall be able als of the common people suffered greatly. Children to resume our winter quarters, where we shall be joined died without baptism and men and women entered by new armies which are forming in France. Then the into matrimony without the sanction of the church. peace I shall make will be worthy of my people, of you, At first, this was attributed to the scarcity of priests. and of me." To remedy this evil, missionaries were empowered, It was late when the emperor had just dismissed Haug- witz the Austrian envoy whom he had sent back to in 1633, to perform all the functions of the church. Vienna. "I shall see you again if I am not carried off The people, however, would not go to the mission­ to-morrow by a cannon ball. It will be time then to aries. They objected to being confessed before understand each other." Napoleon went out to visit the marriage—a ceremony which is rigidly observed in soldiers at the bivouac. A great ardor animated the the Catholic Church. In many cases, braving troops; it was remembered that the second of December 10 THE BOHEMIAN VOICE.

was tlie anniversary of the coronation of the emperor. do what I did at Jaffa, where the garrison was put to the The soldiers gathered up the straw upon which they were sword. It is the sad law of war." stretched, making it into bundles, which they lit at the Mack consented to surrender if he was not succored end of the poles; a sudden illumination lit up the camp. before the 25th of October. The rain fell in torrents. "Be assured," said an old grenadier, advancing toward the "The Austrian prisoners were astonished to see him chief who had so many times led his comrades to victory, "soaked, covered with mud, as much fatigued as the "I promise thee that we will bring thee to-morrow the lowest drummer in his army, and even more so." An flags and the cannon of the Russian army to signalize the aid-de-camp repeated to Napoleon the remarks of the anniversary of the 2d of December.'' enemy's officers. Napoleon replied quickly, "Your mas­ The fires were extinguished, and the enemies sought ter has been desirous of making me remember that I am In it the indication of a nocturnal retreat. Gathered a soldier," said he, "I hope he will be convinced that the around a map, the allied generals listened to Weirother, throne and the imperial purple have not made me forget who developed his plan of battle "with a boasting air, my first business " On the 20th of October, 1805, the which displayed in him a clear persuasion of his own garrison at Ulm, which still counted 24,000 or 25,000 men, merit and of French incapacity." "If Bonaparte had been defiled slowly before the emperor. "In fifteen days we able to attack us, he would have done it to-day," was have finished this campaign,"said the proclamation of Na­ the assurance of Weirother. The day was scarcely poleon to his soldiers. "We have driven the troops of the begun (2d D ecember, 1805) when the allied army was on house of Austria from Bavaria, and we have re-established the march. The noise of the preparations in the camps our ally in the sovereignty of his states. That army had reassured Napoleon as to the direction the enemy which, with as much ostentation as impudence, came for­ would take. In seeing his enemies advance toward the ward to place itself on our frontiers, is annihilated." right, as he had himself announced to his soldiers, Na­ Battle of Wagram. poleon could not withhold the signs of his joy. He wait­ After the capture of Vienna, Napoleon resolved to pass ed patiently until bis enemies had deployed their e . the Danube and complete the prostration of Austria's The sun had just risen, shining through the midst of a military strength by the destruction of her last army— fog, which it dispersed with its brilliant rays. The em­ that under the Archduke Charles. Both armies, the peror gave the signal and the whole French army moved French and the Austrian, seperated by the Danube, forward, forming an enormous and compact mass, eager stood opposed to one another in the vicinity of the im­ to hurl itself on the enemy. perial city. Both commanders were desirous of coming The defeat of the allies was complete. "Soldiers, T to a decisive engagement. The French had secured the am satisfied with you," said Napoleon to his soldiers in island of Lobau to serve as a mustering place, and point his proclamation of the 3d of December, 1805. "You of transit across the Danube. The archduke allowed have upon the day of Austerlitz justified all that I ex­ them to establish a bridge of boats, being resolved to pected from your intrepidity. An army of 100,000 men, await them on the Marchfield- There it was that Ru­ commanded by the Emperors of Russia and Austria, has dolph of Hapsburg, in the battle against Ottakar, had been in less than four hours either cut up or dispersed laid the foundation of the house of Austria; and there the and what escaped from your steel is drowned in the political existence of that house and the fate of the mon­ lakes. Forty flags, the standards of the imperial guard archy were now to be decided. Having crossed the river, of Russia, a hundred and 'twenty pieces of cannon, twenty Napoleon was received on the opposite bank, near the generals, and more than thirty-thousand prisoners are the villages of Aspern and Esslingen, with terrible fire by his results of this ever memorable day. . . . My people will opponent, and after a dreadful battle lasting two days, he see you again with joy, and it will suffice to say, "I was was eompeled to return to the island of Lobau. "Only one at the battle of Austerlitz, to receive the reply, 'there is word escaped our lips," said General Mouton, afterwards a hero ! ' " Count Lobau, when telling the story of that battle, "we had Battle of Ulm. only one thing to say, 'Close up the ranks!' whenever the This battle took place in 1805 between the Austrian^ soldiers fell under the fire of the archduke's 200 guns. and French. General Mack was compelled in October of When Napoleon had completed his means of transit, that year to surrender with 25,000 of his men to the and obtained strong re-inforcements, he again crossed the French. Danube, and began the attack at Wagram, not far from Napoleon had said, "I reckon on making more use of the battle-ground of Aspern. the legs of my soldiers than even of their bayonets." The day rose brilliant and pure, the last clouds massed This was true, for Napoleon fell like a thunder bolt by the storm were dispersed by the rays of the sun. At upon his enemies and either cut them up or took them the first break of day emperor Napoleon himself had prisoners. General Mack was the last one to yield to the crossed the river. superiority of Napoleon's genius in this memorable cam­ The long files of French troops advanced on the shore paign. He shut himself in Ulm. "I desire that this without precipitation or disorder. "It is true that they place capitulate," said Napoleon to Prince Lichten- have conquered the river," said the Archduke Charles, to stein, major general of the Austrian army, for whom he his brother Emperor Francis, standing by his side, "I had sent, "if I take it by assault, I shall be compelled to allow them to pass, that I may drive them presently THE BOHEMIAN VOICE. 11 into its waves." "AH right," said the emperor dryly, alone through balls and bullets. One division were on "but do not leave too many pass." Seventy thousand the point of following him, when the fire of the enemy French already deployed in the plain ofijWagram. As took them in flank, and the soldiers drew back. Bona­ they defiled past, the soldiers cried "Long [live the em­ parte was alone on' the bridge, calling his troops to follow; peror!" several officers rushed forward, seized him by the arm, It was four o'clock in the morning when the fire com­ and drew him by force on the bank. Lannes, who had menced. Napoleon had joined Marshal Mass^na, talking recently been wounded, and was still ill, managed to get a few minutes with him under a storm of balls which on horseback to share in the dangers of his general-in- fell around the carriage. He walked his horse across the chief, when he was again struck by a ball. The officers plain, impatiently waiting for the great movement that he fell around him. Bonaparte himself was thrown from had ordered on the centre. At the head advanced a di­ his horse and fell in the marsh. The grenadiers plunged vision of the army of Italy, commanded by Macdonald, in the mud up to the middle, driving back the column of little known to the young soldiers, because of his long the enemy advancing on the bridge, and bringing back disgrace. He marched proudly, attired in his old uniform their general- Areola was not taken, but Alvinzy evacuat­ of the armies of the republic. Napoleon saw him un­ ed during the night, falling back on his positions at Cal- moved under the fire, attentive to the least incidents of diers. The French army again formed there, and the the battle. "Ah, the fine fellow! The fine fellow!" he fight began again, and at last the heroic obstinacy of the repeated in a low voice. French obtained the mastery, Alvinzy was exhausted, The artillery of the guard arrived at a gallop, support­ and the Croats were forced backwards into the marsh. ing by its hundred guns the impetuous attack of the cen­ Mass^na marched at the head of his division, beating the ter; the Austrians recoiled from this enormous mass, charge on a drum with the pommel of his sword. The the irresistible impulse of which nothing could stay. The Austrians began their retreat upon Verona. The French plateau of Wagram was in the French hands. In vain army and the general took no rest. The supreme effort the Archduke Charles had hoped to see his brother John of Bonaparte and his soldiers had dearly bought the vic­ arrive in time to restore their fortune; the struggle lasted tory. "it was indeed a deadly combat he wrote to the for more than 10 hours—all the positions had fallen in Directory, "not one of the generals but has his clothes the hands of the French- The retreat of the Austrian riddled with bullets." army commenced. This and other battles in Italy led to the famous treaty The armistice was signed in the night of the 11th of of Campo Formio, which assured to the French Republic July. Napoleon took his abode in the capital. Peace the Austrian Net1 erlands, the limit of the Rhine, etc. was concluded on October 10th at Vienna. Austria was It recognized the Cisalpine Republic, comprehending compelled to cede Carniola, Trieste, Croatia and Dalmatia Modena, Lombardy, Bergamo, Brescia, Mantua, etc.

to Napoleon; some possessions to Bavaria, a part of Battle of Leipzig. Galicia to Warsaw and another part to Russia. She lost altogether 32,000 square miles of territory, three and a The battle of Leipzig—called the "battle of nations," half millions of subjects, all contact with the sea, all continued for three days — from the 16th to the 18th of exit for her trade. As a crowning indignity, she had to October, 1813. It was one of the most bloody and decisive submit to see the ramparts of Vienna blown up. of those which effected the deliverance of Europe from French domination. The troops under Napoleon in this Battle of Areola. battle amounted to about 180,000 men, and those of the Near the village of Areola on the left bank of the allies, the principal of whom was Austria, commanded by Adige in Northern Italy, Bonaparte gained a famous vic­ Prince Schwarzenberg, a Bohemian nobleman, Marshal tory over the Austrians on November 17, 1796. The Aus­ Bliicher and Bernadotte, Crown-prince of Sweden, to al­ trian side of the bridge of Areola, since become famous, most 300,000. The loss of the French was reckoned at about was defended by Mitrovsky. 38,000 killed and wounded and 30,000 pr isoners; that of the The battle began keenly fought and deadly. General, allies to about 48,000. The victory of the allies was com­ Alvinzy, the Austrian commander sent forward several plete. On the French side, the feeling of the lowest divisions, which were repulsed- The two armies, French soldier, as well as of Napoleon himself, was, that the hour and Austrians, were embarassed by a vast marsh. The of final struggle was at hand. "Boys!" said General French pushed on as far as the small river Alpon, when Maison, on the morning of the 16th, when joining battle, opposite the village Areola, there was a bridge defended "this is France's last battle and we must be all dead be­ by the Croats. fore night." The same gloomy ardor reigned throughout The steady firing of the Croats kept back the forces all the ranks. Everywhere men hastened to fight, with­ that attempted to pass. The general in chief, on horse­ out illusion, with the courage of wounded lions. "You back, in spite of his ill health, shouted to the soldiers to are long in coming, my old Augereau," cried Napoleon to remember the bridge of L odi. Augereau had already plant­ the marshal, as he reached the headquarters; "you have ed the French standard at the entrance of the bridge kept us waiting; you are no longer the Augereau of Cas- without succeeding in making the troops follow. Bona­ tiglione!" "I shall always be the Augereau of Castiglione," parte next seized a small flag, and dismounting, advanced replied the old soldier of the republic, "when your majes­ 12 THE BOHEMIAN VOICE.

ty gives me] back the soldiers my of Italy." dark, short beard, fast becoming gray. Dark eyes, These were dead; their sons also were dead; their grand wide open with a cheerful steady look in them—a children had not]had time to grow, and had already been look which from time to time changes into a far mowed down on the field of ba tie. away regard that has somewhat of pathos in it. The face is honest, kindly and with a general expression of a perfectly guile of rapture. THE TRIUMPH OF DR. ANTOldN DYOlUK,

Some months ago the celebrated Bohemian Com­ THE MAN OF THE HOUR. poser Dr. Antonm Dvorak, director of the National This is the man whom the audience is so raptur­ Conservatory of Music of America, at New York, ously applauding. It is his brain, his imagination created quite a commotion in musical circles, by a which has called out of the vague unknown the review of musical production in this country and the work to which we have just been listening. It is conclusion, that there is really no original national upon this sensitive nature that the scenery of the American music in this land, but that such could be New World has graven so deep an impression. And this man, so quiet, so dignified, so grave, is the developed upon the basis of the Negro and Indian first musician who has transformed into a wonder­ popular melodies. These conclusions caused a great ful thing of beauty the native musical utterances of deal of criticism and doubt and even derision in all the red man and the untutored negro. circles, particularly the musical, in the newspapers With hands trembling with emotion Dr. Dvorak and otherwise. All the adverse criticism confirmed waves an acknowledgment of his indebtedness to Anton Seidl, to the orchestra, to the audience, and only Dr. Dvorak in his conclusions and to prove then disappears into the back ground while the re­ their correctness he undertook the composition of a mainder of the work goes on. symphony on the lines suggested. This latest of A second hearing only serves to deepen the im­ his works was produced at New York, Dec. 16th, pression created by the first audition on Friday before a most critical audience and has fully vindi­ afternoon. The work is a great one. It is unique in certain cated Dr. Dvorak's contentions. As fully appears respects. Rarely has a work of such grandiose from the following report of the New York Herald proportions contained such an endless stream of of December 17th, the new symphony was received melody. most enthusiastically and hailed as the new era in Its character, too, is to be considered. As Dr. American music composition, inaugurated by the Dvorak has said, the symphony has been inspired illustrious writer. The New York Herald says: by a clear study of the native melodies of the North American Indians and the negro race of this coun­ Radiant with happiness Dr. Antonm Dvorak list­ try. ened to the second concert of the Philharmonic This study resulted in the discovery that in all Society in Carnegie Music Hall last evening. essential particulars the national music of the two The famous Bohemian composer is indeed diffi­ races is identical. The scale is characterized by the cult to please if he was not gratified with the en­ absence of the fourth and the seventh tones. The thusiasm created in the immense audience by his minor scale has its own individual peculiarities. In­ new fifth symphony in E minor, "From the New stead of the seventh being omitted, in the minor it World." is the sixth tone which is lacking. The fourth tone He received a genuine ovation after the second is also absent in certain forms of the melodies. And movement—the larghetto. The applause swelled the seventh is invariably minor. In other words, to a perfect tumult. Every face was turned in the the seventh tone is separated from the eighth by the direction in which Anton Seidl was looking. Every interval of a whole tone, instead of, as according to neck was craned so that it might be discovered to European ideas, by the interval of a semi-tone. whom he was motioning so energetically. Whoever Following the principles which Brahms, Liszt, it was, he seemed modestly to wish to remain at the Schubert and even Haydn have followed in certain back of the box on the second tier. parts of their compositions, Dr. Dvorak made the At last a broad shouldered individual of medium spirit of this savage music his own. He became height, and as straight as one of the pines in the saturated with its"peculiarities, with its rhythms, forests of which his music whispered so eloquently, with it suggested harmonies. is descried by the eager watchers. A murmur Then he wrote this symphony upon the lines sweeps through the hall. "Dvorak ! Dvorak ! " is which he had already followed in his Slavonic rhap­ the word that passes from mouth to mouth. sodies. He created original themes which partook And while he is bowing we have time to see what of the characteristics which he had discovered in manner of man is this musician, this tone poet, who the native music. These themes he employed as can grip the hearts of a big audience and create the subjects, the backbone of his composition, de­ every thought of beauty that the most sensitive im­ veloping, harmonizing and accompanying them in agination can conceive. every manner which musical science and modern He is dark. Dark hair, scanty upon the top. A theories of harmony could suggest. THE BOHEMIAN VOICE. 13

A GREAT WORK OF ART. THE SLAVONIC GROUP.

The result is a great work of art. From the (Contributed by J. R.) first note to the last there is not a wearisome pass­ age. Effects of the most novel character are being One of the results of the fall of Taaffe's cabinet continually unfolded to the listener. Piquant in Austria is the formation of the Slavonic '

ing its numerical strength to 76 members, increas­ that they all run away without even attempting to strike a blow Commander-in-chief Beaufort, after having vainly endeavored to rally ing thereby its importance, not alone as the most the fugitives, was himself carried away by the wild flight of the Cru­ numerous group in the opposition, but also as the saders, and was joined by the elector of the Treves, who had been marching to his assistance with a body of cavalry. The Bohemians next to the largest group in existance. closely pursued the flying enemy, killing and taking a great number of them, almost without any loss to themselves. A great number of those This new group is probably at the start not quite unfortunate fugitives were killed by the Bohemian peasants, who as compact as might be wished for, neither will it chased them like so many wild beasts.—The strain which the victories of Bohemians had inflicted upon the long established reputation of the act in union on all matters which might come up in arms of Germany, naturally excited, in every generous heart of that country, a strong desire to wipe it off by some deed of valor, the Reichsrath, and yet its formation is a very im­ and the smoking ruins of so many towns and castles, which mark­ portant event. It is the first attempt to arrange ed the passage of the marauding Hussites through many flourishing provinces of the same country, animated all its inhabitants with a the Slavonic people of Austria into a united opposi­ strong feeling of revenge against the authors of these calamities. tion and this drawing them together must necessar­ Therefore a new Crusade army was put in motion against the Bohemians. This fifth and last crusade amounted to 90,000 in­ ily lead to a better understanding and eventually to fantry and 40,000 cavalry, commanded under the papal legate Cesarini, by the Electors of Saxony, and Brandenburg, the Duke a better union. Let us hope, that this will lead to of Bavaria, and many other spiritual and temporal princes of Germany. a thorough understanding of all the Slavonic people It entered Bohemia through the great forest, which covered its frontier on the Bavarian side. Hearing of the approach of the Hussites—their in Austria, which would be bound to win for them rumbling wagons, the indispensable implements of a Bohemian war­ fare,—the invaders were seized, like Beaufort's army with uncontroll­ the preponderence in the control of the government. able panic. The duke of Bavaria was the first to flee, leaving his equipage; his example was followed by the Elector of Brandenburg and the whole army. The only man who made an exception to this Xetter 3B0£. general panic was not a soldier but a priest, the Cardinal himself. He harangued his troops with the greatest spirit, representing to them U. Ia. (1) The Bohemian diet has242 members, consisting-of the arch­ the disgrace whichtheir conduct was entailing upon their country and bishop of Prague, 3 bishops, 2 rectors of Prague university, 70 repre­ he entreated them to remember the ancient heroes of their race. He sentatives of large estates, 87 representatives of cities and chambers of partially succeeded in rallying the fleeing army at a point they had commerce and 79 representatives of rural districts. The diet is elected formerly occupied. But it was not for long, for as soon as the Bohem­ for six years, unless dissolved by the emperor before that time. Its ians appeared, the Crusaders were seized, with such a terror, that presiding officer is called "the highest land marshal," and he is ap­ Cesarini could no longer arrest their flight, but was obliged himself to pointed by the king. At present Prince Lobkovic acts as land marshal. join in it. Eleven thousand Germans are said to have perished on that His tenure of office is of the same duration as that of the diet, which occasion, and only seven hundred were taked prisoners. Two hundred latter elects, from among its own members a standing committee, also and forty wagons that were laden with gold and silver, and many, as for six years, known as the "land committee." Of this committee a chronicler quaintly observes, with excellent wine fell into the hands also the land marshal is presiding officer. The Bohemian diet meets of the Bohemians, who also took the enemies artillery, consisting in Prague, the capital of the kingdom. (2) Besides the Bohemian, there of fifty cannon. Cesarini lost on that occasion his cardinal's hat and are, in Cisleithania (Western Austria) the following land diets: Mora, dress, his cross and his bell, as well as the papal bulla proclaiming the vian diet, 100 members, Silesian 31, Carniola 37, Dalmatian 43, Gaiiolan crusade which ended in so inglorious a manner. The extraordinary 151, Bukovinian 41, Lower Austrian 68, Upper Austrian 50, Salzburg 26, panic which on this occasion seized a warlike a nation as the Germans, Styrian 63, Carinthian 37, Gorica and Gradiska 22, Istrian 33, Tyrolean and twice made their numerous armies fly at the very sight of Bohem­ 68, Vorarlberg 20, Triest 20. (3) Until 1873 the members of parlia­ ians, was the theme of much comment to the authors of that nation- ment at Vienna were chosen by the representative land diets; now they Europe at one time resounded with wonderful tales of the bravery of are elected by the electors. One of the curious features of the law is, the Bohemian heretics. When the Hussite deputation, composed of that a deputy to parliament need not reside in the district which he three hundred persons arrived at Basle on January 6,1433, in answer represents, or even in the country. Thus a resident of Vienna may to an invitation of ecclesiastical authorities, it was receivad with aspire to be a deputy in any place in Bohemia or Moravia. The total usual honors. Eneas Sylvius, subsequently pope, who was present on number of members of parliament is 353 of which Bohemia sends 92, that occasion, gives the following description of their entrance: "The Moravia 36, Silesia 10, Bukovina 9, Dalmatia 9, Galicia 63, Gorica and whole population of Basle, was either in the streets, or went out of Gradiska 4, Istria4, Carinthia 9, Carniola 10, Lower Austria 37, Upper town to see their arrival. There were amongst the crowd even several Austria 17, Salzburg 4, Styria 23, Tyrol 18, Triest 4, Vorarlberg 3, (4) members of the council, attracted by the fame of such a warlike Members of land diets receive during the session as compensation 5 nation. Men, women and children, people of every age and condition, florins a day, members of parliament 10 florins a day. In addition to filled the public places, occupied the doors and the windows, and even this they receive 1 florin for each mile traveled. (5) The parliamen­ the tops of their houses, waiting for their arrival. The spectators tary body known as the "delegations," and regulating the affairs, gazed upon the Bohemians, pointing with their fingers to those who common to both parts of the monarchy, that is, Hungary and Austria had in particular attracted their attention, and wondering at their proper, consists of 60 members, of whom one-third is selected by the foreign dress, never seen before; at their terrible countenances, their lower house of the parliament, and two-thirds from the house of peers. eyes full of fury; and it was generally found that the report about their F. N., Y. Trial by jury was introduced in Austria on January 17 character was by no means exaggerated. (There was at that time a 1850. saying current in Germany, that there were a hundred demons in every Hussite.) All eyes were turned toward Procop. "This is the man," 6. B. Catholic Europe, at the instigation of the pope, organized people were saying, -'who has so many times put to flight the armies of five crusades against the Hussites and the result of them all was such the faithful, who has destroyed so many cities, who has massacred so that the fierce Hussitic warriors were declared invincible. The most re­ many thousands; the invincible, the valiant, the fearless, the indefati­ nowned victories of the "heretics" over their countless enemies took gable general." place at Tachov (Tachau) and Domazlice (Taus). According to some- writers the third crusader's army, which entered Bobemiain June 1427 a M-B.. Texas. You have undoubtedly seen, at some time or other a numbered to 90,000 horsemen and about the same number of infantry. The picture, representing the coat-of-arms of Bohemia in the centre, and danger of this formidable invasion roused the patriotic feeling of every the coat-of-arms of Moravia on one and that of Silesia on the other Bohemian, from the high born magnate to the poorest mechanic. side. Above them all hovers the Bohemian crown. The picture, Religious differences were forgotten. Not only the Calixtines, Taborites meaningless as it might seem in our democratic country, is neverthe­ and Orphans (different sects of the Hussites) forgot their differences^ less dear to the memory of Bohemians. It reminds them of the fact and united against the common enemy, but many Bohemian Catholic that Bohemia, Moravia and Silesia constitute now as they did of old, noblemen, who had hitherto been the stanchest opponents of the an indissoluble unity. These three countries, Bohemia, Moravia and Hussites, felt that the voice of their country was stronger in their Silesia are closely allied to each other. They possess independent hearts than even religious animosity, and they joined the banner of legislative assemblies, it is true, but aside from these, there are cer­ the great Procop against the foreign invaders. The united forces of tain connecting links between them, which make them practically the Bohemians were still greatly inferior in numbers to those of their one country. The person of the emperor is one of these links, and enemies. They marched to encounter their invaders, but when they certain affairs, common to all three, another. The king rules over arrived on the banks of the river Mze, which separated them from them by virtue of the law of hereditary succession. In the event o.f the invading army, their sight struck the latter with such a panic, the extinction of the present dynasty, free election would take place THE BOHEMIAN VOICE. 15

The indissolubility of the three countries must be understood to mean that in case such election should occur, Bohemia, Moravia and Silesia would have to remain under one common sceptre; in other words, that HISTORY O F B OHEMIA. different persons could not rule over them. At every coronation the emperor was required to re-affirm this idea of indissolubility. Another p. p. VICKERS. tie of unity, binding together Bohemia, M oravia and Silesia used to be the so-called "general diet"—a sort of parliament of the Bohemian kingdom. This diet met only on extraordinary occasions. Each coun­ Before the next issue of this paper the History of try represented had one vote and no measure went into effect unless Bohemia will probably make its appearance. It bears all countries agreed. The last session of this general diet occured in the distinction of being the first and only work of 1836 in Prague, at the coronation of Ferdinand V. Still another tie of unity, was the ancient "domiciliary law," providing that no one shall its kind to be found in the English literature and hold an office, or enjoy any emoluments of state unless he was born in one of much magnitude and completness, which is one of the three countries. seldom met in the first attempt. But we must not /iMscellaneous. forget, that Mr. Yickers of all men was the most Chicago newspapers announce the death of August Volensky a fit to undertake the gieat work of writing the hist­ prominent Bohemian of that city. Mr. Volenskf was also a member of he National Committee, representing the "Sokol" organization. ory of Bohemian people. For a quarter of a cen- The projected railroad to run from this country through Central Mr. Vickers was a close student of the subject, to and Southern America will, if constructed, make a continuous line of him most interesting, and prepared himself most track longer than any other on earth, but until it is constructed the thoroughly for the task. The result is an exhaus­ trans-Siberian road will have that distinction. By joining Russian roads now existing with the Siberian line the czar will have under his tive work of 750 pages, which certainly does justice control a longer railway than that which is to bring the three Americas to past history of the Bohemian people and brings nto easy communication. M. Galetski, one of the contractors for the trans-Siberian line, while in San Francisco the other day, expressed the the same down to the latest date, even to the pres­ opinion to a reporter for the Chronicle that when the railroad is com­ ent struggle of the Bohemian people for autonomy pleted Siberia—which is now a land of comparative mystery—will be­ While the interest in the cause of the Bohemian come well known to American travelers. One object in the construc­ tion of the line is the development of the resources of Siberia, which people is growing on account of the struggle which are rich and vast. Southern Siberia has great agricultural resources. is now, and has been for the past generation, taking Large tracts of land there are well adapted to stock raising. Its forests place, the work of Mr. Yickers will certainly meet and mineral resources are of immense value. Though many mines there are now being worked and a considerable quantity of gold and the demand of the hour as far as the general public silver taken out each year, the mining regions do not yield as much is concerned. Among our people, among the read­ wealth as they will when this road is built. At present the mining is done in a slow, primitive way. When freight can easily be carried ers of the YOICE, this demand should be universal. through Siberia, the mines will be furnished with improved machinery. Everybody in whose veins courses the blood of Bo­ Political influences were probably dominant, however, in influencing hemian ancestors should possess this work and ob­ Russia to lay this line. The Chinese boundary is almost unprotected, and it is extremely difficult to concentrate an army of any noticeable tain therefrom complete information about the strength east of the Semipalatinsk. Nature has helped Russia, how­ people of which he is a descendent. ever, as the boundary as far east as Manchuria is guarded by a terrible The quite voluminous work is of an octavo size, stretch of desert. Vladivostock is the only harbor which Russia pos­ sesses on the open sea, and without the railroad that part is not of contains upwards of 20 illustrations and a map of much value, the coast province not being able to furnish provisions Bohemia and Moravia and is neatly bound and fin­ for whatever garrison and fleet might be kept there. When Vladivostock has railway communication with Russia its importance ished, being in every way a credit to the publishers, will be immeasurably increased. MESSRS. CPIAS. SERGELL & Co., Since the proclamation of the state of siege in Prague, the cable has brought us information of numerous arrests of members of a Chicago, Illinois. secret revolutionery organization called "Omladina." It is proven The price of the History of Bohemia is very beyond doubt, that this society was manufactured to order by a tool of reasonable, $3.50. the police, an agent provocateur called Mrva, who inveigled boys and youths into the society and then informed on them, causing their ar­ By a special arrangement we are enabled to offer rest. When his treachery was disclosed, the bitter feelings of his vic­ our readers the advantage of securing the work tims and their friends against the informer knew no bounds and cal- for $3.00, if they will send in their orders now, uminated in a personal revenge. Mrva was assasinated by some of his victims. Senseless rumors are sent from Vienna, the source of without any delay, before it will be put on sale by most untrustworthy information, attempting to connect the Young the publishers. Chekhs with the "Omladina" organization and the death of Mrva. These rumors hardly need a denial. All orders will be promptly filled as soon as the A very interesting decision, which would have saved a great deal work is bound and finished, which will probably be of agitation if made some months ago was rendered by the Supreme Court (Court of Cassation) of Austria. The city of Prague whose pop­ not latter than February 1, 1894. ulation is nine-tenths Bohemian followed the example of some German towns in Bohemia and when ordering a lot of new street signs, bad Send all orders and remittances to them executed in the Bohemian Language. The governor would not have it that way and ordered the new signs to be taken down and re­ placed by others, giving the name of the streets in both the Bohemian R. V, MISK0VSKY, Secretary, and German languages. To this the city of Prague demurred and the matter got into courts. In a similar case from the city of Lublan (Laibach) in Oarniola the Supreme Court has just decided, that this is 1444 South 16th Street, a purely local affair, entirely within the powers of the city council and its action is not a violation of rights of the other language of the land, the German. OMAHA, NEBRASKA.

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