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June 1855 My dear Martineau, . . . . . I do not write in support of the oppressed nations because "I have confidence in the stability and morality of a continental democracy," but because the foreign kings who now trample nations down neither have nor pretend to have any right but that of armies; it is a pure avowed robber-rule, essentially in morals, and all will extol the nations as patriotic whenever they throw it off. . . . Certainly I maintain that Hungary and Poland are nations; so in fact is Italy: but Austria is only a Court and Army, not a nation. We have had public relations with Hungary as a nation; we violated our duty to Hungary in 1848-9; and complain we are still allowing Austria to get the benefit of our wrong. So also to Poland, I feel we have grossly neglected our duty, and still neglect it. We know that Hungary (Poland, Italy) is in the right; but though called on to say so, we will no say it; nor even meditate, for it will lead to Republicanism. Again, I call it immoral to argue: "We know that Austria is giving Turkey just cause of war; but we must not allow the Sultan to resent it by declaring war; for it will give the nationalities an opportunity of throwing off the Austrian yoke." . . . Then, my dear friend, do you forget that I approved of the French, and disapproved to the Austrian alliance? . . . Not to ally with Louis Napoleon is not to join him against the French nation; which his armies are trampling down. Again, we did not catch Louis Napoleon engaged in a scheme with Nicholas (Emperor of Russia) to dismember Turkey, and bribe Louis Napoleon to join us by the promise or hint that he should still get his slice of Turkey. We have done this to Austria, and have used our severe pressure on the Turkish Government to get Austria admitted into the Principalities. . . . I fear this summer will be as deadly to our army as the winter was; my only comfort will be, that I shall make sure that Austria will the clearer show her true colours. Hoping you are all well, I am, Ever yours affectionately,
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