Note 25 — CRIMES OF THE HOUSE OF AUSTRIA AGAINST MANKIND. (continued 6)

Bezerédy was one of the first to set this honorable example. The following letter, addressed to him by the peasants of the village of Bitske in the county of Fejér, dated April 5, 1845, will give an idea of the character of the Hungarian peasantry, and the feeling which subsists between them and the nobles. In this country, the great majority of the inhabitants are of the Magyar race.

“The patriotic act by which, faithful to holy and eternal justice, you have been the first to renounce the right of exemption from taxation,—this act, truly worthy of a noble, has already, to the honour of our aristocracy be it said, found many imitators. Those who have followed your example have made the most worthy recognition of your action. We also, who believe that, in taking part in our burdens, you have not lowered yourself to our level, but have raised us to yourselves, all regard it as a sacred duty to express to you our ardent gratitude for this noble sacrifice, which opens a new era to our country. May God grant, for the glory of the country and for our happiness, that your life may be long, and that your spirit may inspire the whole world.”