The Czechoslovak Review/Volume 4/The founder of a republic

THE FOUNDER OF A REPUBLIC.

Under this title the Washington Post, one of the most influential dailies of the United States, published the following leading article on March 7, 1920, on the occasion of President Masaryk’s seventieth birthday:

 

This day has been made a holiday by the Czecho-Slovak republic, and there is reason to believe that it will be celebrated hereafter in perpetuity. It is the anniversary of the birth of Thomas G. Masaryk, first president of the republic, who has reached the age of 70 years, and who, blessed with health and strength, is completing the structure of the free government he has done so much to establish. The singularity of his standing among modern state-builders, and the resemblance of his career to that of George Washington, make him a peculiarly interesting figure to Americans.

The Bohemian people are not postponing until Masaryk’s death the homage that is due him. In this respect they imitate the Americans, who recognized in their first President a man so fixed in purity of character that it was not necessary to observe precaution in doing him honor. Washington was acclaimed President by all parties, and so was Masaryk. Each was first in war, first in peace and first in the hearts of his countrymen.

Washington faced no greater or more disheartening tasks than those which confronted Masaryk.

In the complexity of political problems the creation of the free nation of Czechs and Slovaks was a harder task than the creation of the United States. But for the burning patriotism and clear vision of a man peculiarly equipped for his work, there would have been no United States and no Czecho-Slovakia. Each of these men labored for the establishment of a “nation of laws and not of men,” and each succeeded, but before the nation of laws could come into existence it was necessary that nations of men should be wrestled with, and that unstinted outpourings of the energy of the human heart should be offered, in meekness and with a “sad sincerity,” as libations to the goddess of liberty. Each of the nation-builders “builded wiser than he knew.” Washington, with all his marvelous foresight, did not fully comprehend a century’s development, and doubtless Masaryk only dimly imagines the place which he and his country will occupy a century hence. His nation is stronger and more populous than was the nation that hailed Washington as its first President. His country’s history goes further back, and in it pages are many glowing records of heroism and genius. The growth of the United States under a form of free government such as that which Masaryk has established in Bohemia ought to inspire the most optimistic sentiments throughout the new republic.

One of the facts common to the establishment of both the United States and Czecho-Slovakia, which never should be forgotten, is this: France was the faithful ally and friend of both. Without France Washington’s efforts would have been in vain. Without France Masaryk could not have achieved the independence of Bohemia. In the ever-enduring cement which binds the foundation stones of these republics is mixed the blood of Frenchmen shed for others in the cause of liberty.

Another fact that should not be forgotten is this: It was in this Capital, under the folds of the American flag, that Masaryk wrote the Bohemian declaration of independence. At that time his people were under the Hapsburg heel, and there was talk of giving the Bohemians “autonomy” in exchange for their surrender of liberty. The Hapsburg dynasty had endured for ages. There was no indication of the magnificent onslaught that Italy was preparing, much less any assurance of its triumph. Yet Masaryk felt and declared that Bohemia was and of right ought to be free and independent. His declaration has taken its place with the immortal expressions of man’s determination to be free.

Neither Washington nor Masaryk could have made a nation if its men had not been worthy of liberty. There is considerable resemblance between the Czecho-Slovak army and the Americans who fought under Washington. Both forces were distinguished by simplicity, strong self-reliance, ingenuity in emergencies, good humor and dauntless courage. They were men of medium height, rather slight than stocky, quick in speech and perception, instinctive in their teamwork, inured to hardship and intensely patriotic. Yet there was strong idealism in their souls and a pathetic tenderness in their personal and family ties.

The anabasis of the Czecho-Slovak forces in Russia is an illustration of the happy ingenuity and resourcefulness of that nation. The exploits of the army that went around the world will be recounted whenever classic examples of endurance and audacity are cited. The best that an American can say of that campaign is that it was conducted as Americans would have conducted it. Many of the lads who became veterans in those adventures were, indeed, former immigrants to America, who had felt the vigor of the American spirit. They were directed by Masaryk from Washington, and he drew confidence and audacity direct from the American fountain.

The free republic of Bohemia goes into the twentieth century with exultant heart. It has hard problems, but it is free to solve them by itself, in behalf of its own people, without the interference of the accursed race that so long blighted Europe. Every American rejoices in the freedom of the Czechs and Slovaks, and wishes them happiness and prosperity. May the founder of their republic be spared to complete his wonderful work.