Page:Czecho-Slovak Student Life, Volume 18.djvu/95

again become an independent state and that the United States insist upon Czechoslovak Independence as a part of any really democratic settlement making for permanent peace. A year later May 31, 1918 Senator W. H. King of Utah introduced another resolution pledging America to support the Czechoslovak cause for Independence.

“After successful attempts had been made to bring the cause to the attention of Congress, the next step was to reach President Woodrow Wilson and prevail upon him to take up the cause .His attitude was favorable, for, he being a historian, had a thorough knowledge of Czech history and aspirations. In his work entitled “The State,” published in 1889, he makes remarkable comments on Bohemia’s position in the Austro-Hungarian Empire stating: ‘Bohemia, although she has so much of individuality and boasts so fine a history of independence, is swallowed up in Austria. No lapse of time, no defeat of hopes seems sufficient to reconcile the Czechs of Bohemia to incorporation with Austria. The pride of race and memories of a notable and distinguished history keep them always at odds with the Germans within their gates and with the government set over their head.’ The latter part of this statement became a war slogan which the Czechoslovaks used during the War. That the President was interested in the Czechoslovak cause and that the matter was ever present in his mind was proved by his Flag Day Address, June 14, 1917.

“To help the cause for Independence a call for American-Czechoslovak volunteers was issued and soon a training camp was organized in Stanford, Conn., whence the soldiers were transported to France to join their Czechoslovak comrades. A Bohemian Benedictine, the Rev. Alphonse Biskup, O. S. B., was the only official chaplain attached to this army.

In April 1918 Dr. Masaryk, who was then president of the National Council, arrived in this country from Russia via Vancouver, continuing his activity in the States. In June he was received by President Wilson. He prepared a memorandum on the Czechoslovak question for the State Department. On Oct. 26, 1918 he signed the Proclamation of Czechoslovak Independence in our own American National Sanctuary of Freedom, the Independence Hall, Philadelphia, two days prior to the overthrow of the old regime in Bohemia.

“The splendid achievement of the Czechoslovak armies, especially in Russia, and the generous sacrifice made by these people everywhere, won the recognition of their independence. Thus England recognized Czechoslovakia’s independence in May, 1918, France in June and the United States in September of the same year. President Wilson, referring to this in an address delivered on Sept. 9, 1918 to Hon. Charles Pergler, the first Czechoslovak Commissioner of the de factor Government to the U. S., said: ‘By your conduct throughout the war, especially by your armies you have demonstrated