Preface

So much ignorance still prevails concerning the great kingdom of Hungary that no apology is needed for some account of its constitution; its relation to other states; its commerce, internal administration and philanthropic societies, written for the most part by members of the Hungarian Government or by those who have been in large measure responsible for Government Departments.

Even to-day nothing is more noticeable than the confusion of thought which exists in respect of the relationship which Hungary bears to Austria. It is generally taken for granted that Hungary forms a part of the Austrian empire, and many publicists frequently refer to Austria as including Hungary, forgetting or ignoring the fact that in law Hungary is an independent kingdom. Francis Joseph, Emperor of Austria, is King of Hungary by virtue of his election as apostolicus rex, and except for certain clearly defined and specific purposes, Hungary is an absolutely autonomous and independent state. The fact that for these specific purposes, such, for example, as war and foreign affairs, mutual arrangements have been made by virtue of which Austria-Hungary acts as one kingdom, does not in any degree lessen that independence.

The hostile criticism which has fallen to the lot of Hungary is not always deserved or well founded. We are far too apt, in judging of the progress of Hungary, to use as our standard the Western nations which have not been involved, as in the case of that country, in external wars which have rendered the progress of social reform and industrial development almost impossible. It is only since 1867, the date of the "Ausgleich" or Compromise, that it has been possible for Hungary to devote attention to her own internal affairs, and to develop her own resources. We have to remember that the roots of modern Hungary, as we now understand it, are fixed in the 'forties of the last century, and that since that time a very large number of measures have been passed to forward the economic and social progress of the country, and for improving the conditions of the working classes. Those of us who are inclined to condemn the Hungarian Government as being reactionary, or lacking in sympathy with modern forms of industrial betterment, must remember how short a time she has had in which to achieve these reforms as compared with the older civilizations, who have even now to deplore vast gaps in the general plan of reform marked out by the common consent of civilized nations.

The great national revival led by Count Széchenyi, Julius Andrássy, Francis Deák and Louis Kossuth, which resulted in the Law of 1848, led to the abolition of the mediaeval system of land tenure, the abolition of many privileges of the nobility, and the formation of a modern responsible and parliamentary constitution. Since that time a large number of Acts have been passed which have had for their avowed object the improvement of the conditions of the working classes, especially of the agricultural labourers, and the development of national industries. That much remains yet to be done and that there is urgent need of fresh legislation is admitted, but the contention that Hungary is still so far behind Western nations as to be sunk in barbarism, as one is almost tempted to believe after reading certain criticisms, will not bear the slightest investigation on the part of the unprejudiced student of politics.

In some respects Hungary leads the way and sets an example to Western nations. This is notably the case in her treatment of child life. Nothing is more striking than the methods employed in dealing with the waifs and strays and neglected children of both town and village, and the student of social questions will admire the carefully planned and scientific machinery for preventing the waste of child life which is all too common both in England and on the Continent.

This series of articles does not pretend to deal with what may be called the lighter side of Hungarian life, but those who are seeking for health and recreation would do well to visit a country which abounds in health resorts and picturesque scenery. Many of these health resorts are upon the domains, and under the control, of the State, and those situated in the region of the High Tátra in the Carpathians deserve special mention. We find in the High Tátra, which includes Tátra Füred, Tatra-Lomnicz, Lake Csorba, and the environs of Fenyőhaza, the beginnings of a great national park developed on the right lines by the forethought of the Agriculture Department. The famous Hercules Bath in Cserna Valley is one of true finest natural hot saline-sulphur springs in the world, while Vizakna, in Transylvania, is also noted for its salt and mud baths - the latter with wonderful iodine properties. When the cure is completed the visitor may well spend some time in exploring the natural beauties of Hungary, but no one should leave the country without paying a visit to the famous Iron Gates of the Danube, where the action of the Government has rendered navigable perhaps the most picturesque portion of that great river.

English visitors will find the Hungarians to be an extremely hospitable race. Their leading statesmen are full of admiration for this country and desirous of showing their friendly feeling in every way. If this book, technical as it may seem, serves the purpose of attracting more attention to a country about which little is known, but which, historically and geographically, is full of interest to the student and traveller, it will not have been written in vain. I have only to add that I have been materially helped in the reading and revision of the proofs by Mr. Eugene Golonya, Editor of "Hungary," Mr. A. L. DeLisle, and Mr. Edward E. Hayward, M.A., of the British Institute of Social Service.

Percy Alden