J 6 
in Budapest, and the money would be more fairly divided 
between the two countries. In this respect the Hungarians 
have a distinct grievance, but in spite of his defects they 
really love their King and simply say he is too old to alter 
his habits. 
There is a beautiful old church in the city which dates 
from the thirteenth century. The interior is magnificent 
and baffles description. It was used as a Turkish Mosque 
for 164 years, and it is here that the Kings of Hungary are 
crowned. At this ceremony the King has to swear a solemn 
oath giving the fullest guarantees that are possible for one 
to give, that he will maintain the country as a free and 
independent kingdom. 
The Hungarian Magna Charta, which is called the Golden 
Bull (Aurea Bulla, from the gold seal which was attached), 
was granted in 1222, so that next to Great Britain, Hungary 
is the oldest constitutional state in the world. It may be 
mentioned that it is entirely by the magnanimity of Hungary 
that Austria has the political privileges which it possesses. 
Austria’s constitution is not so free as that of Hungary, 
because, if the Austrian Parliament refuses to supply a grant 
of money the Emperor can issue a decree and get as much 
money as he wishes. In Hungary the King cannot get a 
shilling or a soldier without the vote of the Parliament. 
The wonderful bathing establishments are a great feature 
of Budapest. The water is derived from hot springs which 
have been flowing uninterruptedly for more than a thousand 
years and show no sign of diminution. The water is 
so hot that it is impossible to plunge into it. It is mineralised 
and has a most exhilarating effect on the body. The very 
moderate prices charged for these wonderful baths are a 
great boon to the whole community. The highest jirice 
charged is only fivepence, and this includes a tram ride from 
any part of the city. Poor people are admitted for one 
penny. The Houses of Parliament, with their fine hall, 
form a magnificent building. They are built of very costly 
material and their decorations are gorgeous, and yet har- 
moniously beautiful. It may be mentioned that ' all the 
religious sects are represented in the Upper House by Bishops 
or persons of equal rank. The Government helps airdenomin- 
ations and pays wholly or in part the salaries of all the clergy- 
men. The Baptists, however, have no Bishop, and are 
not represented ; they applied some time ago to Dr. Clifford 
for advice, and he went over there and conferred with them ; 
he advised them to have nothing whatever to do with the 
state and to maintain their own independent existence, and 
this they are doing. 
