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BALÁZS VENKOVITS 957 upon the false hopes that they would be the exception to the general rule. Zágonyi also highlights that there was a clear link between US restrictions and Canadian emigration: "Ihe majority of those wishing to go to America cannot get a permit to enter the United States due to immigration restriction. However, as they have already decided to emigrate, and many have supposedly received favorable news already, their self-confidence and the opportunity for immigration lead them to Canada.” What is more, he devotes a separate section to the topic of illegal attempts of entering the United States from Canada, and highlights that American restrictions are taken seriously, and illegal border crossing is a difficulty not worth the risk. The former soldier constantly focuses on hardship including the threat posed by agents, the climate, the lack of language skills, etc., and warns Hungarians: “Despite the dark shadow of poverty and destitution at home, everyone should think twice before deciding to emigrate to Canada under the current circumstances. Emigration makes the head of family a homeless wanderer and tears apart even the most intimate ties with family members and friends for a long time if not forever.”’” Zägonyi’s activities aimed at stopping Hungarian emigration to Canada were not limited to the publication of his book. In a letter written in January 1927, he contacted the heads of Hungarian counties, presented his book as a “warning sign on the path of our people wishing to leave behind the homeland.” He argues that the book itself has also been approved as a schoolbook, it is suitable to fight the misconceptions about Canadian emigration, and may be used successfully by public authorities as well. He also announces his tour of the country “to possibly reduce the emigration fever by way of sharing my experience before the start of this year’s emigration campaign.” He intended to use the income from his book to fund such a nationwide tour.” The detailed schedule of the lecture tour was also sent to the counties, according to which between March and May 1927 Zagonyi visited several counties most affected by emigration and newspapers across the country also reported about the free lectures. In February 1927, Zemplén also called the attention of its readers to the lectures: Samuel Zagonyi retired lieutenant colonel delivers six lectures in Zemplén County about the conditions in Canada. The most knowledgeable expert of the Canadian question [...] in his nationwide propaganda tour (during which he pulls the veil 57 Ibid., 71-72. 58 Ibid., 70-71. 5% Ibid. 75. 6° Hajdü-Bihar County Archives, IV.B. 406/B, 15647/1929. Translation is mine. 61 Ibid. According to the county records, Bihar County, for example, bought 70 copies from the book. * 118 +
