tions on the model of the French changes. Of the farmer
were the greater number of men of property, character,
and importance in the state, of the latter were demagogues
and their votaries, and the same kind of men that were
agitators of discontent in Great Britain, and that are agi-
tators of discontent in all countries where circumstances
afford an opportunity. The object of the constitutional
party was peace and neutrality, not to be interrupted by
the contests of Europe. These would, in the course of a
few years, raise the United States to a condition of pros-
perity and power, that must render them formidable to all
the world, and secure to them tranquillity at home, and
respect from abroad.
The French having intercepted a
letter from the United States to the ambassador at Lon-
don, expressing these sentiments, considered this avowal
of neutrality as inimical to the republic of France, and
hoped to effect such a change in America as would render
them dependent on France; and, by their agents, ardently
endeavoured to spread principles of jacobinical revolution.
Meanwhile, they made very imperious remonstrances to
the government of the United States; and at length pass-
ed a decree directing her privateers to capture the vessels
of neutral nations. In consequence of this decree, nume-
rous captures of American vessels were made by the
cruisers of the French republic, and of some of those of
Spain, during the year 1797. A farther decree, on the
subject of maritime affairs, was issued in January 1798,
"That all ships, having for their cargoes, in whole or in
แ part, any English merchandise, should be held lawful
แ prizes, whoever might be the proprietor of that mer-
"chandise; which should be held contraband from the
single circumstance of its coming from England, or any
"of its foreign settlements." It was also enacted, that
the harbours of France should be shut against all ships,
except in cases of distress, that had so much as touched at
any English port; and, that neutral sailors, found on
board English vessels, should be put to death. The
execution of this last decree was prevented by a declara-
tion on the part of Britain, threatening retaliation. But
these hostile proceedings extremely incensed the Ame-
ricans, and disposed them to enmity with the country

CHAP.

LXII.

1798.

LXII.

1798.

CHAP. that they considered as the universal disturber of other states. Convinced, however, of the policy of persevering in neutrality, the American government still attempted conciliatory measures; and instructed their envoy to endeavour to reestablish harmony between the French and the American republics: but the directory haughtily refused an audience. Imputing to intimidation the American desire of preserving peace, the directory resolved to make the most of their supposed fears; and intimated, that if a treaty was to be renewed between France and America, the states must contribute, in return for this friendship, a very large sum of money; and farther intimated, that it would be impossible for America to resist the power of France. The American government was well aware, that boasts of a power to be exerted by France on the ocean, where Britain was her opponent, were not to be dreaded as the means of conquest; still however, should a rupture take place, their trade they knew would be very materially injured: they therefore, made such a reply as showed that they still desired peace, though they would not be bullied to concession; and they declared themselves solicitous to avoid a contest with the French republic. One object only was dearer to them than the friendship of France, their national independence: America, they observed, had taken a neutral station to lend a sum of money to a belligerent power, abounding in every thing requisite for war, but money, would be to relinquish their neutrality, and take part in the contest. To lend that money, under the lash and coercion of France, would be to relinquish the government of themselves, and to submit to a foreign government imposed by force. They would make one manly struggle before they surrendered their national independence. America was not like the petty nations of Europe that had become subject to the Gallic yoke; they were competent to their own defence against all hostile attacks; they could maintain their own rights. The French still continued to demand a loan, to

f See the correspondence and conferences between the French minister and the American envoys, with the proceedings of the American government thereon, as detailed in State Papers, 1798. The publication of this correspondence (as the Annual Register observes) between Talleyrand and the American ministers of peace, made a lively and deep impression on all the nations of Europe. Not all their actual depredations in Germany, the Netherlands, Hal

LXII.

1798.

capture American ships, and to employ the most imperious CHAP. and insulting language, which a free, brave, and independent people, regarded with equal indignation and contempt, and prepared to repel force by force. Liberty was granted by congress to individuals to fit out privateers to make reprisals measures were adopted for forming and establishing a powerful navy, to protect and defend the American flag. The army was strengthened, and the command was bestowed on general Washington: the destruction of the French fleet at Aboukir spread joy over the constitutional Americans, and stimulated their preparations against a power which they had good reason to deem the disturber of all established society; and thus the exertions of America were expected by the European enemies of republican France, to cooperate with their efforts.

AMIDST the signal successes of Britain in preventing invasion, suppressing rebellion, and crushing the naval force of the enemy, she experienced one disappointment : an expedition was undertaken against Ostend, with a view of seizing the ships and stores there deposited by the enemy. The armament consisted of a naval force, commanded by captain Home Popham, and a body of troops commanded by general Coote. Their first effort was successful, but great numbers of republican forces having been rapidly assembled at Ostend, overpowered the British troops, and compelled them to surrender; but captain Popham brought off his department of the expedition. This miscarriage was but little regarded in a year of such extraordinary efforts, brilliant and momentous achievements, as the renowned 1798 was to Great Britain.

land, Switzerland, and Italy; no not their plunder of the Papal territories, afforded to the minds of men so convincing a proof, that the French republic was governed not more by a thirst of universal dominion, than by a rage for plunder, as even an attempt to subject the Americans to tribute.

352

CHAP. LXIII.

CHAP.
LXIII.

1798. Britain.

Effects of

the late glorious

Britain-effects of the late glorious campaign-discontent is silenced-ministers recover a high degree of popularity.-Meeting of parliament-grand objects, to provide for internal defence, strengthen the confederacy, and form a union with Ireland-supplies-income tax-objections and argument for and against-subsidy to the emperor of Russia-arguments for and against-splendid speech of Mr. Pitt on the advantages which might be derived from the emperor Paul-powerful impression of on the house-the subsidy is granted-motion for peace-opposition reprobate a new confederacy-the motion is negatived-the professed object of war, security -great object of the British government to excite and invigorate a coalition against France.-Measures for the better administration of Ireland—Mr. Pitt's plan of union with Ireland submitted to parliament-arguments for and against-proposed to the Irish parliament—discussed-vehemently opposed in Ireland-literary efforts on both sides-renewed suspension of the habeas corpus act-inquiry into the state prisons-farther provisions for internal defence and security-parliament prorogued.

AS the disposition of the nation had been much more favourable to the ministers, in the close of 1797 than at the end of 1796, so at the termination of 1798, they were more generally popular than at any period since the first year of the war. The assessed taxes, having undercampaign. gone so many modifications, were not much felt but by the higher classes, who with few exceptions were favourable to government. Among the middling ranks, and also including some of the lower orders, the loyal associations superinduced a military character on the civil ideas and sentiments of their members, and had a powerful tendency to render them well affected to government and administration, with whom they naturally deemed them

LXIII.

1798.

is silenced.

recover a

popularity.

mert.

selves cooperators in defending their country from foreign CHAP. invasion, and internal disturbance. Discontent was silenced; the subjugation of rebellion in Ireland strengthened the power of the British government: the splendid battle Discontent of the Nile, so gratifying to the generous pride of British patriotism, encircling the whole nation with the rays of glory, reflected part of its lustre on those ministers who had furnished the force and selected the commanders. The contemplation of magnificent victory acquired by national prowess, engrossing the thoughts of the multitude, suspended all retrospective inquiry into the wisdom of the contest, the energy and skill of preceding plans, the consequent events, and the general result of benefit to Great Britain. As our arms had been so eminently successful, Ministers the counsels of the ministers recovered a very considerable high deshare of popularity and applause. Such was the state of gree of things and the disposition of the people, when parliament Meeting of met November 20th, 1798. parliaHis majesty's speech having bestowed the just tribute of applause on the glorious achievements of the campaign, mentioned his hopes that our efforts and successes would inspirit other powers to such exertions as might lead to the general deliverance of Europe. He entertained great expectations from the example of Russia and the Ottoman Porte, which, joined to the disposition manifested almost universally in the different countries struggling under the yoke of France, must be a powerful encouragement to other states, to adopt that vigorous line of conduct, which experience had proved to be alone consistent with security and honour. The supreme objects of parliamentary provisions of Grand ob jects, to finance and force for internal defence, and for invigorating provide for the confederacy which was now forming; and propositions fence, of permanent union between Great Britain and Ireland. strengthThe army demanded for the year 1799, was somewhat conf deras greater and more expensive than for the former. the navy, a hundred and twenty thousand were required, union with instead of a hundred and ten thousand. The assessed Supplies. taxes, from the number of modifications, had failed in ncome productiveness: in lieu of it, the minister therefore pro- objections posed a direct tax upon income, requiring one-tenth on all incomes exceeding two hundred pounds. To this propo- and VOL. IV.

Y y

internal de

ening the

For y, and

form a

Ireland.

tax:

and argu

ments for

against.