The British Press; or, Morning Literary Advertiser.
London, England, 1803-03-09 00:00:00

Felo7.lEr

• .• .
Great Britain. By colonial service wefts^ for the .'
purpose of redwing St, Domingo, of ItakinS Pos-
seSsion of. Louisiana, &c. and the grounds to which
we allude are these. The Message states, that “ dis-
cussions of great imporrance are now subsisting be-
tween his Maim v and the Government of France,
the result of whirl' is at present uncertain:"—
These important discussions clearly comprehend
Malta. Egypt, and the Commercial Treaty. Ad-
mitting then the ultimate object of the preparations
to he really Colonial service, see what the etre& of
such an accumulation of force opposite our Coast
must be ? It is an assumption, upon the part of
France, of a commanding att-ituele to influence these
discussions, and to enable her to chtain her own terms.
This point gained, then the ft tut would sail, no doubt
for Colonial service ; but 1 :ance failing in that ob-
jet, would be ready to renew the War with every ad,
vantage, and stand prepared for the immediate inva.
aim of Englatid. In either case, measures of precau.
Lion are absolutely .necessary, un the part of the Bri-
tish Government. Whether Erennus intends to draw
his sword upon us, or' to throw it into the scale, we
must 4.• equally prepared in either case. Though
this declaration on the part of the British Govern-
,
111.. wit was unexpeCted at the =went, yet every re-
fleeing mind must have foreseen that things must
at last take this turn, Even though so such alarm-
ing military preparations were making, it was im-
possible to listen for ever in silence to the offensive
language of the French Go•.-ernment. One day we
are told, that France must assume the attitude of
Minerva, " the helmet on her lead, and the lance
in its rest " Another day, we are threatened with
the vengeance of .580,000 men, because Lord Gap:-
vit.i.E and Mr. WihnliANt dare to speak in Par-
liament; and but yesterday the official journal told
us, we must change our Laws and Constitutign.—
Laying aClions aside, surely language like this could
not be listonad to forever in silence, without compro-
mising the spirit, honour, and charaEter of England,
and with them, her safety and very existence! The
English Government, after having exercised a most
exemplary patience, has at length spoken out, not in
scurrilous diatribe's, but in language suited to the
dignity of the nation. It disdains to measure words
with the French Government, hut it has declared its
resolve to be prepared to measure swords. It does
not wish to provoke aggression, but it wishes to be
ready to repel it, and to shew France that she has
nothing to expea from measures of intimidation.
What the result may he, it is impossible to foretel ;
but our idea of the comparative situation of the two
countries, would lead us to conclude in favour of
the continuance of Peace. A war would, in its first
efforts, sweep away all the colonies of France—it
would sweep away her fleet, and dry up the
sources to which she lately looked for—wealth .
and natal greatness. War would, therefore, be ,
premature on the part of France.—lf she che-
rishes an hostile intent towards England, she
will fi.td her advantage in delaying its execution un-
til a n-.cre convenient season—until the Swiss are
icon sled to their new Constitution--until the Em.

rt.Roit has forgot 1.h2 c.uttiog and carving (~f Ger-
many—untii Malta is surrenjered, .tai the French
Power consoli _fated in St. llorningo and LouiSiana.
These and many other reasons indixe us to think, that
an immediate war will not be the issue of the present
discontent and jealousy between the two nations. If,
however, such should be the result, we shall meet it
with many advantages. No man in England will ;
tion the justice and necessity of the war. its cause
•
will be clear And confessed, It \will be a wale tea
the existence of England--a war accompanied with
a convidion, on the mind of ecry Britih subjed,
that France will not suffer us to live in peace..
Yesterday we received New York papers to the
9th February, from winch we have made a few
extra(ts,
A most interesting neoate is expeaed This even,
ing ist t'7.4t House of Commons upon his MaJisTv's
Message. The Vs'indham party, it is supposed,
will Litie occasion to boast the fulfilment of their '1
prophecies, and this, it is expelled, will tall up Mr.
Fox, who pledged himself last night, at the Whig .
Club, to itavocate the continuance of peace. '
Yesterday a Court of Directors was held at the
East India Iloase, which adjourned at five o'clock,
till dins day. Lord WILLIAM dined
with the Diredors at the Crown and Anchor.
Yesterday a Court pi Aldernran was held in the
Cllntssbyr of the G ui idhall,present the Lo R D Al A v 9a,
17 Aldtmnea, iheriffs, and Mr. Hesorder.
The cow:
.I.r.tvinlg inspeEted the Nealweighers' re-
turns, ordet;ed the price of Bread to be continued
the same as last week ; viz. 9d. the Quartern Loaf.
Two per.ons were allowed of; alai turn persons
were sworn ioto the office of Brokers.
A petition was presented from the Coal
pers, praying some necessary regulations to be
rnadei.was,4,....td and referred to a 4.'otynittee.
No other business was dope, except ordering
rad Tradesniens Dills XO be paid.
A r:ry considerable OrpreoiOn in else price of
I,ndia Stock, toolt place on Monday-4 circum..
stance which
.nicited some 44nqui7 and Anxiety in
the city, \\.e believe the Alp .cause of this flughsa-
tion, was the briuging ,to snagket a large pantity ,
in consequeOce 4 the teem of
two eminent .cammerci4l houses, with'•
East India affairs, and for the acconusioditioi-Of
which very great exertions have been ftwie by
some large stocklaraldnrs, To this chicusestatace is 1
to :he attributed the dispropoliignatg fa cj this
stock below the other ,Pnislif
.rands,