The National Register.
London, England, 1819-05-09 00:00:00

4'

No. 1179.—V0c. XII.]

FRANCE.
Alp.

Nctre to the consideration of affairs at home, the
political state of France ought to engage an Eng-
sue.ition. Even the growing power and
prosperity of the United States, derived as they are
in part from the frame and spirit of the government,
have lees claim to his notice. It may be asserted
with still greater confislence, that the revolutions
which are in progress or in preparation in the test
of that vast continent, will bear no manner of ones-
parison. And as to Russia, upon whose arms and
policy so much laboured declamation has been em-
ployed of late, it will no more stand in competition
with France, as to the influence its movements may
have upon this country, than the ordinary powers of
man would with those of a steam-engine in lifting
a weight. There is not a vibration in French poll-
ties that does not cause one in the politics of Eng-
land. The two States, from causes we shall not
stop here to cuisine, are so connected, that as tom
es a shock happens to one, it is instantly felt, and
almost with the same degree of violence, in the
other. The same cannot be zhaslutely said of the
United States ; for the mss: violent concussion
there would not have any thing likes corresponding
effect sport this country. The convulsion, that
should cause desolation there, would not produce
any very alarming rise and agitation in the waters
of war policy. The wreck of American liberty
would be a just subject of lamentation to England,
whereas the growing power of the commonwealth
may serve, and useful: , too. to exercise the vigi-
lance of the British government, and stimulate the
euergies of the British public. But here the into.
rest positively ends; though attempts are not want-
ing to produce a very different impression. On the
contrary, this country has more to hope than fear,
snore to gain than lose, by the spread of civilisation
and the triumph of sound principles in America.
The influence of South American transactions is still
less perceptible. And Russia, notwithstanding the
strength of her army, the ambitious character of her
councils, and the magnitude of her resoum•s of
every description offers no serious cause of alarm to
this country. Her government may thwart ours in
some point of negociation ; or may raise envy
agsinit us by exaggerating our power. But as to
striking influence she has none, and will long have
some, upon the vital interests of this country.
Whereas when a pulse beats more strongly than
usual in the body politic of France, it instantly
causes a sensation in England—it affxts her funds;
alarms the government, and inftumes the feelings of
the public.

It is of the utmost importance therefore to obtain
the most accurate information respecting a nation in
whose concerns we have JO deep an interest. This
information is kept back as much a possible; and,
though we shall not throw all the light that is
requisite on the subject, we hope to convey some;
and, in doing this, we shall promote as useful an
object, as comes under the denomination of those
produced by free discuisSon. There is nothing at
the same time would shew in a clearer or stronger
point of view the policy pursued by the British
gesernment, than a full knowledge upon this sub.