The Statesman.
London, England, 1812-04-20 00:00:00

LONDON:
XOND APRIL 20, 1812.

FLAG OF"ritecr..

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four.foofr forthwith wa hh who,e
ton theurwe
otl Admiralt
this
s com-
municationat
without open.
f
has not transpired. But it is thought
tdiDpthii
of oasgeYptavt
that it relates to something of more importance than
an Exchange of Prisoners ; and this opinion we ate
inclined to adopt, as it is extremely probable that
BONAPARTE, following up his former practice, wishes
to make it appear that he is willing to negociate with
this country for peace, before striking the blow which
we have no doubt he meditates. We expect nothing
good, however, to result from this attempt at concilia-
ticu, as long as the present Ministers are in power.
They have avowed their determination to carry on the
war whatever this should lead to ; and if they do not
take a lesson from the awful events which are daily
passing before them, nothing, we are persuaded, will
divert them from their purpose. We are inclined to
repose every confidence in the talents of Earl WEL.
LINGTON, and in the bravery of our troops. But we
cannot forget that the French are also brave, and
that their Generals are consummate in the art of war.lf
theu,by mere numerical force,we should be overpower-
ed ; if that army which should constitute our national
bulwark, should be destroyed, which_is by no means
an impot•sible event, we beg to know from the pre-
sent advisers of public measures, how a loss so in-
calculable could be repaired ? We are threatened
with invasion. It is an undeniable fact, that a
powerful French armament is equipping for the very
purpose.; and how arc our wise Ministers preparing
to meet an event of •that nature ? Have not their in-
fatuated schemes produced insurrection in different
parts of the kingdom ? Are not anarchy and tu-
mult daily.becoming more general ? Are not Minis-
ters *at td wary application-fere tlit relief of thott-
sands, famishing and languishing under every species of
poverty and distressby measures as rashly adopted a,
they arc obstinately persevered in ? The discontent;
throughout England are almost universal ; and what
is the state 'of Ireland.? The Catholics, who consti-
tute the great mass of the population of that unhappy
con n try, and who also ionstitute at least a third
part of these heroes who so nobly support, by sea
and laud, the glory and interest of the United King-
dom, have repeatedly applied to Parliament, but
• without effect, for a removal of fir di.abilities under
which they so unjustly labour. It is well known
that PITT allowed the justice of their Claims. It"
equally well known, that the Yntact repeatedly and
unequivocally declared himself favourable to their
cause. The present Minister', -however, are reso
lutely determined in their opposition to ultimatelymeasure,
which the safety of the Empire mey
depend. The imPolicy of this conduct cannot f
be
'justified by any ground of argument. The cry o
1" No Popery," will in vain he- resorted to.
FA?
l•-that of 66 the Church in danger," is to be found o&1
in the months of some furious bigots, and ministerial
dupes. The idea is indeed repugnant to commoa
sense. Can any rational 'non, for a moment. serios-
ly helicve, that a fevv Catholic; in our Houses
t°.t
Parliament, could ever effect a change in our Cons
II
tution, either in Church 'or State? The chimerical