The Statesman.
London, England, 1814-08-15 00:00:00

l'A I'ESM N.

which it is now attempted to reduce her mental ener-
gies, we are overrthelmed with melancholy astonish-
ment at the number of those obstacles which are ever
Interposing themselves in the way of human felicity
end Improvem6t, end at the manner in which some
of' the rulers of mantind wish to govern. Whit can we
think of that policy which, instead of endeavouring to
establish a throne of love and power in the grateful
hearts of en applauding, an enlightened,and a happy
people, studies only to fetter and barbarise a nation?
The projectors and advocates of this measure for
• coercing the press in France have not proved its ne-
cessity et the present moment more than at any other
periodor that the new-established monarchy is in any
'danger from the licentiousness of public writers.
Are we to infer from this, that there are such mea-
sures in contemplation as require the previous coer-
cion of the press to insure their success? that in or-
der to lay popular freedom completely prostrate at
the feet of despotic power, it is necessary to bind its
guardian in pearl' chains ? It is not given to man to
read the book of futurity ; but if we may judge of
Ore future by the past, fears may well be entertained
fur the consequences of any measure that lays an on-
; due restriction on the exercise of men's judgments
and opinions, which can only be known by publica-
i time.

CNAMBER OF DEPUTIES, AUG 11• •

Saturday night'i Gazelle contains an account bf
the capture of Moose Island, by a detachment of the
British forces from Hallifax, commanded by Lieute-
etet•Coleoel Ptur-txoTos, assisted by Captain Slit
ous, HARDY, en board his /Majesty's ship
Ran lies, accompanied with two transports, having
co board the 102 d Regiment, under the tdmmand of
Lieutenant-Colonel Ileaßtrs. The affair itself tit
of little imi lance, any farther than as the Island jJt

11.)

'The debates upon the Liberty of the Press were
.resume 4, and the. Minister of the Interior made it"
long speech. He observed, that though the subject
had been well discussed, still it was necessary for Mm
to examine it again, for'the purpose of conciliating
all minds. It is feared that the project will arrest
the progress of knowledge, but consult our history
from the time of Francis the First. The intention of
Government is to cause literature to be respected, by
permitting only writers of esteemed talents to exer-
cise Its profession. Censorship is for those libellists
who are enemies to the peace of families and the
order of society. As, however, the Ist article of
the project has given rise to objections, the King has
charged me to reduce to 20 the number of sheets
composing works free from previous censorship. The;
Minister was astonished that so lively an interest was
taken in behalf of pamphlets and journals. It
weuln be more for their advantage, should they be
independent. Could they [fear them, having it in
their power to pay them better than the public ?
However the King grants some amendments. The
first has been mentioned. The second frees from cen-
sorship the opinions of the Members of this House.
The third, that at the end of the Session of 1816,
the law shall cease,ueless renewed with modifications.

pork
considered as an advantageous military statioui. d.
biding facilities of future+ annoyance to the itisterni
tiettritcrt of the American States. The island iikabotit.
%sr !Wolin length and two in breadth, and ~a said to
be ins state of high cultivation. The militalfutiiidiu
the small fort,. together witktbiallitititc.sui.tla&ialuasiv
did not exceed 330 men, and the whole ported*
is estimated at 1500. Ae the, septets,_ the re,. in
point of number far exceeded .th• .14440 pegostatioa
of the island, the capture can add -bur little lie our