Virginia Argus. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1796-1816, 1806-12-19
VIRGINIA ARGUS.
R c II M o N d:
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 10, 1906.

Europe, seem so obviously to result from
the relative situation and resources OF the
powers engaged, that we arc astonishcd
how any persons, in the least degree ac-
quainted with the affairs OF Europe, should
ne surprised ut the issue. When we rccol-
lect the exploits of France, at time when
all Europe was combined AGAINST her, and
when anarchy prevailed in herinterior, and
discord in her councils, when in this situa-
ton, she compelled Prussia to abandon the
coalition and sue for peace when we re-
collect the rapid overthrow of the Austri-
an power during the campaign of the last
year, who could have anticipated any other
result than the one which has been Witness
ed And yet there are many deluded and
infatuated Euglishmen and friends of Eng
land, who have INDUCED Gathering and
groundless hopes respecting the success of
this last coalition.
We had no hesitation, on the first intel
hgeace ofwarlike preparation, topronouncc
decided opinion, not only the ineiiicacy,
but OF the disastrous consequences which
would ensue from this campaign. We do
not wish an ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF the power
OF France, we believe it is already too
great for the safety of the world but we
believe the impolicy of the British govern
ment has been one of the most operative
causes in producing the evil which we de-
piore. Why did that government refuse
the tulhlment of the treaty of Amiens
why did theynot evacuate Malta? Itwould
have been then time enough, to Glamour a.
bout the perfdy and ambition of France.
1t is difficult to conceive on what foun-
dation, the people of England could have
cunt those towering hopes respecting the
contest between France and Prussia, with
which the London editors appeay to have
been dazzled. From various Accidental
circumstances, Prussia has had a great
name, but she never was great power.
From the prudence and economy of her
first kings, and the talents and enterprise
OF tneir successors, she was enabled to e.
quip numerous and well disciplined army,
and gain some splendid victories but the
preservation of her existence was long in
suspence, and Frederick the great was at
length indebted to accident, for empire and
Tor safety. If the limited extent of his
resources, circumscribed the ambition of
the great Frederick, and compelled him to
renonHce the trade Of war, what was to be
expected from the same power, welded by
ieebier hands, and iii an age when the stu
alton OF things is so much changed.
lhe exalted hopes Of the English editors
appear TO have stimulated their imagina-
TONS, and induced them to conceive that
ehey lived In another age * were cotempo-
raries OF Frederick the great. One the
late London papers, after describing with
much enthusiasm and pomp, the march of
a Prusslan regiment Of Dragons through
Berlin, observes, this is the scme regiment
that so gioriousiy determined tie first
battle fought By Frederick the great at
AfoLs0itz. Now the battle of Molwitz was
fought somewhere about the wear 174O or
Al, that is, Go years ago, and supposing
that each soldier of this regiment was ONLY
20 years Of age at the battle Of Molwitz,
they must now be &c years of age. Such
men must certainly form very veteran
and venerable corps, but ! should appre-
bend, too old for service. After this we
should not be surprised, if tho British 60.
vernment were to send the Duke OF York
at the head Of an army to invade France,
and inform the world chat it was the same
army with which the Black Prince had
gained the battle of Cressy.
IL appears that the king of Prussia, pre-
viously to the commencement Of hostilitics
issued MANIFESTO, explanatory of his
motives for resOrting to arms. This per-
Torrance possesses no merit either in point
Of stile or argument it contains much of
the common place defamation against the
ambition and insidious policy Of France.
As state paper however, it discloscs some
facts which tend to throw light upon the
present politics of Europe and upon the in-
sincerity of courts in general. We shall
therefore endeavor to give an abstract of
such statements contained in it, as we deem
of most importance.
Many of the causes of complaint existed
before any hostile indications on the Dart
| OF Prussia towards France, and arc alrea-
dy well known to the world as the inva-
sion OF Hanover, the violation of the Ger
man territory in the seizure Of the Duke
d'Enghein, laying the Hause towns under
contribution, under the sDecious name of q
loan, the intimidating influence exercised
over Portugal, the seizure Of the British
Minister, Sir George Rumbold at Ham
! burgh, sc.
The manifesto then proceeds, with some
| obscuritv to the immedi t., real and rs we
! believe, the only causes Of the rupture with
I France Tt is well known that tho French
| Emperor after the successful campaign
which terminated in the victory 1T Auster-
litz, and Frustrated the Austrian power,