Virginia Argus. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1796-1816, 1806-11-25
PARIS, Set. 20.

Europe now every moment exhibits a
spectacle more and more strange to the at
tcntion Of observers. On whatever side we
turn our eyes, we find contradictions to eX-
plain and problems to resolve.
England still testfies desire OF making
peace, and her writer's never cease preach-
ing the prosecution o. the war; she pre-
pares distant miiitar, expeditions, at the
very time that she keeps negociator of
the first distinction at Paris.
Russia has just refused the peace she had
demanded; and is condemned to inacton
as long as she is bereft OF field OF battle
wherein to seize again the advantages and
the military rcnown She has lost.
Prussia is at war only with Sweden, but
their warfare has more the appearance of
squabblc among ciizehs, than of con-
test between kings. And, however, she is
augmenting her armies, and making such
preparations as would m Ike one think she
proposes nothing less than to attack the
first power of Europe.
Whilst these three potentates are seDa-
rateiy discussing their interests with France,
they seem to be combining common ALI
ance. But they are among themselves in
a false, uncertain and wavering position,
before an enemy whose policy is fixed and
whose force depends upon himself alone
We should be less sstonisned to behold
Russia and England concerning means of
attack agei',>t an enemy whom they should
equally have to engage. But can the cause
the interests AMI the principles OF Prussia,
ever agree with those Of England and Rus
STA! The past proves the contrary, and the
future will no doubt confirm the experience
Of the past.
Is Prussia in more favorable position
with regard to those with whom she wish
es to unite to-day, and against the enemy
whom she should dare to afFront Does she
really mean TO turn her arms against the
power who has supported her for these fiji
teen years past against the hatred. envy
and indignation OF al the states OF Europe !?
Does she again intend to decev We allies by
clandestine enga gements, which she means
to break, at a favorable moment or is she
In her turn falling into a snare which they
are L. ing for her, to be revenged of her
past conduct? Pubic opinion has only the
alternative OF this double sentiment until
time removes the veil which yet conceals
the truth.
In sound policy, the resolution, for Prus-
STA, TO be the focus, aud the advanced post
OF continental war, seems rs dangerous
as 1t is tardy.-Shc set out IN the war of the
moment BETRAYED her system. As long as
Austria and France kept an equilibrium,
she quietly reaped the fruit of her crooked,
avaricious and fluctuating policy; but Aus
tril once conquered, Prussia necessarily
lost the Importance Of meIiatrix whom
they equally managed perhaps at the same
time that they both equally despised her.
In these principles she bore no power sin
ccre friendship: and none will doubt but
that she would have again pursued the
same system, had the same circumstances
again presented themselves. This should
serve as a compass in the negotiations
which any power may embark in with
her.
The Prnssien cabinet, although fortunate
in its speculations, has still made less dupes
thanit thinks. France has paid for its neu-
trality in such manner as to show it was
sincere but she thought this ccmpaisance
more conformablc to her interests and bet
ter calculated to restore the general peace
of Europe. She did like that Lacedemo-
Man general, who seeing corps o. young
men disposed to deliver up post to the e.
ncmy, contented himself with assigning
them another, where lac took care TO have
them watched. What other cabinet could
Prussia deceive; is it that Of ST Jancs's,
when, instead Of sharing the dangers as She
shared the project of che last war, she stole
into the field after the battle, to carry of
the fruits Of the victory, and to share the
spells of the yanquished She still keeps
Hanover, and yet she would mediate an
alliance with England Her ports are still
b,ockadcd by the Swedes, and yet she
would call them to her succor! She would