The enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1804-1815, 1811-07-26
SPECULATIVE VIEWS.

bring elvices to the 28th May and LIST of June,
and though there were no events of bril-
liant character, the little that has been re
ceived throws some new lights on many e.
vents which have for some time been covered
with mystery, and afford Us some glimmer
ings OF the prospective kind.
The British king had become so imbecile
as at his age to leave no prospect of his ever
resuning the reins of power; and the regent
appears to promise, by the reappointment of
the duke of York with some new darking)
to the command ofthe British army, to tread
IN the steps of his father. 1t is very proba-
BILE that like all men invested with power,
he will listen with complacency to those who
are the least disposed TO limit his preroga-
lives; and that his administration will be
accordingly, a patch work. in which the last
fragments of the whig principles will be OBJ
hteraoed, by the amalgamation of wings and
tories in support of the common interests of
the oiiGarchy.
The policy of that government towards
the United States has undergone no change,
nor is any change to be expected, but from
Gle pressure of its necessities or its misfor-
tunes 4 measure proposed by the British
ministers for levying tax on raw cotton,
appears to have been abandoned in Parlia-
ment. But the Orders in Council are con-
tinued. and within few months, more than
40 sail have been carried into England and
placed IN seQuestration for contravening
those orders, in attempting trade with
ports on the continent of Europe, before
winch there was no blockadiug feet in
deed, the greater number have been taken
on the high seas, and on the mere declara-
ton OF being bouRd for any other than
British port
The affairs of Spain and Russia bear the
next greatest interest, and if we can credit
the accounts received through British chan.
neiTtney have been closely connected in their
ettectsAupon each other. For more than two
years past there have been many indica-
liens OF a disposition i'll Russia. 70 listen to
overtuTes calculated TO produce new coali-
ton against France, aud another desperate
war IN the north of Europe. The particu-
lar constitution of the Russian government,
is not generally attended to by newspaper
writers, like the monarchy of England IAN
aosrrtiity in the very term) the government
or Russiais (with like absurdity) called an
onocrdcy. while both in fact are oigarchies.
1t is necessary to note this circumstance, be
cause. II will explain how it is pos
sibie Tor Russia to be involved IN a war a.
gainst the wishes aud inclinations of the EN-
Peror and autocrat The wars of several
centuries Pastin Europe have been brought
about not SO much by the volition of their
kings, as by the corruption of their minis
ters and had Russia been embarked in a
new war. it is through that channel only
It coald be accounted for since the paci-
nc dispositions and the desire of the Russi
an emperor to see the rights Of neutral ma
aons established on tie high seas, are no
torious..
It. is nevertheless, certain, that there are
powerful individuals, on the continent of Eu
rope, dlsconte n Cd with the new order of things
winch has arisen out of the several coalitions,
VINO would adventure upon new wars either
from despair or with the hope of events m ore
propitlous then in preceding wars. Nor can
there be any doubt, whether we consult &C
tuai dispositions or past experience, to sup
pose that such persons would find counsel
Tors asd resources to direct and snstain heir.
enterprizes. The adventure Of the count
GottcrP, formerly king of Sweden, to Eng
land and the Baltic, and the appearance of
British naval force at the entrance of the
Baltic, were only the effects of measures
which had been long very visible in their
operation. in the northern parts of Europe,
and which for a time served to involve
denmark in an alliance with the power that
had contiasrated her capital and stolen her
fleet. The retirement ofthe Bernstorff, from
the Danish councils, indicated violent pa
ratysis OF that government, and at the same
time alarmed and exposed several of the
petty dukes in the neighborhood.
The little municipalities which are always
the victims OF the intrigues of those by whom
they are accustomed to be led, found their
misfortune in listening 70 powers who no
longer held the weight in the scales of Eu-
rope, which they had been accustomed to !;
and the seizure of the duchy of OIdenbury
belonging to member of the family Of the
Russian emperor the annexation Of the
Hanso Towns, anG the formation of depart
ments out of the territories extending along
the mouths of the Weser and Elbe, and the
pressure Of a French force on the duchy of
Eostein. too clearly pointed. out the disco
very Of the designs which the British 90.
vernment contemplated in the north
The movement of the Prussian monarch
with his court for time TO Roningsberg.
and the asssmblage of strangers al that
place--the Interview with British admi
ras. and the steps taken to garrison certain
positions in southern Prussia, were all ob
Jecls of curiosity, and well adapted to excite
Jealousy I; nor were the relaxations repeat
edly Issued by the Pru,sian administration,
mitigating the rigor of the continental sys
tenn. however generous and just in them
selves, adapted TO encrease confidence ia
The disposition Of the court of Berlin, to
support the views of the French dictator :;
while repeated limitations of the political
advantage that would arise from the Prussi-
npower entering intothe Rhensh confe =
deration, being evaded and not complied
with, went still farther to testify GOODNESS
hat wac very aptIv cnnetrusJ i,.O kog,;l;...