The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1843-09-25
DESIGNS OF THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT

While Great Britain is inimaing deterni-
nation 10 contend for our Oregon territory
ours, clearly and Justly; while she is endeavor-
ing 10 negotiate a lr, ally with Texas for the
ayowed purpose-avowed bv her Mnst rs-of
abolishing slavery in the United States, II be-
comes amatter of some importance 10 scrutinize
her motives and designs.
Those who are familiar with European hiso-
~, must remember what Were the motives and
designs Of the BRUSH Government when II OPP
posed the revolutionary movements IN France.
The Ministry at that day considered the spread
Of Democratic principles emlnently dangerous
10 the interests of monarchical Governments,
and asserted that they were only acting in self
defence, to embrace every opportunity and
means in their over to arrest their dissemina-
ton. 1t was her hatred and dread of Re-
publican institutions which instigated Great
Britain to fomenl the against France. II
is true, that when Napoleon was crowned,
France ceased to be Republic but, neverlhe-
less, the spirit of innovation still exisled-the
tide Of conquest rollt d on, and old dynasie.
were uprooted. HeIce il was hat Great Bri-
tain continued the war until the old order OF
things as re-estabIished. She contributed her
blood and treasure, though none of her terrific
res were invaded, TO crush the spirit OF innova-
lion which threatened, at some future day, TO
inst itself into the breasts of her own subjects
In all this the motive was palpable-it was nat
ural-and her designs were fully accomplished.
If, Notwithstanding the enormous sacrifices
exacted by The in6del Republican leaders in
France-he appalling spectacles of cruelty and
bloodshed exhibited by lhem-Great Britain yet
dreaded the contagion of public opinion adverse
TO monarchcal Governments, how much more
reason has she to fear the peaceful, rapid, and
prosperous growth of Republican institutions in
our coun:ry2 Emigranls from all quarters OF
the earth daily landing on our shores, and Ia
king up their abode among us. Subjects of
,ax-burdened European nations stand erect,
free, and happy, on our productive soil. And
they not only communicate the advantages OF
their location 10 their distant kindred and friends
by letters and newspapers, but the facili les al
torded by steam navigation enable them, as
well as our native citizens, to hold personal IN
tercourse with the inhabitants Of Europe, with
greater expense, than was incident to the Peo-
pie of England who forty years ago, visited
The Continent No wonder, then, that Great
Britain shotd regard the example and influence
of the American People with the same jealousy
and dread that she did the rapid strides of Napo
leon TO universal empire. She naturally looks
upon lhe;union of oar States as another Confed-
Grafton Of the Rhine, and doubtless entertains a
desire to d. tach some of tn. m from the Confed-
eracy. And hence we should not be surprised
a, the Efforts Of the foreign philanthropists,
who, under The guise of the best motives in the
world, would huh the brand of discord among
our citizens.
The British Government has proclaimed 10
the world thar, in n golaing treaty with
Texas, the design Is TO procure the abolition of
slavery in The United States. How careful of
our interests A parent could not be more so
Ii made treaties with Austria, Prussia, and
Russia, to limit the boundary of France TO The
Rhine. But when the armies ofthe allies reached
the Rhine, they crossed ii-march, to Paris
restored the old dynasty, and The British Gov
ernment with mogndnimify destined TO an
eternity Of fame, chained its great rival on a
dreary rock in The ocean, where he persisted
Should Great Britain pour into Mexico and
Texas one half the amount of The subsidies |
voted to Austria and Prussia, there will be no
want Of bayonets TO second the operations Of her
phiianthropisfs.