The English government presents, just now, a curious phenomenon.
Seeing that the French and English nations are getting rid of the
prejudices and false notions formerly entertained against each other,
and which have cost them so much money, that government seems to be
placarding its need of a foe; for unless it finds one somewhere, no
pretext exists for the enormous revenue and taxation now deemed
necessary.

Therefore it seeks in Russia the enemy it has lost in France, and
appears to say to the universe, or to say to itself. "If nobody will
be so kind as to become my foe, I shall need no more fleets nor
armies, and shall be forced to reduce my taxes. The American war
enabled me to double the taxes; the Dutch business to add more; the
Nootka humbug gave me a pretext for raising three millions sterling
more; but unless I can make an enemy of Russia the harvest from wars
will end. I was the first to incite Turk against Russian, and now I
hope to reap a fresh crop of taxes."

If the miseries of war, and the flood of evils it spreads over a
country, did not check all inclination to mirth, and turn laughter
into grief, the frantic conduct of the government of England would
only excite ridicule. But it is impossible to banish from one's mind
the images of suffering which the contemplation of such vicious
policy presents. To reason with governments, as they have existed for
ages, is to argue with brutes. It is only from the nations themselves
that reforms can be expected. There ought not now to exist any doubt
that the peoples of France, England, and America, enlightened and
enlightening each other, shall henceforth be able, not merely to give
the world an example of good government, but by their united