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That she must bend beneath a foreign yoke,

If by CORRUPTION, her proud spirit's broke ;
Or, that her sons, to desperation driv❜n,

Will seek, by force, those rights by Charter giv'n?
Who could extinguish then the dreadful flame?
Who the wild spirit of the People tame?
From fatal blindness let us now awake,
When all that's dear to Britons is at stake;
Let us the proffer'd olive branch receive,
And by REFORM, our tarnish'd name retri eve;
By WAR we are to certain ruin huild,
Disgrac'd, despis'd, unpitied by the world.
Buckinghamshire.

AMOR PATRIE.

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not be seriously contemplated without hopel ss dismay, seems to form the grand object of the parliamentary session.-The representative interests of the country would appear to be confined to authorising chemes of finance of an almost unbounded extent, and of course, fraught with the eventual ruin of the people. To speak of the extravagant wasting of public money, of the corrupt purposes for which it is expended, and the grinding system of taxation by which it is fur nished, is now become so very trite, so tamely common place, that it makes but little more impression on our thinking "people" (as they have been phrased) than the usual cursory remarks on the prevailing weather. What is all this RETRENCHMENT AND REFORM. senseless apathy, this base supineness, Mr. COBBETT. The gross mis ma this stupid direliction of public spirit nagement of the political concerns of the owing to? To say that we are degeneUnited Kingdom of Great Britain, seems rated, is a simple affirmation of an to have acquired a sort of sanction from undeniable fact; but it would be impor habit, so that all animadversion on the tant to state the cause of the degeneracy, subject is deemed hackneyed, is regarded for the purpose of retracing our wayward as a story too often told to interest fur- steps, that some chance may be afforded ther attention. But, Sir, you know very of the British Isles being once again will, that the axioms of morals are not inhabited by Britons; that is to say, by less steady in their influence than those a people worthy of those, who by manliof physics, and that if it be physically ness, simplicity, courage, and wisdom, impossible to render unequal means ade- acquired the renown that raised and esquate to given ends, so is it alike imprac-tablished the British name and character. ticable to pursue ruinous courses of conduct, without ultimately incurring the inevitable ruin, attending such moral necessity. Is not, therefore, the scheme of expending national treasure at the rate planned by the British Government, so widely unequal to the resources of the country, that it must, sooner or later, induce unavoidable ruin? Can the individual having five hundred pounds a year, afford to expend at the rate of five thousand? Would he who could be at once so profligate and entertain an idea of lasting solvency, he deemed compos mentis? Would not the Lord Chancellor No character is so despicable, either of these realms, on application for that in self estimation or in public opinion, aș purpose, issue a decree of lunacy against the person who accepts a pecuniary conthe person who would attempt to vindi- sideration for indefinite services. In nacate such an insane procedure? If small tive and in honourable feeling, the Galley things then may be compared with great, slave is a magiranimous being, compare l what a dwarfish case of wasteful and wild to such a revolting wretch. The seuexpenditure is this, compared with what tenced slave, has his person only fastene i is gravely, is indeed legislatively, done to the Galley, whilst his mind may be as and doing by the existing mode of Go- free as the air he breathes, and alive to vernment? To provide for the exigen- every just and generous sentiment that vies of the day, without regarding the constitutes the genuine pride and ornatremendous workings of a debt that can-ment of human existence; but the bought

This luckless degeneracy has for the most part grown out of the miserable taxing system, and the consequent unblushing dissipation of public money for ends and objects, at irreconcilable variance with the constitutional laws and liberties of the land. Money is a powerful ongine of corruption, and the immense sums that have been wrung from the labours, and from the necessities even, of the people have been audaciously employed in purchasing, pensioning, and enslaving a large portion of the political independence of the country.

and authorises its application; but British apathy and corruption have at least suspended, if not annulled this sacred privilege. If this master right were fully resumed, corruption, in all its forms and degrees, would soon shrink out of sight, and quickly cease under its beneficial influence; and without it no radical or lasting amendment can be effected,

less places, pensions, and emoluments, as the morbid excrescences of a corrupt and vitiating Government. The labourer is, indeed, worthy of his hire, but there should be no worthless hirelings for simister purposes. The indispensable of fices of Government should be frugally filled, and the most rigid economy should be observed in every department of the State. A system of Government founded on public justice and economy, will sustain itself by its own importance to the people. It becomes at once the basis of social order and of all public and private virtue. It will therefore be invulnerably

and sold parasite, the dangler after pelf at the expence of all morality, possesses not a feeling but what degrades him beneath the beast of the field, and marks him out as an object of universal disdain and contempt. How is this annihilating degeneracy to be reclaimed? You, Sir, have often answered the question, and if your admonition had been adopted, this country would have been at the present-Retrenchment means lopping off usemoment, at once the model and envy of the civilized world. You, Sir, have repeatedly said, that an unrestrained liberty of the press, a real annual representation of the people in parliament, with such retrenchment and economy in the national expenditure, as would supersede all necessity for burthensome taxation, would strike the hydra evil at its very source, would regenerate our fallen state, and cause our once happy nation, Phenix-like, to emerge from the ashes of its own destruction, into resuscitated purity, vigour, and prosperity.-Why then is not this remedy tried? Can there be any risk in the experiment? America has furnish-secure; the shafts of falsehood will not ed a convincing proof of the beneficial reach it, whilst the purity of truth will effects of an unshackled press. It is, imperishably establish it. The American indeed, true, that it prints a great deal of Government has this sort of moral secufalsehood; but then it also fearlessly tells rity, and will continue to have it as long the whole truth, which infinitely counter- as it shall retain its present equitable and balances and destroys the influence of enlightened system of legislation. Its inwhat is false. It is the liberty to publish trinsic worth will be its stable support, the false, and the restriction imposed on and all the powers on earth. will not be making known what is true, that do all able to overthrow it whilst it remains true the mischief. Mr. Sheridan once affirmed to the sacred principles of freedom on in the British House of Commons, that which it is bottomed. Let the decrepid, with the aid of a free press, he would defy the mutilated, and debased parent re.whatever fleets and armies, state in- ceive wholesome instruction from its offtriguers, spies, parasites, and traducers, spring. Let America, in all its youth and that might be marshalled against him; vigour of legislative wisdom, admonish with that weapon alone, he would repel the councils of the British Government them all, would strip them of their ima- to unshackle the press, to give truth an ginary power, and triumphantly hold unlimited imprimature, to be real in its them up to merited derision and execra- representation, to be annual only in its tion! By a real and an annual represen- legislative confidence, to abolish all usetation all the sham work and foolish less expences, to be economical in all the mockery of a wise institution would be out-goings of the State, to bring taxation avoided, whilst the shortness of the sit- within the moderate and natural limits ting would soon repossess the electors of prescribed by the unavoidable disbursethat suffrage which they would take care ments of Government. Then, indeed, to confide where it would not be likely to and not till then, will the political condabe abused. By this only wise and poli- tion of the British realms be regenerated tic mode of procedure, an incessant check and become worthy of her American sons, would be imposed on the representative, whose inimitable greatness, however, it and the represented would be always able must be confessed, originated from a to correct the faults of representation. | virtuous abandonment of British degene The British Constitution has provided thisay.

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guardian principle of political justice,

A TRUE BRITON.

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No WAR WITH FRANCE.

try before the last war, and to compare it with the present. Let us also compare the state of France at the commencement of the war with its present state. MR. COBBETT.-It is with pleasure France had then innumerable difficulties I see the praiseworthy and patriotic exer- to grapple with; a civil war, an unsettions you are making to avert that dread- tled government, no armies prepared for ful evil, at this eventful crisis, a war with war, comparatively speaking, no experiFrance to reinstate hereditary imbecility enced commanders to direct even those on the throne of that fine country. I armies, and her finances in a bankrupt trust your endeavours will prove success- state. But now all is tranquil within ful. Surely the evils that have befallen her borders; a man of sublime and this country, during one and twenty years peculiar energies is placed upon the of war, will teach our ministers modera- throne, who has the confidence and artion, and prevent them from madly dent affections of his subjects; numerous rushing into a war, for the express pur- veteran soldiers, panting to be led forth to pose of placing upon the throne of France battle, to wipe off the disgrace which has a man, who has no other title to it, than been cast upon her by foreign soldiers polthe proud claim of legitimacy. They luting her soil and her capital with their have not, now the fallacious pretext to presence as Conquerors, are at her com justify themselves, that the people of mand; also experienced Commanders France are sighing for the " paternal who have risen from the ranks to exalted government of Louis," or that Napo- diguity solely by their merit. Her finanleon's ambition is so unbounded, that an ces are in a flourishing state, having honorable or advantageous peace cannot scarcely any debt to contend with. Inbe concluded with him; for he has deed in the midst of war she alone has declared by the advice of his council, prospered in every thing. England was that he will faithfully observe the plunged into a war when France had all treaty of Paris. He says, "his own those evils I have enumerated, and many "sentiments are contrary to that, but he more, to contend with, and yet what has "will wave them, as it is considered been the result? We have come worsted advantageous for France to remain at from the contest; our debt has enor "Peace," and he has renounced all idea mously increased, and our means of deof aggrandizement by conquest. The fraying the expences of the state decreasprogress of Napoleon with a small band ed. As that has been the result of the of followers from Frejus to the Metro- last war, it cannot be doubted that worse polis itself nearly across the whole ter- will be the consequence if we madly rush ritory, is so great a manifestation of the into another war against human liberty. national will in his behalf, not only of If we are desirous of preserving our honsoldiers, but likewise of the people, that our, our country, our independence and it must be allowed, if ever man was cal- liberties, let us attempt to stem the tored to the throne by the voice of a nation rent of evil and to preserve ourselves from that man is Bonaparte Even the a destructive war, ruinous in its tendengreatest sticklers for Louis are con- cy, and infamous in its principle, being strained to acknowledge it, and as they contrary to our Constitution, because it are forced to abandon the subterfuge of would be a war against the principles Napoleon's tyranny, they dispute the which placed the house of Brunswick on right of every nation to choose its own the English Throne. Let us then implore Sovereign; a right which our own con- the Prince Regent, that England may not stitution ensures to us, and which has be made a party in war against France, been exercised in calling our present in consequence of France having changRoyal Family to the throne. But over-ged the head of her government, by calllooking all this, and regardless of the ing Napoleon to the throne, and expelling consequences, it is to be feared that mi-Louis XVIII.

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nisters are determined to renew the war, for the purpose of interfering in the internal affairs of France. With such prospect before us, it becomes every one to take a view of the state of this coun

Your's, &c.

CHAMPDEN.

HOPES OF PEACE.

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velopes it, to diffuse around its readers vitiate every sense of smell and taste. It an atmosphere of foetid stink that shall is an indispensable preparation,even with the loathsome insects who usually feed · The people, generally, with a vague upon, and live in, its muck and effiuvia. stare, observe," I suppose we must go to war; but, if we do, we are ruined." This is the common language. Those who are thus persuaded have little need. in order to entertain right apprehensions, except to examine the word must. Wh must we? Is it because Bonaparte wil have it so? Of this, there is not the least proof. Let them consider this, and they will serve their country. they are, they will not be effectually opposed by vermin and the Times. Why must we? Is it because we will have it so? Aye, that is the true question. Will you, then, have it so? Why? Give a

Men as

MR. COBBETT.--We have again been favored with precious specimens of the elegancies of the Times, which would only occasion a few smiles on the countenance of taste, were it not that they have the most wicked and diabolical tendency; were they not dictated by the most sordid and scandalous view; to mere gain arising from the blood, and misery of human beings; and, were they not indications of the degradation and vulgarity of the English character, as exhibited by the more wealthy part of the community. It is almost incredible, but it is most true, that the elegancies of the Times are exactly suited to the Meridian of our Nabobs, our West-India Planters, our Gentlemen, and our Lord ships. It is certain, therefore, that the education of our country has woefully degenerated, and that the generosi, the ingenui homines ; the viri culti, et liberalis it, for you must say that it is for Louis, institutiones; are no longer to be sought or against Bonaparte. You dare uot say for in the higher ranks of the British pub-it, unless you have the foul impudence of lic, since they, like dumb sows, can eat the worms fed by the Times, who are up all the draff of Billingsgate, and fit only to be trodden under your feet. the Times. I speak not of opinions, What have you to do with Louis or Bonabut of taste; with opinions we should parte? Will you say that you dread a have no quarrel. The pen would cor- man of talents, and can you find security. rect them. But when slavish opinions only in a fool, as the Ruler of France? are dressed in all the drabbery of the Well, are you quite sure that the race of vilest canaille, and the little great are the one will all possess talents, and the enraptured with the whoresor gabardine, dynasty of the other continue focls to the honor, and taste, and virtue recoil, and end of time? Do not say it. The doltshun the loathsome spectacle. The efish skull of a Times-editor alone can forts of eloquence and literature are palsied, and retire before the tousled hag, the queen of the vulgar great.

But this is not the object of this letter, Sir,norhasit been suggested by the deadly loathing, which any one, with a spark of gentlemanly policy, must experience from the sight of the trash of the Times. My purpose is to speak to the probability of the continuance of peace in the present circumstances.

reason. You have not the face to utter

contain such a lampoon on the one, and such an encomium on the other. Of such ideotism the Times and its admirers give precious specimens every day. No, the people of England, though somewhat stupified, are not for war, which, without doing any good, may ruin them.

2. I augur, from Lord Fitzroy Somerset's continuance in Paris, that the Goverument does not mean to go to war. No event has lately given me more pleaI freely confess that I have much good sure than this, which is an evident proof reason to expect that the nation will not of the peaceable disposition of some of now be plunged into war. Allow me to our rulers. It: shews their wisdom and state those reasons for the consideration magnanimity more than anything they of your readers.I. The general sentiment have hitherto done. Indeed, thinking out of the augean stable of the mob that only of their probable love of war, and swallows the ordure of the Times, is not their late disappointment as to the safor the recommencement of hostilities.pient settlement of Europe; considering This is evident from the necessity which also the turbulent passions of the venal the Times evidently feels of an extraor-supporters of violent measures, by which dinary stirring up of the mind that in- they profit so much, and the stupor of the

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Charles Fo

majority of the public; I could scarcely | some illustrious examples.
believe the fact that Lord Somerset had was in a course of refinement and me-
remained in France at the seat of Go-lioration to the last moment of his life.
vernment. I confess, I did not expect Lord Grenville, who began his career
such an indication of good sense. Was it with William Pitt, may be suspected of
possible, that our governors should have not having set out well. But, assuredly,
surpassed, in prudenoe and greatness of he has seen his error, and, with some
mind, the warmest lovers of peace? They remaining objectionable points, is be-
certainly have, for I would lay a bet that come an upright statesman, a real pa-
not one of us would have before-hand triot-though sometimes mistaken-and
suggested the measure. We sincerely an upright friend of the constitution and
thank you, generous rulers. In this you liberties of his country. With those,
have done well; you have done admirably. there is, I think, much reason to class
Am I not then justified in believing that Lord Liverpool. Often have I wished he
we have solid grounds for expecting the could free himself from his present as-
continuance of peace? Besides, it is cer-sociates, that the bent of his changed
tain that our government communicates
with that of France.

-

3. If report speaks truth, my Lord Liverpool is a decided friend of peace. You will not scruple to admit some eulogium on this nobleman, although you, as well as I, disapprove of many of his political principles and practices. In truth, Lord Liverpool wears an improving character, and is likely to become a true and enlightened friend of his country, of its peace and liberty. There are not many men of this description, for the common course of human nature is from good to better, or from bad to worse, as habits acquire force and ascendancy. Good and ingenuous minds only are capable of the change from bad to good, while they must be vile indeed which can change from good to bad. Of this last description are our evangelical politicians generally. They appear to have commenced with some grains of conscience. They have degenerated with evident timidity. They feared to plunge. But they have almost all plunged into the gulph of political depravity, and there taken their natural course, immersing deeper and deeper in the sink of corruption. Of those who were originally bad, and who, in due course, increased in delinquency, are too many public characters of the present day to admit of consideration. Of those who have refined with time, and have even been changed by experience and reflection, there are

At

disposition might have free course.
this time, I think it almost providential,
since he continues to retain his inclina-
tious for the right, and not the wrong,
that he has remained in the midst of these
men that he cannot help despising. He
may make the ascendancy of his incipient
and aspiring virtue triumphant over
them, and over the confines of efts, newts
and tadpoles that gulp down the, sordes
of the Times. The time is coming when
Lord Liverpool will either direct the
course of this nation in peace, and wis-
dom, and reform: or protest against its
madness, and folly, and corruption, and
stand as a bulwark, with other patriots,
against its fall, or be buried gloriously in
its ruins.

Such are my reasons, in short, for
hoping a continuation of peace. Perhaps
I may trouble you again, and am, in the
mean time,
Your's,

HORTATOR.

P.S. I forgot to tell you, that it is my intention to publish, about once in a quarter of a year, a collection, price 2s. with this title," Elegancies of the Times," with notes explanatory, laudatory, and critical; to perpetuate to future ages a specimen of the taste of the wealthy British at this period. Your readers will oblige me by subscribing for this work without delay, and you will, I hope, request your publisher to take their names. (This is serious.)

Printed and Published by G. HouSTON: No. 19, Strand; where all Communications addressed,
Editor are requested to be forwarded

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