STATE OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS.

JOTHING will content the wri- mined in his own mind. He seized

ters of our newspapers; and yet Berlin as an easy and necessary conthey are satisfied with the most im- sequence; but his conquests were to probable reports, if they happen only be secured, the remainder of the Prusto favour the party, which they have sians were to be controuled; Austria adopted. It cannot be supposed, that was to be prevented from moving, if they would fill their papers daily with so inclined; the Russians were to be the repetition of the same absurdities, defeated; and the Poles were to be unless it were presumed, that the formed again into a nation. readers were able and willing to swal- We need only look to the map to low any thing, and of course, that we see, that Warsaw was the place, where may rank among the silliest and most the last part of his great schemes was credulous nations on the earth. The to be unravelled. The Russians had French Emperor has rushed on with their great force to the east of the Visthe utmost rapidity from Paris to tula, that force which Prussia ought Warsaw he has defeated an im- to have secured for itself, before it mense army; taken the capital of a ventured to march towards France. great kingdom, and driven the king They brought back the forces they to a remote extremity of his domi-- had to the west of the Vistula, and nions. Having performed a feat like when Bonaparte entered Warsaw, this, it might naturally be expected, their main body retreated with great that he and his troops would require prudence to some distance from him. and be allowed some repose: but they Bonaparte was to follow them, if he advanced still farther and placed pleased; but he does not commit himthemselves in the capital of another self in this manner for hazards. He great kingdom. Here they fix them- would not move till he had sufficient selves in a position to secure their new conquests, and to keep in check their enemies on every side. But our wise newspapers have found out that this advance of the French is nothing, unless he marches just as rapidly onwards; and if he does not enter Petersburg within less time than a common family, without any other impediments than a few portmanteaus, would take to travel thither in a coach and four, he is no general.

strength to insure succèss; and if Russia could send troops to assist their main body, his columns were also advancing, to form a most formidable army, flushed with success, and desirous of shewing their skill and strength against a new enemy.

But Bonaparte had other resources in view. He was now in Warsaw, the capital of that kingdom, which the three royal Jacobins had a few years ago partitioned among themselves, The fact is, that the French con- while the nations of Europe stood by ceive their plans with great rapidity, in silence, and permitted a brave peobut they do not enter on the execu- ple, endeavouring to free itself from tion of them, till they have been well the errours of its government, to be examined. After they have deter- thus royally enslaved. The delivermined on the execution of a measure, ance of Europe has been the theme it is executed almost as rapidly as it of the enemies of France. Bonaparte was conceived. Nothing, it is now now determined to shew that he was found, could be superiour to the plan, in reality, what the others were only that Bonaparte had formed for the in name. To deliver Europe is a destruction of Prussia, and he did ot sounding expression; to give liberty enter upon it till he was thoroughly and independence to one enslaved weil acquainted with the strength and nation is an action, which speaks for skill of the enemy. He knew that itself.. In Warsaw then, in the midst they were incapable of meeting him in the field, where any thing depended on the skill of his artillery and the rapidity of his evolutions. The battle of Jena only developed to the world, what he had formerly deter

of Poland, he called upon the Poles to shew themselves worthy of freedom, worthy to be again a nation: he called upon them to arm themselves against their oppressors, or rather he put arms into their hands, and called

upon them to use them, as they had done in the times of Sobieski, or lately under the brave Koskiusko. The call was not to be resisted. The Poles hailed the conqueror as their great deliverer. They rush every where to arms, and in a short time a hundred thousand men are added to his standard, burning with zeal to avenge the wrongs of their country. What has been the consequence of this great movement, we are yet to learn. We are so shut out from the continent, and rumours are so multiplied, that we cannot speak decisively upon the present state of the armies. It is said that there has been a battle between the French and the Russians, that the former have been defeated, and that fifty thousand of them were left on the field, hors de combat. It is said also, that the French are afflicted with distemper, that their hospitals are full, and that they have fallen a prey to the Plica Polonica. The latter report is too ridiculous: the disorder is a most dreadful one, but it is rare, and it takes a long time before the patient is reduced to that horrible state, which is peculiarly the case of this disease.

that Bonaparte is not as yet come to the end of his career.

The King of Prussia has still some subjects. Dantzick holds out for him, and he has issued a manifesto, pouring forth promises of reward and disgrace on the remains of his armies. His word goes at present but for little. It is in vain, that he now tells his subjects, that they may be permitted to rank among officers, whether they are noble or not. This should have been done before the battle of Jena, unless he was afraid of disgusting his nobles. Prussia and France have shewn the use of their idle nobility; a distinction, which tended to make bad blood in an army, but not to rouse to noble emulation; an Englishman must smile at this idle distinction: as he knows, that there would be soon an end of our navy, if our brave heroes, after performing a gallant action, were obliged to make out a list of fathers, grand-fathers,and great grand-fathers, who had dosed away their time on their estates, before the list of promotion could be made out. in our country, we ennoble on account of great actions; in other countries, they would confine great actions to nobility. But our nobility is a prize worthy of emulation: their nobility is an idle distinction.

Where we know nothing, it is best to confess our ignorance, and we are likely then to receive the truth, as it advances. We know not the state of Another king is added to the conthe Russian armies. We believe only federates of Germany, Saxony is no of them, that, if there were three ar- longer an electorate, but a kingdom. mies of them two hundred miles asun- At what price the elector gained his der, Bonaparte, with an army equal new title, we cannot say, but we dɔ to one of them, would beat all the not doubt, that the choicest things three just as easily as Philidore used of his museum, and his celebrated to play three games of chess with picture gallery, will find their way to three separate players at the same Paris. He may think himself, howtime, and to come off the conqueror. ever, very happy, that any thing is If the Russians are prudent, they left to him. The part he took at the will endeavour to entice the French beginning of the French revolution to follow them into their own country; but Bonaparte is not likely to be so entrapped. They must either engage him in his strong position by the Vistula, or wait for him till he chooses the time of his attack. In the mean while the organization of the Poles is going on, and the retreat of the Russians may be cut off. It is a very interesting crisis. The bravery of the Russians cannot be doubted; but they have to cope with an enemy of such superior skill, that we very much fear UNIVERSAL MAG. VOL. VII.

would have justified severer measures in a conqueror. The Saxon troops will, of course, assist in the schemes of the French; and the new king may enjoy his title, but he will assuredly find no increase of power accompanying it.

We

The inhabitants of Hesse Cassel are not, it is said, satisfied with their destiny, and partial insurrections have taken place in that territory. must lament such ill-judged efforts. Bonaparte is too strong to be injured 1

by them; but, if he should meet with a check in his present situation, such a spirit in his rear might effectually

cut off his return to Paris.

Hamburgh and, of course, all the trading interest of Germany, is in the greatest distress. A deputation has been sent from this city to the French emperor, to represent the case; but, we can scarcely give credit to the report of their mission in our papers. Bonaparte is represented as having treated them in the most contemptuous manner, as rejoicing at their calamities, as declaring his intention to set commerce aside, and to bring Europe back to its state in the fourth century. But we would ask, is it probable, that the deputies of Hamburgh should get admission to Bonapate? Are they more likely to enter inco conversation with him, than a deputation of Liverpool merchants to gain access to the King of Great Britain, and to hold converse with our sovereign? The thing is improbable on the face of it. The deputies of Hamburgh might be presented to Bonaparte, but the business of their mission would be transacted with his secretaries.

French are at their ease in Dalmatia.. Calabria is not as yet settled. Sicily remains in possession of its king. The summer will enable us to speak more positively on the state of these territories.

Spain, mortified by the loss of its South American territories, will have no great reason to rejoice; should the news, which a secretary of state in London has promulgated, prove to be true. Lord Howick announced that Buenos Ayres had been retaken; how and by whom we are yet to learn. The telegraphic dispatch, which gave the information to the noble secretary, settled also the capture of our army. " We shall be very sorry to have this news confirmed, as we looked upon the acquisition of that country to be an advantage, not only to ourselves, but to the natives of South America. If it is retaken, it must have been by the union of the natives against us, and Spain will find it difficult to reconquer their allegiance.

But we are sick of the turmoils of European politics. The north of America opens to us a prospect, on which the eye of humanity can dwell It is not, however, at all unlikely, with satisfaction. The president of that Bonaparte may entertain very the United States has in a message to different notions of commerce from congress detailed their state; and, if the deputies of Hamburgh, or the they continue in their present progentlemen at Lloyds; and we, in this gressive improvements, that country country, are very much mistaken in will be the abode of liberty and civithe injury we suppose that France lization, when Europe is returned to sustains by the loss of its commerce. the darkness and misery of the fourth If the two powers of France and Eng- century. In this message hopes are land could support their present held out of the return of a good unplans, the one preventing the en- derstanding between England and trance of all British goods on the America; the difficulties are mencontinent, and the other shutting up tioned in ascertaining the limits of the ports of France, still France would have a very great internal trade in corn, oil, wine, silk, linens, and cottons; and Britain, in America, Africa, and Asia, would find a vast field for its manufactures. Both parties, however, will find by experience, that their mode of warfare is against their mutual interests; and if they denounce each other in manifestoes,still there will be found means of providing for each other's wants.

Denmark is strengthening itself: Turkey defending itself against Russia. Greece is expecting deliverance by means of the Russians. The

the Spanish and American governments; and the necessity there is of a strong force in that quarter. In the spring they will have a sufficient number of gun-boats to protect their towns on the sea coast, and it is intended to have such a force in the Mediterranean as will command the respect of the states of Barbary. The Missours has been traced from nearly its source to the Pacific Ocean, and the geography of the country, through which it passes, is well ascertained. The expedition on the red tiver has not been equally successful. The Missisippi and the western water have

been so well explored, that an accu- that part of the world, from one rate map of them will soon be given which has desolated Europe, and disto the public. The Americans are graced every nation professing chriswarned against engaging in expedi- tianity, they have till this time been tions on the slave trade, though the free, and the East India Company is prohibitory act will not take place till entitled on this account to our rethe beginning of the next year, lest spect. To what causes we are to atthey should be involved in difficul- tribute a deviation from this line of ties, attending that commerce, if it conduct we are at a loss to conjecture. should be persisted in after that pe- We can scarcely conceive that the riod. Their treasury accounts are directors at home, or the officers sent short but encouraging: at the close out by them, whether in the civil or of the present year, twenty three mil- military departinent, could have been lions of the principal of their debt will instrumental in the atrocities lately have been extinguished. Accumula- committed at Vellore. We should tion of wealth instead of increase of imagine, that it must have proceeded debt, is a main feature in this speech; from some self-conceited idiculous and it is a singular thing to hear a commander, such as is to be seen on Sovereign talk of the means of em- the continent of Europe, whose whole ploying the revenue of the state to the knowledge of military tactics and of internal advantage of the country, military duties extends only to the The president intimates a design of shape of a button, the set of a coat, employing their superfluous capital the turning of his officers into ladyon the great purposes of education, like gentlemen dressed in fur pemaking roads, digging canals, em- lisses, the turn of a whi-ker, or the banking rivers: he deprecates war; dress of the hair. Such insignificant but, if necessary, thinks its evils coxcombs may give abundant vexaought to be prevented by rapid and vigorous movements, that its burdens may be thrown on those who render necessary the resort from reason to force.

tion to a regiment, by the continued changes in its regimentals, and perpetual attention to trifles; and just as injurious as they are to the discipline of an army in a state of peace, so From the president's message it is efficient are they in the day of battle evident, that America is rising as fast to put an army into confusion, and as as possible, and is likely to avoid the ready to avoid themselves the appearfolly of the man-murdering system of ance of personal danger. Europe. It gave us peculiar plea- But even on the continent of Eusure to find by a special message, that rope, these insignificant coxcombs the negotiation between England and will sometimes meet with mortificaAmerica was going on in a very tion. The royal authority of the cofriendly manner, and that the presi- lonel will not always bend a regiment dent recommended the suspension of to its caprices; and a regiment in the act, prohibiting certain importa- whiskers at night may, at the next rations in the last session. If we are to rade, appear smooth-shaven, and the be shut out of Europe, we hope that colonel must either break the whole America will still be open to us, and regiment or pocket the affront in sithat countrywill be so well employed in lence. Such a thing, we are told, has opening the way to the Pacific, that we occurred: and it is a good lesson for nay be sure of a certain market for our an insignificant coxcomb, who ought manufactures in that quarter, if we to be treated by a brave army with caltivate that friendship, which ought this degree of contempt. Ja India, to subsist between two nations, speak- however, a similar confuct in the e ing the same language and descended lonel of a regiment must be attem lud from the same common ancestors. with mere se ions cone sonces The East Indies have produced a dress of the indoo and bispa piece of intelligence of the most nie- appearance are corne ved vi lancholy nature; and which may be tinctions of cast and ren attended with most alarming conse- dices, and, in and king quences. Whatever may have been feelings may be wounded to a de the faults or crimes of the English in of which we can form no con

in this country. Whether these feel- flag. A serjeant and sixteen men ings are founded in prejudice or not, escaped this massacre,and took possesit seems to be a matter of little conse- sion of the principal gate of the fort, quence, provided the individual un- which, with the arms they had, they deder the influence of them performs fended themselves against all the efthe duty of a good soldier; and to forts of the Seapoys, and sent off inwound these feelings unnecessarily telligence of the fatal event to a regiseems to turn aside the current of al- ment of horse, quartered about thirlegiance, without the least prospect of teen miles off. Early in the morning advantage. the horse appeared before the fort, It may be said, that in England we burst open the gate, and in their turn give a sanction to these measures by murdered every Seapoy they met. making religion enter into our politi- Nearly a thousand men were lost upon cal distinctions, and that, as here no the melancholy occasion; and the one is to have certain civil posts, person who gave the order for shockwithout eating some bread and ing the religious feelings of the Seadrinking some wine in a church poys may enjoy the satisfaction that before dinner, or celebrating, as it it has been followed by an irreparable is called, the Lord's Supper; so it loss to the company and eternal disis right, that in India all religious grace to his name.

distinctions should bend to military It is not only the loss of men, which discipline. We are not advocates the company has to regret upon this for the test imposed in England, fatal measure, it is the suspicions which we consider to be a pro- which it has engendered. The Hindoo fanation of the rite, and injurious sat, comparatively speaking, well saboth to religion and government; tisfied with our government; but he but even, if we were advocates for will now dread an interference in his this ridiculous test, we should by no religious concerns. The sanguinary means think it applicable to the case measures pursued by Christians against of our Hindoo regiments. The fact, each other for some trifling differhowever, in India will come home to ences in their creed, will, he must the bosom of all who would wish to fear, be renewed against the idolator, separate men by their religious opi- who worships a trinity, not under the nions, giving countenance to one set name of God the Father, God the above another, or, finding religious Sen, and God the Holy Ghost, but prejudices strongly fixed, would at- under three Indian names of different tack them by the arm of military dis- import. The merits of the Indian cipline or civil authority. and the popish trinity may become The circumstances of the massacre the reasons for a massacre, just as at Vellore are not as yet fully deve- wisely as the cut of a whisker, the loped. The outline is simply stated shape of a turban, and a new Calvin to be this, that orders had been issued become the murderer of a new Serrespecting the turbans, the marks of vetus. We will, however, hope, that cast in the forehead, and the whiskers the East India Company will make of the Scapoys. These regulations strict enquiry into the cause of this had excited considerable dissatisfac- deviation from its rules; that they tion; and it was apprehended, that they could not be enforced without great difficulty. The Scapoys at Vellore were determined, it seems, to resist the attack, and being fearful, that they should be soon reduced to the necessity of having their whiskers shorn and their un bans altered, they anticipated the aggressors by a most terrible revenge. In the dead of night they fixed upon the armed European officers and soldiers in the barracks, murdered a vast number, seized their velty. A curious thing has transpired arms, and hoisted the Mahometan in the commercial world, which is ra

will discard from their service every man who dares to make his religious opinions the rule of faith for another person, or uses force against the innocent prejudices of the natives; and, as Europe is beginning to see the folly of permitting religious differences to enter into questions of civil govern ment, they will not introduce into india any thing that bears the least resembiance to religious intolerance.

Domestic occurrences have little no