STATE OF THE PUBLIC MIND IN ENGLAND.
At the commencement of this year, and even as late as the month of August, when it was known that the French monarch was deposed, there appears to have been no disposition on the part of government to take part in the war against France. On the contrary, in pursuance of a recommendation from the throne, the army and navy were reduced; and when our ambassador was ordered to leave Paris, on the virtual extinction of monarchy, he was directed to renew his assurances of British neutrality. But there were many causes at work which, before the year closed, induced the government to exhibit signs of a change of policy. Although the generality of the people were struck with terror at the deposition of the monarch, and the horrid massacres which preceded and followed that event, yet the revolutionary societies in England, grew daily bolder and bolder in their proceedings. Some there were, it is true, who were convinced of their evil tendency, and who, in consequence, gave up all connexion with them; but still they existed in all their original vigour. So enthusiastic were these societies in their admiration of the French revolution, all stained with blood as it was, that they even transmitted addresses of applause to the national convention. The London Corresponding Society, the Manchester Constitutional Society, the Norwich Revolution Society, the Society for Constitutional Information in London, and the London Constitutional Whigs, these all joined in addresses of congratulation on the victory which the French people had gained over their hapless and ill-fated monarch. All these addresses received a warm response from those to whom they were addressed. For once in the annals of history the French hailed Englishmen as brethren; and a hope was expressed that the day would soon arrive when they might join the hands of fraternity. But these addresses and responses contained something more than mere compliments; they breathed destruction to the English constitution. It was evident, indeed, that, unless checked by the popular voice or by government, the revolutionary societies in England would one day produce corresponding fruits to those of France. Happily the nation at large and the government joined in stemming the onward tide of revolutionary principles. Among the first to take the alarm at the political societies and publications, were the established clergy, who sent up addresses from all parts to his majesty, thanking him for his late wise and provident proclamation. Towards the close of the year the alarm became general; and clubs and associations began to be formed with the avowed object of counteracting the baneful influence of those which were founded upon revolutionary principles. These societies came to certain resolutions, and made certain declarations, which they caused to be published both in the newspapers and in the form of pamphlets. One grand end at which they aimed was to expose the fallacy that all men are born equal and must remain so; an argument which the revolutionists had ever on their lips, and which was the very root and life of their factious disposition. Nor did these societies labour in vain. Their spirit spread rapidly throughout the kingdom, and in every county, and almost every town and village resolutions were subscribed, expressive of loyalty and attachment to the king and constitution. It became manifest that though the French had some few thousands of admirers in England, yet the great mass of the people abhorred their proceedings; that, though there were many who wished to bring about a revolution in their own country, yet there were more who were ready to maintain the constitution as it existed, against all its enemies, native or foreign. The public feeling encouraged government, at the close of the year, to assume a hostile appearance towards the French. Alarmed at the circumstances that the national convention held out the hand of fraternity to other countries, and especially to England; that Savoy was now incorporated with France, in contradiction to the formal renunciation of all plans of conquest, that Belgium was declared independent, under the protection of France; that the navigation of the Scheldt was opened, in disregard of all existing relations between European states; and that a decree of the 16th of November ordered the French troops to pursue the Austrians, whom they had recently defeated, into the Dutch territories, the British government placed the country in a state of defence. The militia were called out; the Tower was strengthened; a second royal proclamation was issued; and parliament summoned to meet on the 13th of December.