dissolved or destroyed by any one nation again, as has been unfortunately the case with that order of things which was overturned by the French: first, by pretending to give mankind freedom; and latterly, by exercising the most unheard-of despotism, and military yoke, in which individual happiness, and the dignity and independence of all nations was sacrificed to a single despot, who had seated himself on the throne of France."

The same author proceeds to say

"First. The balance to be established should be one of solidity, not of vacillation; that is to say, the weight in one scale should fairly weigh down that in the other, and rest firm; it should not be a vibrating balance, as formerly, one which every breath of wind set in motion.

Secondly. The preponderating weight should be on the side of those nations who gain by peace and tranquillity, and who can have nothing beneficial to expect from war and conquest.

Thirdly. There may be various opinions about the views of different nations, but it can never be doubted that the French aim, and have long aimed, at universal monarchy; and the history of Europe is full of their ambitious projects: but if it were only the last twenty years that we had to appeal to,

it would be enough. France has put every nation in Europe to immense expense, both in blood and treasure. Never did any madman (not even Don Quixote himself) form such wild and visionary schemes, to the danger and detriment of all around.

"Justice permits, and wisdom demands, that measures should be taken to prevent a repetition of such disorders, and this is the more to be considered that the great vanity and self-sufficiency of the French prevent them from seeing the mischief they have done in its true light, or, how hateful and contemptible they have been; for they still talk as if they were the friends of mankind, and more injured than injuring; more entitled to complain, than deserving to be complained of. There is therefore no guarantee in the French nation itself, against a repetition of the disorders: that security, therefore, must come from without. It is not to be obtained by an internal application; and must therefore be obtained by an external one."

When this was written, just after the reverses of the French in Russia, Austria had not the appearance of joining the allies, and the most that was expected, was her neutrality; but now the business will be much more easy, the great end being to

secure the peace of Europe, by keeping France from again overrunning her neighbours, and the re-establishment of the German empire in its integrity; whilst the princes will feel that their union, and respect for the chief supreme of the empire, is for the benefit of all. It was in a great measure owing to the want of this feeling, that France was enabled to form the confederation of the Rhine, which would have entirely destroyed the possibility of establishing any thing like a balance of power. The emperor now rising up in a manner worthy of the chief of the German states and the descendant of Maria Theresa, will enable that to be done in a much more solid manner than could have been hoped for ten months ago.

perhaps been weakened and

France might have

humiliated, but still

there would have been a great political vacuum in Europe, which must have been filled up, and which could not have been done so well by any new order of things, as by the re-establishment of the German empire.

SIR EVAN NEPEAN, BART.

GOVERNOR OF BOMBAY.

SIR EVAN, for a great number of years, was secretary to the admiralty, and that at the most important period this country ever saw in regard to naval affairs.

At the beginning of this war the French fleets were very powerful, and ours were all nearly laid up in ordinary; but Mr. Nepean remained there till our superiority at sea was established in a manner it never had before been.

Even Lord Chatham, with all his indolence, could not make our naval affairs go wrong, when Mr. Nepean was there; but it was when he had Earl Spencer at the head of the board, that the great achievements were performed.

Never were two men better fitted to act together than Earl Spencer and Mr. Nepean. Industry, abilities, and the most constant attention, were never before carried so far in that department, and never were they crowned with more success.

Sir Evan Nepean is now gone to India governor of Bombay, a situation of much less real importance, and where his abilities will be comparatively of little value to his country. He is one of those excellent characters who do their duty without noise, or making their own private ambition, or private interest, run in a direction contrary to the duty they owe to their country.

Every one who has attended to political affairs, must have remarked the great difference that there is between those men whose names are continually resounding in the public ear, and others who, without making the least noise, do their business admirably well.

We could name some men, and not a few, who make a noise, as they proceed, that constantly excites public attention; and we could name others who, without any bustle, do a great deal more real service. But such a list would be invidious; and therefore we have only to say, that Sir Evan Nepean belongs to the latter class; and that wherever he rules, matters will be well managed.