not find that complaints have decreased; and, since the principal amelioration took place, the country has been at one time in open rebellion, and connected with the government of France.

The Irish are generous, good-hearted, and affectionate, but they are hasty and inconsiderate; and, as they are peculiarly susceptible to the influence of eloquence, they have been terribly misled; and this has been the more easily effected, that the common people are kept in a wretched state of poverty and ignorance.

The poverty and ignorance are not, however, owing to England, but partly to the proprietors of the soil, partly to the religion* of the majority, and partly to the indolence of the people living under

such circumstances.

Of those three causes, one only can be expected to be removed. We cannot expect the catholics of

On the continent of Europe, the parts inhabited by protestants are better cultivated, the habitations more comfortable and rich than where they are inhabited by Roman catholics. Even catholic travellers themselves admit this, and therefore those who have not seen it, may believe it to be true.

Ireland to change their religion; but much as we wish they would do so, we hope it will not be done merely with a view to get rid of priests and fastdays, but that they may labour more, and and pray less: neither can we expect them to change their nature, which is certainly inclined to carelessness and indolence*; but the proprietors of the soil we do hope to see change their conduct.

Sir John Newport is extremely attentive to every local improvement, every practical amelioration that can be effected; and thereby shews himself not only a true friend to his country, but shews that he understands how it can best be improved; and at the same time let us add, he proves that factious motives, or his own interest, do not influence his conduct.

* The way the lower order of Irish live when they come to this country shews that they are either careless by nature or by the early habits of life.

A work to point out the mode of improving the situation of the peasantry in Ireland, in Russia, and in Poland, has long been ready for the press, but it has hitherto been delayed for want of encouragement. Perhaps when peace comes, it may meet with proper support; if not, an outline that will not cost much is intended to be printed.

We regret that we have no more similar portraits of his countrymen to give; particularly, as the disinterestedness of Sir John is, if possible, surpassed the earnestness with which he seeks to serve his native country.

MARSHAL DAVOUST.

ONE of the most wicked of the French generals, the most cruel, ferocious, and rapacious*.

His conduct at Hamburgh is, perhaps, the most atrocious of any throughout the terrible revolution, because it is now without any sufficient motive. When war is commenced, many things may become

* Davoust was one of the worst private characters, even in his youth, and before the revolution began, and is accused of many acts of theft, murder, and plunder, for his own private advantage; particularly in causing a Prussian officer, named Boulow, to be guilotined at Ostend as an English spy, in order to seize six thousand louis and other property belonging to him.

necessary that it would be highly desirable to avoid, and of such a class of events, none is so striking, or so frequently occurs, as that of making the innocent inhabitants of a city suffer during a siege.

When such an event happens through necessity, it is a misfortune rather than a matter of blame; but, not only have the inhabitants of Hamburgh been made to suffer without necessity, or even utility, but the evils have been aggravated by every means that was in the power of the despot, or the instruments of his cruelty. Buonaparte and Davoust seem to be making a trial in the face of the whole world to shew how far they can exert their wickedness and cruelty before the hand of heaven crushes them and their iniquity.

It will be a disgrace to the allied powers, if, in restoring to mankind their liberty, they do not avenge the world for the nefarious and wanton atrocities of this worst of men. There is no doubt that much must be forgiven and forgotten in the present case; and, indeed, if it were not, a great portion of the French nation must be brought to punishment, for they rejoiced in the success of their plundering army till the last moment. The burning of Moscow was celebrated with general marks of enthusiasm,

and of individual joy all over France. It was not till fortune changed, that the French began to disapprove of the robbing, plundering, and murdering system.

Such superlatively villanous and wicked men as Davoust ought not, however, to partake of the general indemnity. He and some others have sinned beyond forgiveness, and they ought to be punished for the sake of future example*.

* The reason for giving Davoust in the Addenda, and not before, is, that, had it not been for the atrocity to Hamburgh, as useless as it is inexplicable, he would not have merited notice more than many other members of the legion of honour.

THE END,