The face of things in Europe is a little turbid, at present; but
probably all will subside. The Empress of Russia, it is supposed, will
not push her pretensions against the Turks to actual war. Weighing
the fondness of the Emperor for innovation, against his want of
perseverance, it is difficult to calculate what he will do with his
discontented subjects in Brabant and Flanders. If those provinces alone
were concerned, he would probably give back; but this would induce an
opposition to his plan, in all his other dominions. Perhaps he may be
able to find a compromise. The cause of the Patriots in Holland is a
little clouded at present.
England and Prussia seem disposed to interpose effectually. The former
has actually ordered a fleet of six sail of the line, northwardly, under
Gore; and the latter threatens to put her troops into motion. The
danger of losing such a weight in their scale, as that of Prussia, would
occasion this court to prefer conciliation to war. Add to this, the
distress of their finances, and perhaps not so warm a zeal in the new
ministry for the innovations in Holland.
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