This measure would, of itself, have rendered it impossible for France
to proceed longer in the line of accommodation with Prussia. In the
same moment, an event takes place, which seems to render all attempt at
accommodation idle. The Turks have declared war against the Russians,
and that under circumstances which exclude all prospect of preventing
its taking place. The King of Prussia having deserted his ancient
friends, there remain only France and Turkey, perhaps Spain also,
to oppose the two empires, Prussia and England. By such a piece of
Quixotism, France might plunge herself into ruin with the Turks and
Dutch, but would save neither. But there is certainly a confederacy
secretly in contemplation, of which the public have not yet the smallest
suspicion; that is between France and the two empires. I think it
sure that Russia has desired this, and that the Emperor, after some
hesitation, has acceded. It rests on this country to close. Her
indignation against the King of Prussia will be some spur. She will
thereby save her party in Holland, and only abandon the Turks to that
fate she cannot ward off, and which their precipitation has brought on
themselves, by the instigation of the English ambassador at the Porte,
and against the remonstrances of the French ambassador.
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