A moment of difficulty, or a moment
of error, may render for ever useless the most friendly dispositions
in the King, in the major part of his ministers, and the whole of his
nation. The present pacification is considered by most, as only a short
truce. They calculate on the spirit of the nation, and not on the aged
hand which guides its movements. It is certain, that from this moment
the whole system of Europe changes. Instead of counting together
England, Austria, and Russia, as heretofore, against France, Spain,
Holland, Prussia, and Turkey, the division will probably be, England,
Holland, and Prussia, against France, Austria, Russia, and perhaps
Spain. This last power is not sure, because the dispositions of its heir
apparent are not sure. But whether the present be truce or peace, it
will allow time to mature the conditions of the alliance between France
and the two empires, always supposed to be on the carpet. It is thought
to be obstructed by the avidity of the Emperor, who would swallow a good
part of Turkey, Silesia, Bavaria, and the rights of the Germanic body.
To the two or three first articles, France might consent, receiving in
gratification a well rounded portion of the Austrian Netherlands, with
the islands of Candia, Cyprus, Rhodes, and perhaps Lower Egypt.
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