What has prevented this
court from coming into it, we know not. The unmeasurable ambition of the
Emperor, and his total want of moral principle and honor, are suspected.
A great share of Turkey, the recovery of Silesia, the consolidation of
his dominions by the Bavarian exchange, the liberties of the Germanic
body, all occupy his mind together; and his head is not well enough
organized, to pursue so much only of all this, as is practicable.
Still it was thought that France might safely have coalesced with these
powers, because Russia and herself holding close together, as their
interests would naturally dictate, the Emperor could never stir, but
with their permission. France seems, however, to have taken the worst
of all parties, that is, none at all. She folds her arms, lets the
two empires go to work to cut up Turkey as they can, and holds Prussia
aloof, neither as a friend nor foe. This is withdrawing her opposition
from the two empires, without the benefit of any condition whatever. In
the mean time, England has clearly overreached herself. She excited
the war between the Russians and Turks, in hopes that France, still
supporting the Turks, would be embarrassed with the two empires.
Pages:
632
633
634
635
636
637
638
639
640
641
642
643
644
645
646
647
648
649
650
651
652
653
654
655
656