POLITICAL PERISCOPE. Panorama Office, September 26, 1809. If superior beings look down on this revolving globe, what a spectacle does it exhibit to their astonished eves! What contradictious, among mankind! what contrarieties even of those qualities on which the creature man, most proudly piques himself! His professions, his boasts, are of kindness, candour, benevolence, compassion, sympathy-his conduct is harsh, unfeeling, cruel-in the name of charity he issues mandates full of vengeance against his fellows;-in the name of humanity, he practices whatever is inhuman; in the name of God, he destroys, God's image; not accidentally, but habitually not suddenly, but systematically; not by chance medley, but of set purpose. The bounds of time and life are but narrow by nature; man delights in making them still narrower the enjoyments of human existence are but few at the very best; they are rendered still fewer by the enmity of man to his fellow: the social feelings find but few opportunities of indulgence without reserve: mian watches with all his skill to render them still fewer, and to embitter those which he cannot altogether prevent. Such is the character which man sustains in the contemplation of those spiritual existences, who can point to the different communities which peo ple the earth, and display the occurrences on each, as the progressive revolution of the globe brings them uuder inspection. "There," as the empire of CHINA rises to view, will they say," there resides a people, of fixed habits, and long established prejudices; they are truly independent; they turn to account all that the land and the waters produce; and coolly observe to those who offer them commerce: "We want you not." Lately were they in danger of coming to blows with distant strangers who attempted to guard a port on their coast, lest another race of distant strangers should occupy it. The Chinese told them that neither should possess it: and this determination ended the fray. There spreads the vast region of HINDOS TAN, where a body of merchants have sprung up as warriors, and have overrun a country to which they have no other pretensions than that of having expelled their rivals, and of having seized the power with the government of the country. These, however, not seldom are opposed by the native chiefs; and lately they have seen their military establishment at variance with the general government at one of their presidencies (Madras). The officers are ordered home by the government; but, what heart-burnings do such incidents occasion! That is PERSIA: it has lately been the scene of much intrigue: there, as elsewhere, the British and the French are opponents, and at length the former have prevailed to the mortification of the latter. The territories between India and Persia have been visited lately by the British; and what could not be refused them without hazard has been concedinfluence less than Persian or Gallic intrigue. ed by that government which dreads British There assemble, under the banners of the WAHABEES, crowds which have alarmed the many nations that profess the religion of Mahomet: they have suspended the pilgrimages to that prophet's holy city: they have even destroyed his tomb, and the tombs of those of his family: this must strike a terror wherever the Mahometan name is professed: We shall shortly see the remains of it van's. PERSIA already trembles. TURKEY, which next approaches, trembles too: the Grand Signior, unlike his early ancestors of the Othman race, crouches on his hams, in his Seraglio, and spends in wishes that energy which they displayed in action. They delighted in arms's they headed their hosts, hosts innumerable! they assaulted towns. and conquered provin ces: he fears to call his own what his ancestors left him; and watches the distribution by other sovereigns made of his longfact the object of contention between the possessed territories. His dominions are in has long anticipated the enjoyment of them, neighbouring powers: Russia on the north and WILL have them: Austria on the west, asserts that she has hereditary claims to them, and knows well that should Russia acquire them, she is at the mercy of that power. This she dreads, as well she may: she will not only be surrounded by enemies, but by enemies of a more formidable character, and more to be feared than the Ottomans. So em pires decline! The Ottomans were formerly the dread of their neighbours; the destructive Scourge of Christendom: their name spread terror in legions where their persons were unknown, and whatever of barbarous, of savage, of ferocious and unpitiful was to be compared or to be described, the Turks were the objects of that comparison. The fate which awaits that empire does not yet appear; but the vigilance necessary to secure the Turks from impending danger is thought to be impeded by fanaticism, indolence, and self-security; three harpies, each of them sufficient to destroy an empire. Yet if from the power of the two latter hags, the Turks could arise, they might astonish all the world at the resistance of which the former is capable. This empire is now at war with Russia; and the Turkish commander, it is said, not finding convenient conveyance for an equal number of the heads of his enemies, has sent to his court, twenty-three bags of ears!!! RUSSIA has a difficult game to play: she is desirous of possessing the country now held by the Turks; yet she is aware that it will cost her more, much more than its value. It is probable, she never will acquire it; but if she does, from that day she may date the ruin of her present establishments. Her population will forsake the north to settle in the south: the north and the south will become rivals: and then crash goes the Muscovite empire. Russia has already more than enough in the north: the produce of the lands she there holds is not such as to justify her ambition of further possessions. Her armies acting in those parts, against Sweden, have lately lost thousands of men by starvation. She may injure Sweden; she may seriously weaken that state, even beyond what true policy would dictate, but she will not benefit herself. She may play at the game of soldiering, and enjoy the bustle of war, but she is weakening herself in respect to more important operations, operations that concern her vital interests, and repatation. abhorrence, and dread. She is the stranded vessel which all who discern her condition point at as to be avoided. Her commander is executioner-general of the punishments of the Almighty; the Satan commissioned by wrath Divine, to avenge the iniquities of states and peoples: whatever veneration is due to that emperor and king, he may claim: whatever respect appertains to the character of hangman-extraordinary may be allowed, without reserve, to the head and chief of his profession; a station attained by his personal talents and almost superhuman exertions. If HOLLAND, the country of bogs and morasses, can derive consolation from the fable of the Frogs which desired a king from Jupiter, who first sent them a log, and afterwards a stork, she is happy in her stoicism and endurance. If she can see her youth torn from her, by conscription, to perish in the wilds of Germany, with patience-we often have admired her patience-she is the better fitted to sustain the yoke of Buonaparte. If she can bear the loss of her commerce, so far as it is hitherto lost,-e'en let her lose the whole, ana defy further oppressions. Alas! the arrows of the sheaf, held by the Batavian lion, have long since lost their sharpness: and as to their union-yes, they are united-but under French fraternity, and the absolute sovereignof a Buonaparte! Time was when PRUSSIA could not possibly have been overlooked in a Political Periscope; when somewhat would have been due to Denmark, and more than mere mention to Sweden: these are now specks on the map of politics; we pass them; for what subjects do they afford for descant? AUSTRIA rises to view concealed by a cloud: what Austria has been we know: what Austria is, we know not: neither can we divine what Austria SHALL BE. She is not yet, we hope, humbled to the dust. Does she still maintain her ancient pride? That pride has been her baue: that pride was substituted for prudence when she had to contend with Frety deric of Prussia: when she was called to struggle with the Belgian insurgents: when the delayed her resistance to jacobins and jacobinism. Had Joseph 11. never dismantled the barrier towns, he had not laid the Pays Bas open to French invasion. Since that day all the dominions of his house have been invaded, and even desolated :-for the rest- SPAIN is the object to which politicians of dense is the cloud that covers it.-Has Aus-mortals would turn their anxious attention. tria made peace with Buonaparte? Has Buomaparte niade peace with Austria? In what do the terms of the treaty differ from the stipulations at Tilsit and Erfurth? Are the plans for depriving Austria of the power of resistance when Turkey is dismantled, and distribited between Russia and France-are these plans confirmed by the acquiescence of Austria?-These are important credibilities; but they must wait for elucidation. How happens it, that, with a considerable portion of the country under his control, and with Spanish ministers in his council, we hear nothing of Spanish armies acting with the French on the behalf of King Joseph ?Partisans of some kind he must have; and in some places: does he not dare to entrust them with arms? Are all his efforts to rouse them to activity fruitless? Are they as sluggish, though goaded by French bayonets, as their FRANCE now knows what an Emperor is. compatriot mules? as when they loiter through What follows in his train? Arrestations, the day to perform the journey of an hour? conscriptions, stagnation of commerce, en- From whatever cause it arises, certain it is, mity with all the world, and mutual appre- that the loss of lives on the part of the Spahension between man and man. France was niards, in behalf of their most excellent, a nation of citizens, before cards of citizen-worthy, and honourable Don Joseph, will ship were introduced: France had dealings with most parts of the world, before she incurred the hatred of all parts of the world, by her sanguinary edicts, and her affected greatDess. The blood which she has shed, has been visited, and still is visiting upon her. She is the subject of her neighbours' pity, tend very little to depopulate the peninsula. Famous as the French have been for making the inhabitants of a country fight their batties, they have failed in animating the Spaniards, and in forcing them to seek, with emulation, as they say others have done, the embraces of death on the ensanguined plain, At this moment Britain is making great exertions to weary the power of France on the continent, and to prevent the chief of that nation from drawing his troops to the interior of Europe. On the advantages obtained by these measures there will be different opinions; and, certain it is, that a nation destined to be conquerors at sea is not to expect equal superiority on land. France, however, feels her military power, and finds British troops to be no despicable opponents. are understood to be dissatisfied with each At this moment, too, the British ministry other as colleagues: half of them have given notice of resignation; what will become of the administration is not yet known; but a short time will determine. The Spaniards who oppose the French have raised armies: the Junta have maintained their position, notwithstanding great losses: there must therefore be a preponde. rating principle in favour of the Junta; since this side of the question has had every possible adversity to struggle against. Buonaparte has removed some of the odious institutions of Spain; the Junta has abolished some of the still more odious taxes; between them both we hope that the general condition of the country will be really aineliorated; and that at length Spain will reap the benefit. The Junta have issued orders for assembling the Cortes, or general representation of the provinces: they have also called the Marquis de la Romana to assist in their councils: these measures augur well; and, perhaps, they demonstrate that the Junta is convinced of the comparative weakness of the French, The King of Great Britain is about to enand means to take advantage of that circum- ter the fiftieth year of his reign: this is no stance. We have seen the French armies, ordinary occurrence. In the course of fifty lately, assemble in one body: to do what? years, how often has his majesty changed his to separate again to different provinces. Why servants, hoping for a better set? and how did they not, when assembled, devour the often has he and the nation been disappointEnglish and Spaniards?-They were unable.ed? Party-the interests of party, must be Why did they return to the provinces they had quitted? They were wanted there. Ei ther they were wrong to unite in one mass, or, being united, they were wrong to part. The fact is, they were not strong enough for both services, though wanted for both. Then, appears GREAT BRITAIN, with its sister island, the "sacred isles of the west.' That little kingdom is described by its adver sary as corrupting all Europe with its gold;yet it has no gold mines. It maintains a conflict, " single-handed," if need be, with the colossal power of France: that colossal power, so far as maritime affairs are concerned, has sunk under its efforts. It contributes to the injuries sustained by the French in Spain; and supports that spirit of freedom which would otherwise, from its novelty, have been destroyed at its birth. France curses the genius of Britain, and these curses are her greatest honours. In a following page the reader will see the reasonings of the Spaniards on the political wants of their nation, and the inferences they deduce. We suppose that these sentiments pervade, if not the whole nation, yet the enlightened and leading part of it. If they should prevail, be called into exercise, and obtain decided popularity, they may contribute to turn the scale still more powerfully against the French and their partizans, and Spain may become a leading member of the Earopean body politic. It is even possible, that she in her turn may contribute to organize resistance to the continental tyrant: and from having received favours, she may be in a state to confer them. consulted; and the interests of party are not those of the commou wealth. These incidents will probably occupy the attention of the British nation at present; and when the new ministry have been settled for a while, the opinion of the public will be settled also. It is the fate of that country to be ruled by Party; and the change is so total, when a ministry goes out, that foreigners complain, that by the time they have become intimate with British envoys they are withdrawn because their friends are no longer in power. For this reason, among others, that Court reign politics. obtains but imperfect acquaintance with fa It might be thought that the inconveniencies of this method of transacting public business would long ago have induced some of their official characters to alter it;-but the notion of confidence is so strong in that country that the consideration "to whom confidence may be given" excludes, the conviction of honour or talent in the opposite party. A wide interval of ocean separates those islands from America, a continent formerly colonized from them, and still maintaining many relations with "the old country." France had effected a state of variance between them: France had thrown the apple of discord; but, at present, it is strongly hoped that peace will prevail, and that a harmony, not speedily to be interrupted, will be the result of that malignant interference which has produced animosity between states that have many interests, feelings, and convictions in common. STATE OF PUBLIC SPIRIT IN SPAIN, [From the Seminario Patriotico.] "The first object of our attention must undoubtedly be to maintain our national existence against the assaults of the enemy who seeks to destroy it; for existence is the first good as well forations as individuals; but as people, weakened by an extended series of calamities, cannot iong maintain themselves against powerful rivals, unless they recover thei: lost strength, so our defeuce is so connected with our internal improvements, that in vain shail we form plans of campaigns, if we do not accompany them with reforms consecrated to the happiness of the people * "Our revolution has arisen from a most unjust attack, which rousing our dormaut energy, shewed us the alternative either to correct our inveterare abuses, or cease to exist as Spaniards. Hatred of the French, serving as a bond of union which former disorders had almost broken, is that which bas preserved us from rushing into that fatal anarchy which lately threatened us; but let us not rely on our present tranquillity. "The germ of the revolution, which originated in the abdication of Charles the 4th, is still alive; and the spirit of misunderstood federalism, which arose from the mutual independence with which the provinces armed them elves, may probably hereafter be stirred up. "And how can this desired union be accompished? by giving to all a share in what belongs to all; that every one may contribute to the public welfare, as to his own concern; that those who, by the will of the whole, were appointed makers or reformers of the laws, may be looked Boon as the interpreters of the will of each other; in short, so acting, that on seeing the revival of this.expiring country, all might say with a pleaare unspeakable, our blood has ransomed her from death; our cars have given her new life. This would be the immediate effect of a legitimate representation. "Thus would that primitive ardour, which was admired at the commencement of this memorable war, return to its former strength. It is true that sill exists in Spanish bosoms, but it exists without any other nurture than our constancy, and the ferocious conduct of the enemy: it exists, but it is now the slumbering fire which succeeds a great conflagration If enthusiasm for the public good revive it, it will become a flame which shall purge cur dross, and consume those robbers; but if it is abandoned to itself-if it is only fanned by the gentle breath of remote and indefinite hopes, soon will it be covered with ashes. Nothing is to be feared from the fire of patriotism, when directed by a national body such as we wish for; on the contrary, there is no other mode of healing , without exposing us to violent convulsions. The government is at present engaged in preparing the assembly of the cartes, for the purpose of making improvements in the monarCy; we are very far from wishing to anticipate their determination. We lay down general princples which never can be repugnant to the modifications which circumstances may require. If this great undertaking is to be accomplished, let the whole nation act in concert: then wil every difficulty vanish; nobles, plebeians, ecclesiastics, husbandmen, merchants, mechanics, all unite, penetrated with the necessities of their respective classes; they will perceive how the welfare of each depends upon that of the nation they represent; they will recognise the benefits of the mutual sacrifices which one must make to the other: they will establish the permanent basis of a free constitution, in which the laws being perfected, the duties and rights of the throne will appear unclouded, and the duties and rights of the nation wine supports it: from thence will proceed, grad by and beneficially, improvements in our legislation and internal administration; from thence, in fine, good faith and confidence, the only guarantees of the prosperity of states. "Spaniards, perhaps we do not possess the talent of persuading you, but you cannot deny the practical persuasion of example. Turn your eyes towards England, to that nation, our ally, whose powers astonish Europe, and whose character is the only barrier which the tyranny of France has hitherto encountered; what is the source of that indefatigable strength which she displays? The public spirit which arises from a parliament equaly respected by the people and the king; it is the fountain of the riches of the kingdom, defending liberty and industry, its inexhaustible treasures; it is the soul of that rigid character which renders the nation invulnerable to the internal attacks of despotism, and the external ones of foreign powers; it is that which, giving to every Englishman a well-founded pride of belonging to that nation, disposes him to sacrifice life rather than stain that most worthy name. Ask an Englishman why he glories in being such? The most obscure mechanic will reply without hesitating a moment, because I enjoy my property, and am free; I have a king whom I love with enthusiasm; and I venerate him the more, as I know he has not the power of doing us wrong; a body of citizens watches over our interests; these are not discussed in dark secrecy; I know when and in what manner they are debated; I sp.ak also my opinion upon them, and although it is worth nothing, the liberty of expressing it gives to us all the dignity of men.' Spaniards; beloved countrymen; on asking us what privileges this glorious name con iers on us, will you tell me what to reply?" · * Let it not be supposed that the welfare of a nation consists in giving it codes, howsoever well framed they may appear at first sight, nor in forming a constitution digested in the private study of a Scavan. Nothing is more easy than to make constitutions most perfect in theory; the great difficulty consists in giving laws adapted to the character, manners, and opinions of a brave people; it not being in the power of man to ripen fruits, which time only can bring to perfection and maturity, they should content themselves with sowing the seeds which are to produce them; let there be in Spain a national body; let there be cortes which properly deserve that name, and they will form the constitution we want, better than if Locke himself should rise again to make it; it is not requisite to be a philosopher to take care of one's own interests; the condition is, to be free. Panorama Office, Sept. 28. The council shall hear of it; it is a "riot," says Justice Shallow: to which honest Parson Hugh Evans replies, "the council shall hear of nothing but the fear of Got: there is no fear of Got, in a riot." -Very true; but if the members of the council themselves will be guilty of acts of riot, what becomes of the fear of Got," and the dignity of office? We conceive, that men of the utmost integrity, and of the very best intentions, may differ in their judgements: candour should induce them to give each other credit for honour and probity, when circumstances assume an ambiguous appearance; and at any rate, they should refrain from violating the laws of their country, and the dietates of true personal honour. of party politics!-stand forth, GREAT MIND and serve your country your country will, in a short time, do you justice: and what is now" damn'd with faint praise," shall rewhen the nation has discovered your character ceive the unrestrained plaudits of the nation; and felt the benefits consequent on it. We want no ministry with an ite annexed to it: we want honest and hearty souls, who, while Providence shall spare his Ma cheer his departing anxieties; and who, when jesty's life, may relieve his declining days, and charge of government, may be continued in a new sovereign shall be invested with the their stations, with every expectation of their conducting his reign to the very pinnacle of prosperity and honour. As to the foreign affairs of this country, they stand at present in a very equivocal We regret to have to state, that a few days state. We wonder much that Germany ago Lord Castlereagh and Mr. Canning were so ill-advised as to give each other a meeting preserves that profound silence, which for several weeks past has distinguished it. for the purpose of honourable murder!!They fired two pistols each; and Mr. Can-Napoleon; or he would long ago, have There is some check put to the projects of ning received a flesh wound in the thigh: it lodged at Paris, and been off for Spain. is not understood to be dangerous; but cerHe has met with difficulties not easily to be tainly it will be no advantage to his person, or surmounted, or his insane career of ambition character, for the rest of his life. What! would have been continued, either eastward, had these ministers no greater command over or westward, northward, or southward. We their angry passions than this evinces? Where were their cool heads, as statesmen? Where hardly dare faster ourselves that the question their consideration for the feelings of their of a general peace is involved in this si lence: yet perceiving, as we think, that colleagues? Where their respect to the national decorum? Where their sense of the Europe stands in need of repose, and that it will not obtain that blessing till Britain ridicule to which such folly subjects the nation in the eyes of foreigners, the Cabinet in mislead) our hopes. Russia and Sweden, also is at peace, our wishes lead (perhaps the estimation of the British senate and mait is understood have made peace this will gistrature, and those honoured with the confidence of the King, in the consideration of not restore harmony between the two na tions : the nation and its dependencies ? we say, that hard conditions and forced concessions will not restore harmony: and if it be true, that British commerce is to be excluded from Swedish ports as one condition of pacification; then to employ the old pun on such subjects, this is a mere palchification, indeed. For, what can this country, are of no trivial description. be more open to prevarication and impertiWe desire wise heads, vigilant minds, active nence than questions of commerce, the inhands, forecast and aftercast, extensive troduction of commodities by indirect means? information, correct views of things, stout The peace if not the honour and dignity of hearts, and strong spirits. As to party small that nation which is at the mercy of a thoutalk-the people look to this man-the people sand Custom-house officers every day in the expect this concession-the people demand-year, most assuredly hangs on a spider's web. they will have-we say explicitly, that a ministry which pays any attention to such gibberish is not likely to serve the country effectually. To a British ministry we recom mend British sentiments: the good of the commonwealth at large: the greater lines of national business and welfare: the honour which becomes a man; the integrity which becomes a statesman; the morals and the piety which becomes a Christian. Away with all sneaking submission to the shackles That the late ministry, for such it may be called, is virtually dissolved, is known; but who will succeed to their stations, is not known. It is a matter of very serious meditation. The circumstances that now surround It is not the interest of Sweden to force Britain to become independent on her commodities, as she is every day becoming more and more on Russia. If we might anticipate for a short time hence, we might almost venture to start the question whether a prohibition of the Russian trade would not be good policy in Britain? This we verily think, that were peace restored to-morrow, the trade with that country would be long ere it reached that extent which it lately enjoyed. |