POR EP!” Cre 
Tue most distinguished feature of the Revolution 
in France, the prolific parent of changes and innova- 
“tions in other countries, already noticed in our 
yolume for 1792, has been verified by the events that 
have taken place from that to the present period. The 
revolutionary spirit of the French Republic, like a 
lighted torch, moved rapidly round, scarcely leaves 
room for the contemplation of its particular phases, 
inthe different stages of its progress, and is seen as 
one circle of fire. 
The constitution of 1795 contained, indeed, certain 
principles, which seemed to promise some degree of © 
both strength and duration; and to be more favour- 
able, than any of the preceding, to the interests of 
humanity, by guarding not less against the wildness of 
democracy than the chains of despotism. Subsequent 
changes, however, and particularly the late metamor- 
phosis of the Republic into a dictatorial er military 
government, (which will of course be noticed in its 
proper place and time) shew how little is to be ex- 
pected from any forms, where simplicity of manners, 
and other requisites to the existence of a genuine 
Republic, are wanting. 
These 
