he ee. ele 
7 VEN tn the history of the present war, so novel in both its 
origin and conduct, the year 1796 is particularly interesting 
to every subject of the British empire. ‘The spirit of innovation, 
imported into this country, from France, became strong, rampant, 
and daring. ‘The established orcer of afiairs was loudly threatened. 
‘Outrage, in a quarter that ought to be held the most sacred’ from 
violence, was actually begun: multitudes of men appeared ready 
to precipitate themselves into anarchy and rebellion. 
In such cireustances, the British government deemed it necessary 
to take strong measures of prevention. On the conduct of admi- 
nistration the nation was divided, according as they were, more 
or less, forcibly struck with the dangers to be apprehended from 
popular encroachments on’the one hand, or those of the executive 
government on the other. ‘The apprehensions of both parties were 
abundantly justified by experience. 
It was scarcely possible, that, in.such a shock, the balance of 
our constitution should not, in some degree, be shaken, and bent a 
little, for a time, towards one side or other. The candour and 
indulgence with which we have treated the opposite opinions on 
this important, delicate, and tender subject, we wish to be con- 
sidered, by our readers, as a pledge of that perfect impartiality and 
freedom from all party spirit, by which we wish this work to be 
distinguished. As it extends to many years back, so we hope it 
will be continued, and find acceptation in the world, for many years 
to come. It is not ior any party, or temporary humour, or passion, 
that we select and record the transactions and events of the passing 
years, but for our countrymen, and all men, in all times and cir 
cumstances. 
Though we are rather inclined to be of opinion with those who 
think the measures of administration, to which we have now 
alluded, were compelled by the dangers and exigencies of the times, 
Vou, XXXVI. a2 we 
