STATE PAPERS. 
what would be the issue of such an 
enterprize; but it befits your wis- 
dom to neglect no precautions that 
may either preclude the attempt, 
or secure the speediest means of 
turning it to the confusion and 
Fuin of the enemy. 
In reviewing the events of the 
year, you wiil have observed that 
by the skill and exertions of my 
havy, our extensive and increasing 
commerce has been protected to a 
degree almost beyond example, and 
the fleets of the enemy have, 
for the greatest part of the year, 
been blocked up in their own 
ports. 
The operations in the East and 
West Indies have been highly ho- 
nourable to the British arms; and 
productiye of great national. ad- 
‘vantage; and the valour and good 
conduct of my forces, both by sea 
and land, have been eminently con- 
spicuous. 
The fortune of war on the cons 
tinent has been more various; and 
the progress of the French armies 
threatened, ut one period, the 
utmost danger to all Europe; but 
from the honourable and dignified 
perseverauce of my ally the Em. 
peror, and from the intrepidity, 
discipline, and invincible spirit of 
the Austrian forces, under the aus- 
picious conduét of the archduke 
Charles, such a turn has lately 
been given to the course of the 
"war, as may inspire a well-grounded 
confidence that the final result of the 
‘campaign will prove more disas- 
trous to the enemy than its com. 
mencement and progress for a time 
were favourable to their hopes. 
‘The apparently hostile disposi- 
tions dnd conduét of the court of 
Madrid have led to discussions, of 
which I am not yet enabled to acs 
- 
[i1g 
quaint you with the final result; 
but I am confident that whatever 
may be their issue, I shall have 
given to Europe a farther proof of 
my moderation and forbearance ; 
and [ can have ne doubt of your 
determination to defend against 
every aggression, the dignity, rights, 
and interests, of the British em- 
pire. 
Gentlemen of the house of 
Commons, 
I rely on your zeal and public 
spirit for such supplies as you may 
think necessary for the service of 
the year. Itis a great satisfaction 
to me to observe, that, notwith- 
standing the temporary embarrass- 
ments which have been experienc- 
edy the state of the commerce, 
manufactures, and revenue, of the 
country, proves the real extent and 
solidity of our resources, and fur- 
nishes you with such means as 
must be equal to any exertions 
which the present crisis may res 
quire. 
My Lords and Gentlemen, 
The distresses which were in the 
last year experienced from the 
scarcity of corn, are now, by the 
blessing of God, happily removed, 
and an abundant barvest affords 
the pleasing prospect of rejiei in 
that important article, to the la- 
bouring classes of the community, 
Our internal tranquillity has also 
continued undisturbed; the genera! 
attachment of my people to the 
British constitution has appeared 
on every occasion, and the endea~ 
yours of those who wished to in- 
troduce anarehy end confusion into 
this countrys have® been repressed’ 
by the energy one wisdom of the’ 
laws. * : 
14 To 
