harm, but could do no good. 
thought no case had been imadé out, 
HISTORY OF EUROPE. 
France, and not only on those points, 
but that it would also be the fittest 
' protector and guarantee of the rights 
of all independent nations, and the 
general interests of Europe. Be- 
sides, the power of the emperor 
of Russia, his character, and his 
Jove of justice, together with his 
pacific disposition, rendered him a 
fit person for the office of mediator. 
He considered that, at all events, a 
connexion with Russia, was the 
most desirable, which, under the 
present circumstances of the world, 
was open to this country. The em- 
peror of Russia had given a striking 
proot of his moderation, in reject- 
ing a proposition of France, which 
went to the dismemberment of 
the Turkish empire. Mr. Fox 
then dwelt, at considerable length, 
and with much animation, on the 
great advantages that might be de- 
_ rived from a connexion with Russia, 
without whose assistance, 
although 
this country possessed suflicient 
means of self-defence, yet it want- 
ed means, which could be brought 
to bear upon those great conti- 
nental interests, which are of such 
jnfinite importance in settling our 
disputes with France; he should 
Not propose the interference of Rus- 
sia, if he had supposed that power 
at all partial to France, but be- 
lieving her sentiments to be quite 
the other way, he thought nothing 
more desirable. He concluded, 
-by moving an address to his majesty, 
to the import stated in his speech. 
Lord Hawkesbury, thought no fair 
‘parliamentary grounds had been 
laid for the motion, and that it 
was one which might do much 
He 
which would warrant the interfer- 
157 
ence of parliament, in the exercise 
of the kingly prerogative. He de+ 
clared, most expressly, that since 
the signing of the peace of Amiens, 
no efforts had been wanting, to en- 
deayour to establish such a concord 
among the continental powers, as 
might best secure their peace and 
independence ; this was done, with- 
out any design of going to war, for 
the purpose of setting the continent 
to rights, but merely for defensive 
operations, and to preserve the 
peace of the continent. He consi- ; 
dered, that the proposal of making 
use of the Russian ambassador, as 
anintermediary in the discussions 
with France,-could not be produc 
tive of any advantage, whilé France 
positively refused to accede to the 
only terms which-his majesty could 
listen to, He wished that the ne- 
gociation might again be renewed, 
and peace restored, if it could 
be done with honour; but, in the 
mean time, he could not conseat 
to cripple our exertions, and para 
lyze our strength. He objected to 
the motion, not so much upon the 
principle of it, as because it appear- 
ed to him unnecessary, and that i@ 
conveyed an unfounded distrust of 
the sincerity of ministers, in their 
desire of peace. 
Mr. Fox, in explanation, denied 
that this was his intention. 
Mr. Pitt, concurred in all the 
general principles, upon which the 
motion was grounded. Lie had 
heard that speech, with infinite 
satisfaction, as the sentiments of 
it were those which, in the best 
times of this country, enabled it to 
contribute to the general liberty 
and independence of Europe; to 
support the rights, and redress the 
wrongs of the lesser powers, and 
successfully 
