t6 GENERAL VIEW OF 



are conftru&ed with a fpirit, tafte, and folidity, far 

 furpafilng the diminutive, imperfect undertakings 

 in England; becaufe, in the former country, they 

 are the works of government, conducted on the 

 moft extenfive plans, with a view to magnificence 

 as well as general utility. Whereas, in England, 

 thofe works which are of the greateft national im- 

 portance, as highways, canals, and harbours, are 

 entrufted folely to the abilities of a few traders, 

 or country gentlemen, whofe only views being pro- 

 fit, or local conveniency, they are executed upon 

 contracted defigns, frequently with borrowed mo- 

 ney, and confequently fubject to fuch heavy burdens 

 as to defeat, in fome refpects, the ends for which 

 they were undertaken. 



Equally liberal, magnanimous, and politic, is the 

 French government, in adopting its regulations in 

 finance, to the particular fituations, cafes, and abi- 

 lities of the refpetive provinces which cornpcfe the 

 kingdom. The duty upon fait, for inftance, is levied 

 jn fome diftricts extremely high ; in others, confi- 

 derably lower -, while the poorer countries are 

 totally exempted. Even the frontier provinces, 

 v/hich that kingdom hath been gradually abforb- 

 ing by conquefc or treaty, are indulged with privi- 

 leges and exemptions, which the native French do 

 not enjoy. This condefcenfion cannot fail of gain- 

 ing the ^affections and confidence of thofe remote 

 fV.bjects, and of facilitating new acquisitions. 



Such is the nation which Britain hath as its rival 

 jn arts, commerce, and arms, Superior in climate, 

 fertility, and dominion ; in population, revenue, 

 jpecie, munificence, and civil polity -, availing it- 

 felf of the errors of this country, and riling upon 

 its fall. 



Upon the whole, we have been too fecure in our 

 eflimation of that kingdom, and the wifclom of its. 

 councils. Inftead of a rival^ there is reafon to 



dread 



