24 
entered into an elaborate and perspicuous 
discussion of the subject; demonstrated 
what the active genius of the English, 
moving on so great a scale, would produce, 
and how the present trade of the European 
nations would be injured by opening to that 
nation such a new and fertile source for 
commercial adventure. From these dis- 
cussions the people of both nations have 
acquired a more competent knowledge of 
the subject than formerly, and gave an 
obstinacy to both their demands, which 
defeated the desirable purpose of their 
meeting. In stating what occurred on this 
subject at Paris, I give (says our author) 
a certain weight to my own opinion, and 
which I have ventured to transmit for your 
consideration. 
The people of England formerly con- 
sidered the Cape as a half-way house to 
their settlements in the East-Indies, and 
appreciated its value in proportion to the 
accommodation which was given to their 
shipping ; but at present they are better 
informed, and now understand, that although 
the possession of the Cape must be of con- 
