The Political Writings of Richard Cobden

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1878 Excerpt: ... of ' the number of discontented persons ' amongst us in correspondence with "the seditious of that country, who "menaced and endangered our go"vernment and constitution. That "there was a small party entertaining "such designs he had very little "doubt; and, from their great acti"vity, he also considered them as "dangerous; but he confessed that "this very circumstance, so far from "deterring him from war, became a "kind of inducement. They might-' be troublesome in times of peace--"they might be tranquil in time of ' war; for as soon as hostilities were "commenced, the correspondence "with the French must cease, and all "the resource they had would be to December 15th, 1792. "emigrate to that country, which ' would be a good thing for this; or, "remaining where they are, to con"duct themselves like good citizens, "as that correspondence which by "law was not punishable now, would "in time of war be treason." The same motive for the war was at last avowed by him who had performed the part of Peter the Hermit, in rousing the warlike spirit of the nation. Edmund Burke, who from the year 1789, was possessed by a species of monomania upon the French revolution, took a prominent part in these discussions; indeed whatever was the subject before the House, if he rose to speak upon it, he was pretty certain to mount his favourite hobby before he resumed his seat. "Let the subject, the occasion, "the argument be what it may," said Mr. Francis, "he has but one way "of treating it. War and peace, the "repair of a turnpike, the better go"vernment of nations, the direction "of a canal, and the security of the "consti...