The Works of the Right Honourable Edmund Burke, Vol. 06 (of 12)Burke, Edmund
Philosophy
The Works of the Right Honourable Edmund Burke, Vol. 06 (of 12)
Burke, Edmund
Great Britain -- Politics and government -- 1760-1820; Political science -- Early works to 1800
The noble negotiator takes no notice of this portentous junction and
this audacious surrender. The effect is no less than the total
subversion of the balance of power in the West Indies, and indeed
everywhere else. This arrangement, considered in itself, but much more
as it indicates a complete union of France with Spain, is truly
alarming. Does he feel nothing of the change this makes in that part of
his description of the state of France where he supposes her not able to
face one of our detached squadrons? Does he feel nothing for the
condition of Portugal under this new coalition? Is it for this state of
things he recommends our junction in that common alliance as a remedy?
It is surely already monstrous enough. We see every standing principle
of policy, every old governing opinion of nations, completely gone, and
with it the foundation of all their establishments. Can Spain keep
herself internally where she is, with this connection? Does he dream
that Spain, unchristian, or even uncatholic, can exist as a monarchy?
This author indulges himself in speculations of the division of the
French Republic. I only say, that with much greater reason he might
speculate on the republicanism and the subdivision of Spain.
It is not peace with France which secures that feeble government; it is
that peace which, if it shall continue, decisively ruins Spain. Such a
peace is not the peace which the remnant of Christianity celebrates at
this holy season. In it there is no glory to God on high, and not the
least tincture of good-will to man. What things we have lived to see!
The King of Spain in a group of Moors, Jews, and Renegadoes; and the
clergy taxed to pay for his conversion! The Catholic King in the strict
embraces of the most Unchristian Republic! I hope we shall never see his
Apostolic Majesty, his Faithful Majesty, and the King, Defender of the
Faith, added to that unhallowed and impious fraternity.
The noble author has glimpses of the consequences of peace, as well as
I. He feels for the colonies of Great Britain, one of the principal
resources of our commerce and our naval power, if piratical France shall
be established, as he knows she must be, in the West Indies, if we sue
for peace on such terms as they may condescend to grant us. He feels
that their very colonial system for the interior is not compatible with
the existence of our colonies. I tell him, and doubt not I shall be able
to demonstrate, that, being what she is, if she possesses a rock there,
we cannot be safe. Has this author had in his view the transactions
between the Regicide Republic and the yet nominally subsisting monarchy
of Spain?
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