The Writings of Thomas Jefferson, Vol. 3 (of 9): Being His Autobiography, Correspondence, Reports, Messages, Addresses, and Other Writings, Official and PrivateJefferson, Thomas
History
The Writings of Thomas Jefferson, Vol. 3 (of 9): Being His Autobiography, Correspondence, Reports, Messages, Addresses, and Other Writings, Official and Private
Jefferson, Thomas
United States -- Politics and government -- 1775-1783; United States -- Politics and government -- 1783-1865
An engagement has taken place between the Russian and Swedish fleets in
the Baltic, which has been not at all decisive, no ship having been lost
on either side. The Swedes claim a victory, because they remained in the
field till the Russians quitted it. The latter effected a junction soon
after with another part of their fleet, and being now about ten ships
strongest, the Swedes retired into port, and it is imagined they will
not appear again under so great disparity; so that the campaign by sea
is supposed to be finished. Their commerce will be at the mercy of their
enemies; but they have put it out of the power of the Russians to send
any fleet to the Mediterranean this year.
A revolution has been effected very suddenly in the bishopric of Liege.
Their constitution had been changed by force, by the reigning sovereign,
about one hundred years ago. This subject had been lately revived
and discussed in print. The people were at length excited to assemble
tumultuously. They sent for their Prince, who was at his country seat, and
required him to come to the town house to hear their grievances. Though
in the night, he came instantly and was obliged to sign a restitution of
their ancient constitution, which took place on the spot, and all became
quiet without a drop of blood spilt. This fact is worthy notice, only as
it shows the progress of the spirit of revolution.
No act of violence has taken place in Paris since my last, except on
account of the difference between the French and Swiss guards, which gave
rise to occasional single combats, in which five or six were killed.
The difference is made up. Some misunderstandings had arisen between
the committees of the different districts of Paris, as to the form of
the future municipal government. These gave uneasiness for awhile, but
have been also reconciled. Still there is such a leaven of fermentation
remaining in the body of the people, that acts of violence are always
possible, and are quite unpunishable; there being, as yet, no judicature
which can venture to act in any case, however small or great. The country
is becoming more calm. The embarrassments of the government, for want of
money, are extreme. The loan of thirty millions proposed by Mr. Neckar,
has not succeeded at all. No taxes are paid. A total stoppage of all
payment to the creditors of the State is possible every moment. These
form a great mass in the city as well as country, and among the lower
class of people too, who have been used to carry their little savings of
their service into the public funds upon life rents of five, ten, twenty
guineas a year, and many of whom have no other dependence for daily
subsistence. A prodigious number of servants are now also thrown out of
employ by domestic reforms, rendered necessary by the late events. Add
to this, the want of bread, which is extreme. For several days past, a
considerable proportion of the people have been without bread altogether;
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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