Richmond Enquirer

In those revolutions by which "Kingdoms rise and fall, flourish and decay," it is often curious to observe what different aspects Nations and Governments assume at different periods: how some of the most polished nations, by the vices of their rulers, retrograde in all that can render them great and glorious; and how others, apparently sunk in the lowest degree of abasement and degradation, advance with rapid strides to political freedom.—Europe presents a singular instance of this at the present moment.

France, which twenty years ago seemed destined to regenerate the world, is now engaged in a heartless struggle between growing despotism and public feeling, rendered almost torpid. Every year is marked by some retrocession towards the ancient regime, and the abuses by which it was overturned. The prospect of France possessing an Elective Legislative Assembly and Independent Court of Judicature, and a Press with some degree of freedom, which the French Charter guaranteed, is now very distant. The Legislature is little more than a nullity, merely adopting laws presented by the King, or the Minister; the Press, already chained and fettered, seems doomed to a total annihilation, and the Trial by Jury, one of the greatest barriers against tyranny that political wisdom can raise, is to be superseded by an arbitrary Court, appointed and paid by the King.

While France is thus exhibiting such a melancholy picture of political abasement Portugal, which so recently was a thorough despotism, completely at the will of the King and under the rod of the Priesthood, is making a steady progress towards political freedom. We yesterday stated the important fact that the Cortes had decided unanimously to have trial by Jury in all criminal cases; and, by a large majority, they also determined that civil cases should possess the benefit of such an Institution. What a contrast do the Cortes of Lisbon and the Chamber of Deputies present to each other in this respect. This, however, is only one of the liberal acts of the Portuguese Government.