The New York Packet

LONDON.

From the scope of the King of Prussia's memorial, as well as from the actual state of parties in Holland, it seems almost impossible that a reconciliation can take place, for if terms of mediation were to be offered and accepted, till one party must suffer, and the old grudge remains as before. If the Stadtholder yields, he is no longer Stadtholder, Captain General and Admiral in Chief of all the United Provinces, and if he is to be supported in his claims, against whom? the majority of the Magistrates and people of the whole republic! How unequal the contest, and how alarming the idea of force! A force that, if exerted and successfully, must bring about an entire and complete revolution, to the utter destruction of what the provinces are now aiming at.

In the year 1672, when Lewis XIV. was at the gates of Amsterdam, the republic was saved by the election of a Stadtholder. In the year 1747, they had recourse to the same expedient, and chose William Henry Friso, and invested him with the power and dignity of Stadtholder, which had been laid aside after the death of William III. The people were weary of the government of the republic, and they took this step to effect a most beneficial revolution.—What was their sentiment then of a Stadtholder? I doubt not," said Count Bentinck, who introduced the new Stadtholder, "but the Prince I have the honor to present to you, will tread in the steps of his glorious ancestors; will heartily concur with us in delivering from danger the republic, now invaded, and preserve us from the yoke of a treacherous and deceitful neighbour, who makes a jest of good faith, honor, and the most solemn treaties."

But sentiments like these are not now prevalent in the republic; and it is but too probable, that the present spirit will prove productive of war. In vain will the Dutch appeal to the justice of Europe to protect them, when that justice is already pre-engaged for the maintenance of the Stadtholder, and when it must appear obvious to every person, not blinded by their delusions, that their intended form of government is at best but anarchy; and, if firm, must exceed that of any other State in despotism. No form of government is so unfavourable to liberty as the republican. This every enlightened mind is sensible of, and all historians have recorded it.