The National Intelligencer And Washington Advertiser

LONDON, June 18.

We lament that deplorable yoke of French tyranny to which the Batavian government is obliged to yield; but we cannot, at the same time, help giving our cordial concurrence to the measure now adopted by our government. Its postponement (altho' evidently the operation of humane forbearance) may, perhaps, by some be classed among the culpabilities of the present administration. The cruel disposition of the French troops, who ride the miserable inhabitants with a bit and a curb might have pointed out the necessity of such a measure long ere now. It may however, be worthy of remark, that the hard fate of the Dutch (flattered with the better sounding appellation of Batavians) has been entailed upon themselves by their own total want of spirit and energy, which, after indefatigable perseverance, through a very long series of years, laid the foundation of their liberty and independence. Their example is a sad and melancholy lesson indeed! We find a nation, renowned in the annals of Europe for its martial achievements, sunk into contempt by the absence of all those virtues which long rendered it eminent! We find a nation that formerly rekindled the dying embers of liberty, instead of displaying the sacred torch, hugging their chains and kissing the rod! To what are we to attribute this disgraceful deviation from every glorious quality of the mind? To that mean and detestable fear; which produces shame and confusion even in the very best cause. Where is the great genius, the noble spirit, which inflamed their ancestors to the resistance of tyranny? Fled to some other region more congenial to sentiments of liberty; and the fall of liberty will also be accompanied with the fall of commerce.— May Britons never forget to cherish the sacred flame; and by a manly recollection of the immortal actions of their forefathers, teach other parts of debased Europe, that to ensure peace and happiness, they must conquer their freedom and independence.