Independent Journal, Or, The General Advertiser

The eyes of all the statesmen in Europe are said to be fixed on the decisions of the English Parliament relative to the French Treaty. Most likely this is the case; and it is probable that the good people in America also take a concern in the issue of the business. It is, therefore, the duty of every Member of Parliament to act independently and sincerely. The leaders of both the grand parties in this country (and their opinions are most frequently the opinions of their adherents) admit, that so far as the emoluments of trade go, the Treaty is eligible. On the subject however, of the policy of the measure, no such concurrence of sentiment is discernible. For while Ministry and their friends in Parliament, who no doubt compose the majority, hold, that to sanction the Treaty will be of all conceivable policies the wisest; the Opposition contend, that the wisdom which Ministers see in the measure, appears to them in a very questionable shape; and, that they must be much better ascertained of several important points before they can grant their approbation. This being the true state of the matter one cannot guess with much certainty what may be the degree of popularity that may be attached to the measure when it comes to be passed into a law. But there are reasons for believing that it cannot be unpopular, and they are these: The great body of the people always feel themselves gratified with any act by which their individual interests are promoted; and if, as they are likely to do in the present instance, they perceive, that the very measure by which they are to be benefited, has met with the approbation of by far the greater number of those who make laws for the nation, they cannot fail of being much delighted with it.

The elegance of the style in which sentiments have been clothed, has frequently rescued them from reproach. Why should not the same deference be paid to fine language in these days - There is no reason why it should not; and, of course, those wits are highly blameable who have, within these two last days, endeavoured to represent as a bull, one of the best turned periods that has been uttered in Parliament for many years. It was spoken in Monday's debate, and was somewhat as follows: It is remarkable though the Right Hon. Gentleman (Mr. Grenville) does not choose to condescend to listen to my arguments, yet, he always deigns to answer them.

The point in contest in the House of Commons seems to be, whether or no the French Treaty shall be carried into effect, independently of any future proceedings of the Court of Portugal. Mr. Fox is of opinion, that the suspense in which the British manufacturers now are, ought to be broken through as soon as possible; and yet, he recommends to postpone any final step regarding the French Treaty, till full information can be had from Portugal. Mr. Pitt, on the other hand, contends, that the Legislature ought at all events to proceed with the French Treaty-not merely because the termination of it will be the most effectual means of composing the minds of the people, but because there is no circumstance connected with our alliance with Portugal which can render it rash or unwise to close as soon as possible with the French. He rests his arguments on the great advantages which will accrue to these islands from their intercourse with France, whatever be the disposition of the Court of Portugal; and, on the impropriety of imagining that the Treaty with France can be any barrier to our being formed with Portugal, since a distinct clause of the French Treaty, makes an unlimited reserve in favour of Portugal. These reasons, it must be acknowledged, seem very fair. However, the contested point may in the end come to be decided, as most points in Parliament are, the omnipotency of a vote.

In the three articles of wool, metals, and coals, the British have a prodigious superiority over the French; and that they here will soon become evident on the commencement of the competition which our manufacturers and traders now look for. The French, have at all times experienced such difficulties in obtaining materials to constitute the fabrick of their cloths, that they have thought it worth while to run all the hazards of smuggling from England. Their iron works of every description are infinitely less complete and useful than ours. And as to coals, they have none in their own dominions. Our traders have remarked these circumstances.