Alexandria Advertiser And Commercial Intelligencer

LONDON, Feb. 27.

Yesterday afternoon we received Paris papers to the 22d inst. which announce the meeting of the legislative body on the preceding day: the first object intended for their discussion is the civil code.

As our paper was about to be put to press, we received a Moniteur one day after, viz. of the 23d inst this paper contains an official view of the present situation of the Republic, prepared for the Legislative body, to whom it is to be conveyed by three of the members.

The important and curious paper is signed by Bonaparte; its substance is as follows:

It begins by complimenting the senate on the increasing industry of the Republic, and the union amongst its Citizens.

"The execution of the Concordat, on the result of which the enemies of public order have rested their guilty hopes, have been productive of the most happy effects. The principles of an enlightened religion, the voice of the Sovereign Pontiff and the firmness of government, have triumphed over every obstacle; mutual sacrifices have united the Ministers of Religion; and the Gallican Church revives by their unanimity,"

It is stated, that in the Departments which were visited by the first consul, he every where received complete testimonies of a return to those principles which are the strength and happiness of society.

Several Departments, in which particular observations on the subject of Religion, &c. were made are specified. The Report then takes a view of the different institutions for public instruction, such as the military school, the National Institution, &c. and subjoins remarks on the several and relative degrees of the Senate and effects produced by the Senatus Consultum, which gave the people the exercise of those rights that had been admitted by the Constituted Assembly: it concludes with remarking—"That if institutions are to be judged of by their effects, none ever had a more favorable result than the Organic Senatus Consultum in question, as from that period there only remained to the enemies of the country an important hatred."

After some remarks on the cession of Elba to France, by which they have acquired a mild and industrious people two beautiful ports, and a valuable mine, it mentions the reasons why that Island should not be subject to the same laws which apply to the Continent. With respect to the Piedmont, it contains the following passage:

"The abdication of the sovereign, the wish of the people, existing circumstances had placed Piedmont in the power of France. Amidst the nations with which that kingdom was surrounded, and the different sentiments that prevailed amongst her inhabitants, she could neither support her own independence, nor the expenses of Monarchy; but united to France, she will enjoy both security and grandeur, while her laborious and enlightened Citizens will extend their talents and industry in the midst of the arts and of peace."

A view is now taken of the internal situation of France, the object of which is to praise the vigilance of the Magistrates for their attention to justice; the Military for their rigid discipline; and the Gendarmerie, for their activity in the oppression of popular disorders. With respect to the agriculture of the Republic it is stated to have attained a degree of perfection beyond that of the most boasted systems in Europe. The Veterinary art has also been encouraged by premiums, and attempts every where made to improve the quality of wool by the introduction of foreign stocks. Manufactures of every kind are in a progressive state of increase, and nothing is wanting to their success but a more extensive employment of capital, which is however, rapidly withdrawing from hazardous speculations in the stocks to the more profitable and patriotic occupation. Lastly, it is stated that upwards of 20,000 French manufacturers, who were dispersed throughout Europe, have by the protection and benevolence of the government, returned to pursue their respective vocations in the Republic. The manufactures of Lyons, and Campiegne, are particularly noticed for their rapid approximation to their former opulence.

In the repair of the public roads, it is observed, that 24,000,000 livres have been expended, and 14 of which were produced by the toll duty. Amongst the new roads just completed are the Simplon, Mont Cenis, and the Mont Genevre; those in a state of forwardness are a large road from Genoa to Marseilles, and another which is to run from St. Esprit to Gap. Many new establishments are building at Fontivy: and amongst other improvements, there will be a Grand Canal. The operation carrying on for improvement of the canal for uniting the navigation of the Seine, the Saone, the Doubs, and the Rhine, are also mentioned; and the funds for the carrying on these works are stated to be equal to their completion. In different canals and dykes to which improvements have been extended, the owners of boats and barges, instead of opposing the measures, have contributed to their success.

After taking a Survey of various measures of defence completed along the coast, the report adverts to the situation of the colonies in the West-Indies. The islands of Martinique, Tobago and St. Lucia are stated to have been surrendered in the height of prosperity: Guadaloupe is in a good state of cultivation and Guiana is rapid in rising from its obscurity,

"St. Domingo," says the report, "had submitted and the author of its troubles was in the power of France, every thing announced the return of its prosperity, when by a horrid disease, it was in short, devoted to renewed calamity'; but the plague that desolated our army has now ceased its ravages, and the forces that remain in the colony, together with those which will speedily arrive, cannot fail to restore it to peace and prosperity."

It appears that the utility of the fisheries has not been overlooked—while more important commercial expeditions are either projected or completed for the Western Colonies, the Isle of France, and the Indies. Some remarks are made on the judicious choice of officers for the chambers of commerce.
Chambers of commerce, that are established in different parts of the republic, to be making the most rapid progress in their respective tactics, while in consequence of the exposure of the frauds of contractors, together with an improved system of economy, the soldier is better fed and clothed, and the savings which he is enabled to make from his pay, attach him as strongly to his colours as to his family.

With respect to the finances, their resources are every where increasing. In the 6th year it was supposed that the contribution, &c. amounted to 50,000,000, part of which were three or four years in arrear; at present there is not a deficiency of 3,000,000. Every branch of Administration becomes more productive, and that of the Registry, from its abundance, is a proof of the rapid circulation of capital, and the increase of commerce. Several alterations in the different offices of government, are stated in the report to have been proposed, but delayed from the maxim that every change is injurious. The executive, however, expresses its intention to pay the most profound consideration to the hints it has received.

Although the excess of revenue has been very considerable, yet there have been unforeseen and extraordinary expenses: these arose out of the necessity of reconquering the two colonies, and of re-establishing the power and organization of the metropolis; but notwithstanding these extensive operations, the resources that remain are sufficient to secure the capital from a return of penury, and to defeat monopolizing combinations. The report then refers to the contents of the different accounts belonging to the different departments of finance and public treasure, and urges the necessity of giving to France the civil code which has been so long promised, and so anxiously expected.

The projects of laws have been formed under the inspection of the Government and the same principles, as formerly, continue to prevail against the legislators, by which the wisdom of the regulations they may adopt will be insured.

In giving a sketch of the repose tranquility of the continent, the Italian Republic the report asserts, is strengthened by the unanimity of its inhabitants, while the judicious proceedings of its administration, together with its military force, have already given it the character & appearance of a long established state, and if the same wisdom continues to prevail, its destiny will still be more prosperous.

'Liguria placed under a mixed constitution, beholds at its head, and in its authority those citizens who are most distinguished by their virtues, their fortune, and their intellects.'

'Batavia is gradually regaining possession of the colonies restored to her by the peace: but she ought never to forget that France can be to her only the most useful friend, or the most dangerous enemy.'

'In Germany the last stipulations of the treaty of Luneville are near their completion.'

'Prussia, Bavaria, and all the secular princes who had possessions on the left bank of the Rhine, have obtained on the opposite bank adequate indemnification.'

'The house of Austria, in the bishopricks of Saltzbourg, Aixla-Chapelle, Trent and Brixen, as well as in most parts of Bavaria, finds an equivalent for what it has lost in Tuscany.'

'Thus by the happy concurrence of France and Russia, every permanent interest is consulted: and from the midst of that storm, which appeared to be pregnant with destruction, the Germanic Empire, that empire so necessary to the equilibrium and the repose of Europe, arises with great strength, by being composed of elements more homogeneous and better combined, and adapted to the circumstances and ideas of the present age.'

'A French Ambassador is at Constantinople, who is authorized to strengthen the ties that attach us to a power which seems to waver, but whom it is our interest to support and consolidate.'

'Some British troops still remain in Alexandria and Malta: of this our government had a right to complain; but it has learned that the Ships destined to convey them to Europe are in the Mediterranean.'

The Government secures to the people the peace of the continent, and it may be permitted to hope for the continuation of a maritime peace; this peace is required and wished for by all parties; and to observe it, the Government will do whatever is compatible with national honor, and essentially connected with the strict execution of treaties. But in England two parties dispute for power: One has concluded the peace, and is decidedly inclined to maintain it; while the other has worn an implacable hatred to France; hence arises that fluctuation in opinions, and in the Senate that attitude which is at once pacific and threatening. 'As long as this contest of parties continues, there are certain prudential measures necessary on the part of the republic. Five hundred thousand men must be ready to defend and to avenge it. What a strange necessity is imposed by miserable passions upon two nations whose attachments arise from an equal interest and a general inclination.'

'But whatever may be the success of intrigue in London, the party will not succeed in forming new alliances with other powers; and our government tells them with well founded pride, that England cannot now encounter France? But let us entertain better hopes, and rather believe that in the British Cabinet, there will in future be heard only the councils of wisdom, and the voice of humanity.'

'Yes without doubt, the peace will be consolidated, and the connection between the two governments will assume that character of benevolence so congenial to their mutual interests. A happy repose will cause the long calamities of a disastrous war to be buried in oblivion, and France and England, by continuing to their reciprocal happiness will merit the approbation of the universe.'

'The First Consul,

(Signed) BONAPARTE

By order of the First Consul,

The Secretary of State,

(Signed) H. B. MARET.'