agreed to by the ministry, and their adversaries have been permitted to bring forward their propositions upon the situation of the commonwealth. Sometimes the motion for inquiry has been opposed, while a view of the public misfortunes was given as the ground of claiming a solemn investigation. But in every case the inquiry has substantially been entered into, and has consisted always in the free and comprehensive discussion to which such motions gave rise.

Those who have attended to the tactics of parliamentary debate, and remarked how greatly the separation of different articles of charge assists the party accused in shifting off the attack from any one point, will easily admit the superior advantages of such a comprehensive view of the actual posture of affairs, as we commonly denominate "a state of the nation." It happens, however, that several years have have now elapsed, pregnant beyond all former experience in disstrous changes, without any discussion of

this wholesome and constitutional nature. In consequence, too, of certain recent occurrences, it has been found impossible to investigate at all, even in their distinct character, those measures which occupied the government during the last vacation. And thus a new ministry is formed, and a new system about to commence, before the account has been settled with the old; before the causes of our present calamities have been ascertained; before the nation has been able to determine, either the extent or the origin of its dangers. Greatly as this change of men and of measures is to be rejoiced at, we may venture to question, whether it would not have secured more solid benefit to the country, had it been delayed until the wisdom of parliament had been applied, to such a full discussion of the late calamitous interference with continental affairs; and such a comprehensive review of our present situation in every particular, as can alone furnish the ground-work of that radical change of system, in which our

only remaining chance of salvation must be sought.

It is to be feared, however, that the change of ministry has deprived us altogether of the benefits which would have resulted from a parliamentary investigation of these grave and difficult subjects: and it becomes the more necessary to attempt such a compilation of particulars, as may assist the public in examining the question out of doors.-With this view the following statement is drawn up. It is a very humble attempt at providing a substitute for the information respecting the state of their affairs, which the people would have received from the deliberations of their representatives, had the formation of the new ministry been so long delayed as to have given time for an inquiry into the state of the nation.

This disquisition may conveniently be arranged under three heads-as it relates to the state of our foreign relations, our domestic œconomy and our colonial affairs. It is of the last importance that

the country should be able to estimate the nature and extent of its resources in each of these departments; and to appreciate the system of management in all of them, which has given rise to the unparalleled dangers that at present surround us on every side. After examining under each head the causes of our calamities, and fairly stating their real extent, we shall shortly inquire if there are any changes of system by which the fate of the empire may yet be stayed.

FOREIGN RELATIONS.

In discussing this primary and important branch of the subject, it is necessary to dwell at greater length on points which have never been brought before the Houses of Parliament. Of these the most material, is the late continental policy of the British government. We shall accordingly begin with an examination of the various particu lars presented by the history of the "Third grand Coalition.” We shall then take a

view of the situation in which it has left our external relations, Our attention will be directed in the next place toward the remaining objects of foreign policy in the present crisis, more particularly the state of the neutral questions; and we shall conclude with suggesting the change of system which the previous deductions appear to prescribe.

I. THE LATE CONTINENTAL ALLIANCE, 1. The first circumstance which strikes us in contemplating the system of nego