1786. CHAP. ber of her naval arsenals and harbours on the ocean. XXXVI. The port of Cherburg, on the coast of Normandy, from its vicinity to England, and lying directly opposite to Commer- Hampshire, seemed directly calculated for this purpose. political Here the French were constructing a capacious basin, pursuits of with docks and other requisites necessary to a great naval cial and Fac arsenal; the works were stupendous. It was proposed to cover the road, being about a league and a half in length, with a series of moles, leaving only two sufficient openings, one for the passage of ships of the largest size, and the other for trading vessels. Forts, with batteries of the heaviest cannon, were to be erected on the different moles, in such situations as to be impregnable, and to render the approach of an enemy utterly impracticable. M. Calonne, the prime minister of France, in order to open the way for the introduction of foreign industry, procured the publication of a law, which might be considered as a counterpart of the noted edict of Nantz. This was a decree, which invited strangers of all christian nations and religious persuasions to settle in the country, and enabled them to purchase lands and enjoy all the rights of citizens. To encourage artists and manufacturers of all countries to settle in France, another ordinance was published, allowing them the same privileges which they enjoyed in their native lands, and for a limited time granting them an immunity from all duties on the importation of the raw materials that were used in their manufactures; also exempting them and their workmen from the payment of taxes, and every personal impost. On these conditions they were obliged to continue for a specified number of years in the kingdom, but, at the expiration of that term, they were at liberty to depart themselves, and to move their property wherever they chose. The king and his ministry were no less disposed to favour the b b The judicious author of the history of Europe, in the Annual Register of 1786, observes, that it afforded a singular object of moral and political consideration, to behold fourteen vessels from North America arrive together in the harbour of Dunkirk, freighted with the families, goods, and property of a colony of quakers and baptists (the most rigid, perhaps, in their religious principles of any among the reformed), who were to come to settle at that place, in a Roman catholic country, and under the government of the French monarch; two circumstances the most directly opposite to their ancient sentiments, whether political or religious. native protestants, as far as was consistent with the well being and security of the national church: indulgences were likewise extended this year to the peasants, who long had been grievously oppressed; they were relieved from various arbitrary exactions, both of labour and money, and their condition was in general meliorated. The great objects which the mild and benevolent Lewis pursued were, the improvement of the strength and productiveness of his kingdom, the alleviation of oppressions interwoven with the government, as it had descended to him from his ancestors, and the extension of the blessings of liberty to his people. " "Tis CHAP. XXXVI. 1786. attempt tially prevented. THE most remarkable domestic occurrence of the Alarming year was an attempt, originating in phrenzy, that fortu- against our nately answered no other purpose than to demonstrate the sovereign, warm affection with which a happy, feeling, and grateful people regarded their sovereign. On Wednesday the 2d of August, his majesty came to town to the levee; as he was alighting from his carriage at the garden gate of St. James's palace, opposite to the duke of Marlborough's wall, a woman, decently dressed, presented to the king a paper folded up in the form of a petition; his majesty stooping to receive it, felt at his stomach a thrust, which passed between his coat and waistcoat; drawing back, providenhe said, "What does the woman mean?" At that instant a yeoman of the guards laying hold of her arm, observed something fall from her hand, and called out, a knife!" The king said, "I am not hurt; take care "of the woman do not hurt her." Much affected by the Magnaniattempt, his majesty said, in a voice expressive of tender manity of feelings, I am sure I have not deserved such treatment the king. "from any of my subjects!" On opening the paper, when he entered the royal apartments, he found written: "To "the king's most excellent majesty;" the usual head to petitions; but nothing more. The woman was immediately taken into custody, and carried to the guard chamber. Being questioned how she could make such a wicked and daring attempt; her answer was, "when she was brought before proper persons, she would give her reasons." From the hour of twelve to five she remained in a chamber to which she was conducted, "That mous hu 92 CHAP. XXXVI 1786. but would not answer one word to any person. In the evening, after the levee was broken up, she was examined by the ministers, the law officers of the crown, and several magistrates. Her replies, claiming the crown as her property, and threatening the nation with bloodshed for many ages if her right was denied, indicated an insantempter ity, which, from appearances, examination, and subsebe a luna- quent inquiry, was soon discovered to be real: her name Margaret proved to be Margaret Nicholson. It was imagined by Nicholson. many, that disappointment of her own, or some some near The at 'proves to tic named connexion, concerning a place under government, had contributed to her insanity, and given her disordered fancy such a direction; but when her history was traced, it was found to have no relation to either the court or government. After a short consultation, it was resolved that she should be sent to Bethlehem hospital, where she has been confined ever since. MOST providential it was, that this wretched creature made use of her left hand, her other presenting the petition; and that its position was such, that she could only aim obliquely. Had her right hand been employed, which, where she stood, could have struck directly, dismal might the consequence have been. Even with the aim which she took, the happiness of the nation, in the safety hearing of of its revered monarch, was highly indebted to our king's presence of mind. Had his majesty been thrown into General consternation on the at tempt. Anxious affection of all ranks for their confusion by a danger so unexpected, the fatal deed might have been perpetrated, before the attempt was perceived. Next to his magnanimity, the considerate humanity of the sovereign shone most evidently conspicuous. His benevolent injunction to abstain from hurting a person who had compassed against him so atrocious an act, most probably Sovereign. saved the assassin from the summary and immediate vengeance of his surrounding subjects. Similar conduct, in similar circumstances, this history has still to record, concerning the same exalted character. Fortunately for their feelings, neither her majesty nor any of the royal offspring were present. The intelligence of the danger was accompanied by the certain information that it was escaped. The report of the aim excited horror and indignant resentment through the nation, until the state of the per CHAP. XXXVI. 1786. petrator's mind was made generally known, and the dread- of the be CHAP. XXXVII. Mr. Pitt's enlarged views on the relation between this country and France. Perceives that peace and amicable intercourse is the interest of both countries. Thinks past enmity not an unsurmountable bar to permanent reconciliation -Projects a commercial intercourse, to be mutually beneficial by a reciprocal exchange of surplus for supply-Seeks the best assistance, and employs the most skilful agents.—Principle and details of the treaty.-Meeting of parliament and the king's speech.-Treaty submitted to parliament.Mr. Fox and his coadjutors oppose the treaty.-Arguments. -France the unalterable enemy of Great Britain.—Mutual interest can never eradicate that sentiment.-Every commercial connexion with France has been injurious to Britain. For the treaty denied that there is any unalterable enmity between France and this country.—Not always enemies.--The repeated discomfiture of France, warring against the navy of England, at length taught her the policy of peace. The treaty supported by a great majority. Convention with Spain.-Consolidation of the customs.-Application of the dissenters for the repeal of the test act.-Number and respectability of the dissenters as a body.-Distinguished talents of some of their leaders. Dissenters favourable to Mr. Pitt, and thence expect his support of their application. Previous steps to prepossess the public in their favour-Mr. Beaufoy demonstrates their zeal for liberty and the present establishment.-Lord North, a moderate tory, opposes their application, as inimical to the church.—Mr. Pitt opposes it on the grounds of political expediency.— The test no infringement of toleration, merely a condition of admissibility to certain offices of trust.-Eminent dissenters had avowed themselves desirous of subverting the church—therefore not expedient to extend their power. Application rejected.--Bill for the relief |