H́nh ảnh trang
PDF
ePub

THE

ANNUAL REGISTER,

OR A VIEW OF THE

HISTORY,

POLITICS,

AND

LITERATURE,

For the YEAR 1773.

THE FIFTH EDITION.

LONDON:

Printed for J. DODSLEY, in Pall-Mall, 1793.

503.541-B

[ocr errors]

PREFACE.

T

The

HE year of which we treat has been more favourable to the general tranquillity than many preceding circumstances seemed to indicate. It has not, however, been destitute of interesting events. dismemberment of Poland, the necessity of which produced a ratification of that act by the King and the Republic, and the precarious state of the remaining part of that unfortunate country, present a lesson to others, which might be studied with advantage. The favourable change which has taken place in the Ottoman affairs, and the insurrections which have happened in Russia, seem rather to increase the probability of a peace, than of a long continuance of the war. The final dissolution of the Jesuits would alone diftinguish the present year; and as that measure restores security to the territorial possessions of the

court

۱

court of Rome, it may be supposed to have a confiderable effect in preserving the peace of Italy. The entire ceffion of the Dutchy of Holstein to Denmark, whether confidered with respect to its political value, or commercial consequences, is also a matter of public importance.

The great revolution which has taken place, in the state and conftitution of the Eaft-India Company, has rendered our domestic affairs particularly interesting. Indeed, the natural importance of the fubject seems to be increased, by the ability with which it was discussed, and the difference of sentiments and opinions it produced, among the most eminent perfons in the

nation.

We have endeavoured to state these and other matters in as clear a manner as our means of information would admit, and still hope for that indulgence to our imperfections, which the kindness of the public has rendered habitual to us.

THE

[merged small][merged small][ocr errors][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small]

General state of affairs. Poland. Russia. Retrospective view of the war, and its confequences confidered. Ceffion of Holstein. Revolt in the Crimea. Infurrection in the government of Oremberg. Ottoman empire. Preparations by the Grand Signior for carrying on the war. Great Germanic powers. Revival of obsolete claims. State of the empire. Abolition of the Jefuits. Commercial failures. Dearths. Earthquakes.

Thas

HOUGH the year 1773, not been productive of many great or splendid actions, it has possessed a kind of negative merit, in not being at tended with all the evil which it portended. The flames of war are still restrained to those states with whom they began; and if the probability of peace does not appear greater than at the beginning of the VOL. XVI.

year, neither does the danger of extending those calamities seem to be increased. Those great armies in Germany and the North, which seemed to threaten destruction to each other, or to the rest of mankind, have held their swords quietly in their hands, and are now so long accustomed to behold each other without emotion, that they almost forget their natural animosities; [4] while

« TrướcTiếp tục »