LONDON: Printed by T. Burton, No. 31, Little Queen-frect, for the Proprietors of Dodfley's Annual Regifter, W.OTRIDGE AND SON; R. FAULDER; J. CUTHELL; OGILVY AND SON; 1800. PREFACE, HE moft difting the feature of the Revolution Tin of in France, the prolific parent changes and innovations in other countries aheady noticed in our volume for 1792, has been verified by the events that have taken place from that to the prefent period. The revolutionary fpirit of the French Republic, like a lighted torch, moved rapidly round, fcarcely leaves room for the contemplation of its particular phases, in the different stages of its progress, and is feen as one circle of fire. The conftitution of 1795 contained, indeed, certain principles, which feemed to promife fome degree of both strength and duration; and to be more favourable, than any of the preceding, to the interefts of humanity, by guarding not lefs against the wildness of democracy than the chains of defpotifm. Subfequent changes, however, and particularly the late metamorphofis of the Republic into a dictatorial or military government, (which will of course be noticed in its proper place and time) fhew how little is to be expected from any forms, where fimplicity of manners, and other requifites to the exiftence of a genuine Republic, are wanting. 10 Thefe |