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LONDON:

Printed by T. Burton, No. 31, Little Queen-street,

for the Proprietors of Dodsley's Annual Register,

W.OTRIDGE AND SON; R. FAULDER; J.CUTHELL; OGILVY AND SON

R.LEA; J. NUNN;J.WALKER; LACKINGTON, ALLEN, AND CO. E. JEFFERY; AND VERNOR AND HOOD.

ANNUA

OR

HIS

PO

LIT

For

for the Pr

W.OTRIDGE AND

R. LEA; J. NU

E.

PREFACE.

:

T

HE most distinguished feature of the Revolution
in France, the prolific parent of changes and
innovations in other countries, already noticed in our
volume for 1792, has been verified by the events that
have taken place from that to the present period. The
revolutionary spirit of the French Republic, like a
lighted torch, moved rapidly round, scarcely leaves
room for the contemplation of its particular phases,
in the different stages of its progress, and is seen as
one circle of fire.

The constitution of 1795 contained, indeed, certain
principles, which seemed to promise some degree of
both strength and duration; and to be more favour-
able, than any of the preceding, to the interests of
humanity, by guarding not less against the wildness of
democracy than the chains of despotifm. Subsequent
changes, however, and particularly the late metamor-
phofis of the Republic into a dictatorial or military
government, (which will of course be noticed in its
proper place and time) shew how little is to be ex-
pected from any forms, where simplicity of manners,
and other requisites to the existence of a genuine
Republic, are wanting.

10

Thefe

These defects, in the constitution of 1795, appeared in the very moment of its birth; and became more and more glaring during the short period of its existence. The History of France has, for too many years, been a severe illustration of the maxim, that Nations, in order to be free and happy, must be just and moderate. To defcribe and record whatever may impress on the mind this solitary lesson, is a task attended with a mixture of pain and pleasure: pain, in contemplating the miferable effects of vice and folly; pleasure, in the reflection, that such warnings may prevent misery to the present and future ages.

In making these selections, out of that vast variety of materials which is presented to the Annalist, at a period of fuch extended intercourse among men and nations, our Readers will perceive and acknowledge, that we are guided, not by any prejudices in favour of particular subjects, but, by a regard to the general views and conduct of the human understanding, and the common sentiments of the human heart. In the present volume there is an extraordinary occafion for the exercise and gratification of both in the fall, and final dismemberment and dissolution, of the Commonwealth of Poland; a very affecting, as well as instructive, Episode in the History of Europe.

THE

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