the emperor's flag, when he
attempted to force the navigation of the Scheldt, preliminary articles
were signed at Paris. A definitive treaty was signed in November, by
which the emperor's sovereignty over that river, from Antwerp to the
limits of Saftingen in Flanders was recognized; but from that point to
the sea, it was guaranteed to the States. The free navigation of
Antwerp was thus frustrated. The emperor also renounced his claims
to Maestricht, but the States agreed to surrender the forts Lillo and
Liefkenshoek, and to make compensation in money to his imperial majesty
for giving up Maestricht, and to his Netherland subjects for the
damages they had sustained by the defensive inundations. Several mutual
concessions were also made of villages and districts, so as to give each
party a better frontier, and it was agreed that neither of them should
possess forts or batteries within cannon shot of the limits of each
other's territories. Two days after this treaty was signed, the compact
between the French and Dutch was concluded, and it was ratified on
Christmas day. Thus this quarrel, which threatened at one time to lead
to another European war, was happily settled; but Holland was still rent
to pieces by faction.

CHAPTER XV.

{GEORGE III. 1786-1787}

Meeting of Parliament..... Bill for the Fortification of
the Dock-yards it Portsmouth and Plymouth..... Pitt's
Financial Measures..... Debates on India, etc...... A
retrospective View of Indian Affairs..... Attempt on the
King's Life..... Treaties with France and Spain.....
Affairs of the Prince of Wales.

{A.D. 1786}

MEETING OF PARLIAMENT.

Parliament re-assembled on the 24th of January. In his speech, the king
expressed great satisfaction at the prosperous condition of the country,
in the extension of trade, the improvement of revenue, and the increase
of public credit, and said that he relied on their continued zeal and
industry for the further advancement of these important interests. His
majesty also informed the houses that the disputes which had threatened
the peace of Europe, had been brought to an amicable conclusion, and
that he continued to receive friendly assurances from foreign powers;
but at the same time, he recommended particular attention to our naval
strength. He added,--"But above all let me recommend to your attention
the reduction of the national debt."

In the debate which followed upon the a