ults were, that
the King of England had not ceased, especially since the revolution of
the 10th of August, to give proofs of his dislike to the French nation,
and of his attachment to the coalition of crowned heads; that the
English government had ceased since that period to correspond with
the French ambassador at London, on pretext of the suspension of the
heretofore King of France: that since the opening of the national
convention, the said government had refused to resume the usual
correspondence between the two states, and to acknowledge the power of
the convention; that it had refused to acknowledge the ambassador of the
French republic, although provided with letters of credit in its name,
and that the said court had caused to be stopped several boats and
ships laden with grain for France, contrary to the treaty of 1786, while
exportations to other countries were free. Pitt concluded by moving an
address in answer to his majesty's message, which was seconded by Mr.
Powys, who said that under present circumstances war was preferable to
peace with France. On the contrary Fox still contended that war with
France was both impolitic and unnecessary. If any necessity existed,
he said, that necessity arose from the unwise, arrogant, and provoking
conduct of ministers. He moved an amendment, promising effectual support
to his majesty in repelling every hostile attempt upon this country,
and in such other exertions as might be necessary to induce France to
consent to such terms of peace as should be consistent with the honour
of his majesty's crown, the security of his allies, and the interests
of his people. The conduct of government was defended by Dundas, while
Burke, also, showed to demonstration that ministers had not precipitated
the nation into this war, but were brought into it by over-ruling
necessity. The amendment was negatived, and the address, as moved by
Pitt, carried without a division; as was also an address moved by Lord
Grenville in the house of lords.

In all these proceedings ministers were encouraged by the voice of the
people, for the prevailing opinion was for war. Yet, on the 18th of
February, Fox moved a string of resolutions the effect of which was that
the two houses should load themselves with reproaches for having voted
the addresses which they had just carried up to the throne. These
resolutions were, that war with France on the grounds alleged, was
neither for the honour nor the interests of