f them, are ready to do their
part toward the common salvation, and want only our countenance
and encouragement to begin; if the train is laid, if the sparks of
resentment, which the aggressions of France have kindled in every
nation throughout Europe, want but our breath to blow them into a
conflagration, it is the dictate of our duty, our interest, our
feeling, to save France from destruction, and not by a coarse and hasty
proceeding, like that now recommended to us, to throw a wet blanket on
the flames." Mr. Canning proceeded to show how an alliance with Russia
and Turkey might enable us to sweep the remains of the French armament
from the Levant and the Mediterranean, and how the probable accession
of other allies might wrest from the republic both Italy and the
Netherlands, Pitt followed in the same strain, eloquently unfolding the
favourable prospects of another coalition. The picture he drew made a
favourable impression on the house; and Mr. Tierney's motion was lost.
Moreover, all sums required for Russia were voted, and three millions
more also were granted to his majesty, for making good such other
engagements as he might contract. Soon after this the Porte, Russia, and
Naples signed a treaty of union with England, the duration of which
was fixed for eight years. Their conditions were generally a mutual
guarantee of all possessions, including Egypt in the case of the Porte;
a common prosecution and termination of the war; the closing of all
harbours, and especially those in the Mediterranean, against the French;
with British subsidies to other states. Italy was to be the first field
of action for the allied powers, the design being to save the King of
Naples from French domination.

UNION WITH IRELAND CONSIDERED

{A.D. 1799}

A plan for uniting Ireland under one legislature with Great Britain,
as Scotland, had been discussed and seriously entertained before the
breaking out of the recent rebellion; but that event had made the
necessity of such a union more apparent. The union of England and
Ireland, indeed, was a favourite measure at this time with Pitt; and a
pamphlet was published, under his auspices, by the under-secretary,
Mr. Cooke, setting forth its advantages. The public mind was therefore
prepared to discuss the question; and parliament was soon called upon
to take it into consideration. On the 22nd of January a message was
received from his majesty, recommending the consideration of the most