ive us of the
possibility of obtaining any allies. The tendency of Fox's speech was
severely reprehended by several members, but he nevertheless continued
his opposition. On the 27th he even moved an address, to advise his
majesty to accept the proffered mediation of the Emperor of Russia; but
this he was induced to withdraw, on a declaration from Lord Hawkesbury,
secretary for foreign affairs, that the government, though it could not
suspend the preparations for pursuing the war, would be ready to accept
the mediation of Russia, if the first counsul would accept it, and
accede to reasonable terms. In both houses censures were moved on the
conduct of the Addington administration, but they were negatived by
large majorities.

THE CAUSES FOR THE RENEWAL OF WAR WITH FRANCE.

The causes of the renewal of hostilities between France and England were
manifold. Some of the remote causes have before been noticed; and it has
been remarked in a previous page, that while the first consul required
England to fulfil every stipulation in the treaty of Amiens, he denied
our right of interference in his own political arrangements. This
naturally gave rise to disputes between the two governments; disputes
which soon became warm and acrimonious, and which finally ended in an
open rupture. The first remonstrance of the British cabinet against the
unjustifiable encroachments of the first consul related to his
conduct with reference to Switzerland. This remonstrance was vain; and
expostulation, as regards usurpations in Holland and Italy, were equally
fruitless. The British government also complained that numerous persons
were sent to reside in our maritime towns on pretence of trade, but in
reality to procure such intelligence as might be useful in the event
of war; and that while this scheme was put in practice, restrictions
on British commerce were enforced in France with extraordinary vigour.
Moreover, the British cabinet complained of insults: such as, that Great
Britain could not contend alone with France; an insult which should have
been treated only with contempt. On the other hand, Napoleon complained
of the freedom with which the British press handled his character, and
of the protection given to discontented emigrants. But the chief object
of his complaint was the retention of Malta. He remarked:--"My pretended
encroachments are mere trifles; and even if they were highly important,
you have no concern with them: but in refu