de him shudder.
Our position at this time was not one of mere neutrality between
contending nations, it was a position preserving the balance of power
necessary for the safety of Europe. "Nearly four years of experience,"
he remarked, "have confirmed that opinion; and it is to be feared that
the next contest in Europe, if it should extend beyond the narrow limits
of Portugal and Spain, will be a war of the most tremendous nature,
because it will be a war of conflicting opinions. And although this
country may enter into it with a desire to mitigate and control its
horrors, yet she cannot help seeing under her banners all those who are
restless and dissatisfied, with or without cause, in every nation with
which she may be placed at variance. The consciousness of the fact, the
knowledge that we possess such tremendous power, forces me to feel as I
now feel. But it is one thing to have a giant's strength, and another to
use it like a giant. The consciousness that we have this power keeps us
safe: our business is not to seek opportunities of displaying it; but to
keep it, that hereafter the world may see we knew its proper use, while
we shrunk from converting the empire into an oppressor. The consequences
of letting loose those passions which are chained up, may be such as
will lead to a scene of desolation which no one can contemplate without
horror; and such as I could never lie easy on my couch, if I was
conscious of having by one hour precipitated. I would fear much and
forbear long; I would almost put up with anything that did not touch our
national faith and national honour rather than let slip the furies of
war, when we know not whom they may reach, and where the devastation
may end. Such is the love of peace which the British government
acknowledges, and such the duties of peace which the circumstances of
the world inculcate. In obedience to this conviction, and with the hope
of avoiding extremities, I will push no further the topics of this part
of the address. Let us defend Portugal whoever may be the assailants,
because it is a work of duty; and let us end where that duty ends. We go
to Portugal, not to rule, not to dictate, not to prescribe laws. We go
only to plant there the standard of England, and where that standard is
planted foreign dominion shall not come." The speech of Mr. Canning had
a most powerful effect upon the house: loud cheers resounded from all
sides as he sat down, much exhausted. Yet there were