did not like the idea
of relinquishing his power; and he transmitted letters and documents
expatiating on a variety of objections to the arrangements of the
allies, and on the dissatisfaction which they had produced throughout
Greece. These letters and documents excited the apprehensions of
the prince; and the horrors of an embarrassed administration, and of
discontented, unruly subjects, prevailed over the glittering radiance of
a crown. At the same time the illness of George IV., which was likely to
terminate fatally, opened to him new prospects. The question, therefore,
regarding the new boundaries of the kingdom, and the separation of
Candia from its territory, formed a ready pretext for his rejection
of the offer. The three allied courts endeavoured to change his
determination; but their efforts were unsuccessful; he definitely
declined the crown.

Before the revolution of July, the French government had sent a powerful
fleet and army, under the command of General Bourmont, against the dey
of Algiers. Bourmont was successful; the dey capitulated, and retired
to Naples, leaving the head of the piratical states in the hands of
the conquerors. The expedition was principally undertaken to obtain the
glory of a military exploit which had baffled the most powerful nations
of Europe, and of thus creating popularity for the despotic ministers
of Charles X. But no exploit could raise them in the estimation of
the people; monarch and statesmen alike were overthrown; and when the
expatriated dey heard of the event, he exclaimed, "Allah! Allah! God
is great, and the avenger of injustice."

In Belgium, where Prince Leopold finally obtained a crown, the progress
of military events was interrupted by foreign interference. The kingdom
of the Netherlands had been created by Great Britain, Austria, Russia,
Prussia, and France, which powers held themselves bound to look after
their work. Some of them wished to compel the Belgians to submit by
force. The Rhenish provinces of Prussia were directly opposed to the
infection of that spirit which had severed the United States; the
Germanic confederation was already attacked by formal claims on
Luxembourg; and the King of the Netherlands had appealed to the allied
powers to preserve the throne which they had created. On the other
hand, it was certain that the new government of France would favour
the independence of Belgium, and its people would desire nothing
more ardently than a pretex