Reflections on the Domestic Policy, Proper to Be Observed on the Conclusion of a Peace (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos, missing text or index. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. 1763. Not illustrated. Excerpt: ... HI ever reckoning on the expence either of blood of treasure, went on augmenting the charges of his government, increasing his armies, and accumulating his debts, till at length he exhausted the natural strength of his dominions, and introduced as much misery into his kingdom as if it had been ravaged by a victorious enemy. His dominions being enlarged with some new acquisitions of territory, and numerous armies being maintained in the field by him to the last, the misery of his kingdom was only looked upon as temporary; and it was generally concluded that the French in consequence of his conquests had established their power more firmly than ever. Their misery so sar as it regarded a want of subsistence among the poorer sort was indeed only temporary; and it may be allowed that no people recruit flight misfonunes more speedily than the French; but the excessive destruction of men, and waste of treasure, the great diminution of trade, and the incumbrances upon the state in consequence of the anticipation of its revenues, and the great number of placemen and annuitants, funk the whole kingdom into difficulties and distresses, which have at length so weakened and enervated them, that at this day they are net able to bear the expence of naval armaments, and cannot even support land expeditions in. such a manner as to render them formidable to one state, much less to a grand alliance. As the heavy incumbrances brought upon the Spaniards and French by the impolitic ambition of Philip II. and L ewis XIV. have been the chief causes of the present debility of tho'e kingdoms, have not we the justest reason to dread the consequences of our enormous encumbrances, especially as they are l.irger in proportion to the greatness ness of this state, than those which exhausted th...