TOPICS OF THE DAY.
IN the City, a failure of considerable importance was reported yesterday—a result of 'the ambiguously warlike language of the King's Speech. It is very generally admitted, that if the most decided measures be not taken to remove the impression it has pro- duced, a panic, not less formidable than that of 1825, will be the consequence. The Speech has indeed produced everywhere, but especially in the City, exceeding disappointment. Its effects on the Funds are a sufficient proof of the opinion enter- tained of it, and of the fears to which it has given rise. The strong declaration of the Duke of WELLINGTON against reform, is precisely what we stated in our last number he was prepared to make. It has not, however, succeeded with those whom it was meant to conciliate—the Tories still stand aloof. The determined silence of Sir ROBERT PEEL on the question of the reduction of taxes is as little calculated to please the Economists, as the Duke's declaration is to please the Reformers. On the subject of the Netherlands, we would fain hope that Ministers have erred more from inexpertness in speech than from evil intention. Their recent explanations seem to justify this hope.
On the subject of Belgium, we have one word to say. The Allied Sovereigns may talk as they please about " mediation ;" but the people of the Netherlands will follow their own counsel. It is now most probable that they will have a Republican form of government ; and if the slightest attempt be made by the Allied Sovereigns, or by any one of them, to prevent the Belgians from doing in this respect just what they like, the Belgians will have a hundred thousand men from France to assist in repelling it. They have received a distinct pledge to that eject. With the knowledge of that pledge, the Allies will ponder maturely before they venture on strong measures.
Previous page
