Accounts from Holland give indication of great dissatisfaction on the
part of the mercantile community. It would indeed be strange if the Dutch were not dissatisfied. An excessive load of taxation, laid on to support an unsuccessful war, together with a rapidly declining commerce, the consequence of that war, are enough to exasperate the most patient and long-suffering people. It is said that the merchants residing in towns upon the Rhine, who were formerly among the best customers of Holland, have lately obtained their supplies of Colonial produce and manufactures from Fiance ; the improvement in the communication with that country by means of steam-boats on the rivers having afforded great facilities to that trade. Dire necessity will thus compel that obstinate old man the King of Holland, soon to agree to a settle- flint of differences with his revolted. subjects.
Previous page
