It may be further stated, that the discovery of America has produced some of the greatest changes ever known in the history of the world. It has led to conquests and settlements in various parts of that great continent; and England was amongst the foremost to avail herself of the advantages to be derived from it. Amongst other events 1756 and the peace of

in more recent times, the war in

1763 were productive of great and important results to this country. It gave tranquillity and security to the British colonies, and added Carada to our foreign dominions, as well as many acquisitions in the East and West Indies. The result of this war produced an increase of our ships, colonies, commerce, and revenue.

The war with America commencing in the year 1775 was followed by that with France; which events were revolutionary as to government, dominions and commerce. The war with America ended in its Independence, in the year 1783; 1783; but by subsequent events, our intercourse with the United States has produced a still greater revolution by the extension of our commerce, compared with the loss of our colonies.

France, jealous of our dominion at sea, and of our marine and commerce, aimed, with the combined fleets of its allies, to destroy our naval superiority.

But the engagements of Rodney, Howe, Duncan, St. Vincent, Nelson, and others, destroyed their naval force, and left their colonies and commerce unprotected; which tended to increase our commerce, and led to the improvements of the port of London.

The Americans, after their Independence, carried on much of their commerce with our colonies; which trade was chiefly composed of British and American manufactures, either on their own account, or as a neutral power to carry that commerce into their own ports; or else into English ports, as places of security, during the war, until they could be dispatched, with safety, to the continental ports of Europe, and then to be realized or re-shipped. The English cruisers made many captures, and brought in many ships for detention and adjudication; thus raising many intricate points in our Admiralty Courts, respecting neutral property and ships. Buonaparte, wishing as much as possible to prevent all intercourse with English ports, attempted to blockade almost all the ports of Europe against the trade of England in every shape, in order to depress it.

This produced a reaction, by the introducing of Orders in Council, neutral bottoms, and false papers, with high insurance at thirty per cent. against every risk. Many of these were taken or seized in port, and others arrived safe at their place of destination. In both cases the continent received supplies.

All these changes had a tendency to infringe on, or break down the policy of our navigation acts, and ulti

F

mately to mitigate the rigor in the observance of them, prior to the general peace of 1815.

In 1815 the ever memorable battle of Waterloo (when the Duke of Wellington with the aid of the allies completely defeated Buonaparte) created another great change in the state of things, and gave peace and tranquillity to Europe. Armies turned their faces homewards, seeking employment by agriculture, manufactures, commerce, and domestic objects, encouraging industry to create property and produce revenue. This new situation of things created yet still greater changes in our commercial relations and treaties; decreasing the system of prohibitions by a mutual exchange of a more liberal nature, either in the reduction of duties, or trading upon more liberal terms. The countries of Europe by a long peace have increased their own advantages and comforts; and as they increase in population and wealth, they will also require fresh wants; and in the means of supplying them, England will have little to fear in a great scale from rivalship, having so many natural and acquired advantages; and by improving upon herself, she may still retain her power, influence, and prosperity.

It may be further observed, that England has improved upon its own discoveries, and has encouraged voyages for the increase of knowledge and science; and has also paid great attention to the civilization of other countries by the means of Missionaries, and the circulation of the Bible to all countries through the agency of religious societies of all denominations. Further information on this head will be found in the Miscellaneous Part.

The Tree of Knowledge is so deeply rooted in the soil

of this country, as to be favourable to the pursuit of the arts and sciences in all their branches, and to the education of the mind; and the fruits of industry have given wealth, greatness, and power to England, and we may conclude by saying,

Happy, happy England! Sea-girt Isle! May she long remain, the living monument of her own fame, and may other nations follow her example!