Untitled - 24grammata.com

INTERESTS OF GEEAT BRITAIN.of Utrecht. Although the crowns of France and Spain remained separate, yetthe interests of both powers were intimately united. How little, however, hitherto, had the fears,which were cherished on that account, been justified by theevent ; Spain would have been unavoidably obliged to takepart with France in the war, but this had as yet only servedto enable England to support herself at the cost of Spain,and to keep her sailors in good humour by the rich prizeswhich they captured. This last was perhaps the most important advantage which she gained. By privateering andplunder, individuals enriched themselves ;but no nation hasever acquired by such means a single permanent advantage.The effects of the family compact 1then were even alreadyapparent England became unavoidably involved in a war;with Spain, and since Portugal was now threatened with anattack from the same quarter, not only were British auxiliaries sent to Spain, but also a German commander, CountWilliam of Lippe Biickeburg, one of the heroes of the sevenyears' war. Although it was not in his powerto recast thenation in a new mould, be nevertheless stamped the recollection of himself indelibly uponit. Who is there even nowin Portugal who has not heard of the great Count. Theand the connexioncountry escaped from the war uninjured ;with England had become strengthened.But one consequence of the family compact, though acthe conticidental, yet much more momentous as regardsnental policy of England, was the secession of Pitt fix>m theministry. However secret the conclusion of that treaty hadbeen kept in Spain, with the view of gaining time, in orderto secure to themselves the treasures from America, Pitt hadnevertheless been able to procure intelligence of their proceedings. His anxious wish was, as might have been expectedfrom a man of his character, to anticipate Spain, and immediately to declare war upon her, which he saw to be inevitable. But he was not believed, and was in consequenceoutvoted. Not accustomed to capitulate when convincedhe was right, he turned his back and retired. 2His prediction was fulfilled, and England soon saw her-1Signed on Aug. 10, 1761, but stillkept secret The very first two articlesof the treaty contained an offensive and defensive alliance, and a reciprocalguarantee for all possessions.2 October 5, 1761.