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INTERESTS OF GREAT BRITAIN. 455assumed a different form. On this account then it is necessary to pausehere awhile in order to review somegeneral results, for which the previous investigations willafford materials.Our statements have shown that England was certainlyinvolved in the affairs of the continent, sometimes more andsometimes less, without ever being entirely disengaged fromthem. But if we make some allowance for the period ofthe quadruple alliance under George L, England was veryfar from having ever been, or having ever claimed to be,the dominant power in the political system of Europe. Theinternal relations of this system were not in general determined by England, but England rather determined her ownconduct by them. This was precisely the reason why thecontinental policy of England soHow seldom proceeded on solidprinciples. far, however, this should be made a matterof reproach to the British cabinet, requires a close investigation. To settle permanently the reciprocal relations of thecontinental powers was throughout beyond the capacity ofEngland. It would have been a foolish and vain presumption to attempt it. For this very reason then she could discover no durable and solid basis for her federative system,in respect to the choice of her allies.England was not, likeFrance and Prussia, and other countries, surrounded byweaker states, which she might attach to herself by meansof her preponderating influence; she was obliged to seekout allies for herself; and could not even make the tieswhich bound her to the most powerful of all, to Austria, indissoluble. England, from her position, can only haveallies which are separated from her by the sea. If they areamong the weaker states, such as Holland, Portugal, andSardinia, they are from their very nature more likely to beunder the influence of their immediate neighbours than hers;if they are among the more powerful, as Austria and Prussia,the connexion will only subsist so long as it afford somepoint of common interest.England therefore has not thepower to construct a federative system as the powers of thecontinent have.But though we cannot with justice cast any imputationon England for the change which she made in the choice ofher allies, (ifshe erred in that, she committed political