tion are republican in their feelings, and they will be governed only by republican institutions. They look upon the late revolution, as establishing the principle of popular sovereignty, not only in theory but in fact. They believe, that men are born and always continue, free and equal, in respect of their rights; that the end of all government is the preservation of our natural and imprescriptible rights, and that these rights are liberty, property, security and resistance of oppression. They consider the nation, the source of all sovereignty and are, therefore, in favor of abolishing the hereditary descent of the peerage, and of establishing a second Chamber conformable to a representative government. They hold, that no man ought to be molested on account of his opinions, not even of his religious opinions, provided his avowal of them does not disturb the public order, or increase the incentives to licentiousness and vice. They adhere to the truly democratic doctrine, that every citizen has a right either by himself, or his representative, to a free voice in determining the necessity of public contributions, the appropriation of them, and their amount, mode of assessment, and duration. They maintain, that the law should be an expression of the will of the community; that every citizen ought to have the privilege of concuring, either personally, or by his representative, in its formation; that it should be the same to all, whether it protects or punishes, and that all, being equal in its sight, should be equally eligible to all honors, places and employments, without any other distinction than that created by their virtue and talents. They hold, that the unrestrained communication of thoughts and opinions is one of the most precious rights of man; and that full permission ought to be granted to every citizen, freely to speak, write and publish his sentiments, provided he is responsible for the abuse of this liberty. They hold, that the law ought to impose no other penalties than such as are absolutely

and evidently necessary; and that no one ought to be punished but in virtue of a law, promulgated before the commission of the offence. They consider the "programme* of the Hotel de Ville," as embracing all these principles; and they are resolved upon carrying it into execution.

The revolution furnishes many great points for sober reflection. It bespeaks the rapid march of the intellectual man. It exhibits a great and magnanimous nation moving in a body to the accomplishment of great purposes, without riot, and without the exercise of brute force. It presents the altars of religion undefiled-the rights of property undisturbed the licentiousness of passion repressed—and reason triumphant in the exhibition of all the virtues, which do honor to humanity. The revolution of 1830, was the effort of an intelligent nation, taking advantage of the errors of the past, and looking steadily to the bright and glorious prospects of the future. Reason had established the splendid theory, that man can govern himself—and the example of the United States of America, has put it into successful practice. Profiting by the great lesson, the people of France have discovered that freedom is based upon the practice of all the virtues.

It is the existence of these great features in the French revolution of 1830, which stamps the era, as decisive of a prodigious developement of intellectual, moral and physical power. Passion and feeling are laid aside for the nobler attributes of reason and judgment. The face of man assumes a new aspect. It is lighted up with the smiles of intelligence, and beams with a fervor which bespeaks the high character of his origin. The reign of terror has ceased; the age of mental darkness has gone by forever. In their place we see moderation in counsel, and wisdom in action. This moderation and wisdom were displayed in a

* See Appendix, No. 7.

pre-eminent degree during the late revolution in France. It is the influence of these virtues, which induces us to believe, that every thing will be so conducted, as to shed additional glory over that nation of gallant and chivalrous daring, and give renewed assurances, that the principles of liberty will go on triumphing and to triumph, until all the nations of Europe are subjected to their influence.

HISTORY

OF THE

REVOLUTIONS IN EUROPE.

BELGIUM.

CHAPTER I.

Boundaries of Belgium-Superficial extent-Population—General appearance of the country-Objects of interest-Early history-Belgium becomes a part of the empire of Charlemagne-Passes to the house of Burgundy-Becomes a province of the house of Austria-Charles V.-Tyranny of his government-Philip II.—His arbitrary conduct-Revolt of the northern provinces-Holland acquires its independence-Louis XV. invades Belgium-Reduces it to subjection-Joseph II.— Attempts to change the constitution of Belgium-Bigotry of the Belgians-They revolt, and achieve their independence-Leopold succeeds in subjecting them to his authority-Belgium annexed to France-In 1814, united to Holland-Articles of Union-Difference in the character of the Hollanders and Belgians-Prince of Orange ascends the thronc-General Remarks.

THAT portion of the Netherlands, or Low Countries, now called Belgium, is bounded on the north by Holland and the German Ocean; on the east by the Prussian duchy of the Lower Rhine, and on the south and west by France. From Ostend on the German Ocean to the southeast corner of Luxembourg, is one hundred and eighty miles; and a line drawn at right angles to this, would measure about one hundred and twenty miles. It contains a superficial extent of thirteen thousand and four hundred miles; and a population of nearly four millions of souls. It is divided into nine provinces, viz. South Brabant, Hainault, Namur, Liege, Limburg, Antwerp, East Flanders, West Flanders, and Luxembourg.