We must direct, therefore, our view, not to the welfare of a few despots, but to the happiness of the whole nation."
The whole of the proclamation breathes a spirit of conciliation and generosity exactly conformable with the above extracts; and for nobleness of sentiment, sound and liberal policy, and humane, enlightened views, was perhaps never exceeded by any state ordinance that has appeared in the world.
E.
Art. 1. The republic of France acknowledges and guarantees the independence of the republic of the United Provinces, and the abolition of the stadtholderate.
2. There shall be a lasting peace, amity, and good understanding, between the two republics.
3. There shall also be an alliance, offensive and defensive, against all the enemies of the respective republics, during the present war.
4. There shall be an alliance, offensive and defensive, against Great Britain for ever.
