[The Writings of Thomas Paine Volume II by Thomas Paine]@TWC D-Link bookThe Writings of Thomas Paine Volume II CHAPTER V 73/118
The poor, in all countries, are naturally both peaceable and grateful in all reforms in which their interest and happiness is included.
It is only by neglecting and rejecting them that they become tumultuous. The objects that now press on the public attention are, the French revolution, and the prospect of a general revolution in governments. Of all nations in Europe there is none so much interested in the French revolution as England.
Enemies for ages, and that at a vast expense, and without any national object, the opportunity now presents itself of amicably closing the scene, and joining their efforts to reform the rest of Europe.
By doing this they will not only prevent the further effusion of blood, and increase of taxes, but be in a condition of getting rid of a considerable part of their present burthens, as has been already stated.
Long experience however has shown, that reforms of this kind are not those which old governments wish to promote, and therefore it is to nations, and not to such governments, that these matters present themselves. In the preceding part of this work, I have spoken of an alliance between England, France, and America, for purposes that were to be afterwards mentioned.
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