After being for a long while the selfish disturber of Europe, he had ended by becoming its moderator, and his powerful influence was habitually exerted on behalf of peace.

The future was veiled and charged with clouds.

M.de Vergennes, still possessing Louis XVI.'s confidence, regarded with dread the bold reforms proposed by M.de Calonne; he had yielded to the comptroller-general's representations, but he made all haste to secure for France some support in Europe; he concluded with England the treaty of commerce promised at the moment of signing the peace.

There was a lively debate upon it in the English Parliament.

Mr.
Fox, then in opposition, violently attacked the provisions of the treaty; Mr.Pitt, quite young as yet, but already established in that foremost rank among orators and statesmen which he was to occupy to his last hour, maintained the great principles of European policy.