ENGLAND 
IN THE 
NINETEENTH CENTURY 
CHAPTER I. 
THE PEACE OF AMIENS., 
WHEN the nineteenth century opened, on New Year's Day 
1801, England was_still_engaged.in the weary war with revolu- 
ES The struggle had already Rt Thestugele 
years, and seemed as far from an end a5 with France, 
ever. It made little difference to its character 
that the government with which the contest had to be fought 
dut was no longer the corrupt Directory of Barras. The 
Military despotism of the new First Consul, Napoleon Bona- 
parte, was quite as hostile to England, and infinitely more 
formidable. "Till.he had tried_his_strength against _her and 
learnt the limitations of his power, Bonaparte was not likely 
LO come to terms. 
Moreover, we had just ascertained that, we_should have_to 
fight him single-handed. "The last of Out powerful 7ojation of 
Continental allies was now about to withdraw from ruf 
His struggle, Austria had already opened lu, AA 
Nations for peace with {Lo Tirst Consul ; since. 
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